Reasons why focused shockwave therapy is the treatment of choice for calcific shoulder tendinopathy

Focused shockwave therapy is often considered the treatment of choice for calcific shoulder tendinopathy due to its impressive clinical efficacy, safety profile, and non-invasive nature. Here are the key reasons:

High Success Rates and Functional Outcomes

• Focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) produces statistically and clinically significant reductions in pain and improvements in shoulder function compared to placebo, conservative care, or even other procedural options.

• Meta-analyses and systematic reviews demonstrate success rates nearing 90% in pain relief and functional restoration, making it a reliable first-line intervention.

Effective Calcium Deposit Resorption

• FSWT directly targets calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendons, facilitating their fragmentation and accelerating their reabsorption by the body.

• Studies confirm a dose-response relationship, where higher energy doses of focused shockwave correlate with greater improvement in pain, function, and deposit clearance.

Non-Invasive and Safe

• Unlike surgical approaches, FSWT does not require anaesthesia, incisions, or extended recovery, minimising risks and complications for the patient.

• Complications and adverse effects are rare, with the vast majority of patients tolerating treatment well, especially when compared to corticosteroid injections or more invasive procedures.

Promotes Natural Healing and Tissue Regeneration

• The acoustic energy delivered by focused shockwave therapy stimulates local blood flow, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and the release of growth factors in the treated area, promoting natural tendon healing.

• It also activates the body’s self-repair mechanisms, improving both the biomechanical properties of the tendon and reducing sensitivity of inflamed nerve endings, leading to durable symptom relief.

Shorter Recovery and Outpatient Protocol

• Most patients require only a few outpatient sessions, meaning minimal disruption to daily activities and rapid return to normal function.

• Unlike surgery, there is no need for postoperative rehabilitation or restriction of activity beyond the brief course of treatments.

Comparative Superiority

• Comparative studies show focused shockwave therapy is at least as effective as surgery in chronic, recalcitrant cases of calcific tendinopathy, but with far less morbidity and faster patient recovery.

• When combined with other minimally invasive measures (e.g., ultrasound-guided needling), outcomes can be even further optimised.

These advantages make focused shockwave therapy the preferred treatment for most patients with calcific shoulder tendinopathy, particularly when conservative modalities have been unsuccessful and before considering surgical solutions.