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Original poster

Terrible shoulder pain- calcific tendonitis

32 replies

DontLetTheMugglesGetYouDown90 · 27/01/2026 15:50

Shameless post for traffic as I'm desperate. Have been having shoulder pain recently, dull ache which is worse at night. Went to physio last week which helped somewhat but pain got worse again on Sunday whilst I was at work (healthcare). Done some exercises from the physio yesterday which seemed to cause a terrible flare. Was in tears last night, pain was on par with labour, throbbing continously. Couldn't sleep. Rang (my fabulous) gp this morning who sent me for an x ray where a large calcium deposit was found. I'm hoping to get an ultrasound tomorrow (privately) but can anyone give advice on how to manage the pain or share similar stories of woe? I'm concerned about taking more time off work as I'm in the private sector and don't get paid if I don't go in. Photos attached of the bugger causing all this!

Terrible shoulder pain- calcific tendonitis
OP posts:
Original poster
DontLetTheMugglesGetYouDown90 · 27/01/2026 16:34

Thank you everyone for the sympathy and advice. Can I ask if anyone had a deposit as large as mine? I've been googling x rays and the others look tiny compared to my monstrosity which is further causing me to spiral!

OP posts:
StandFirm · 27/01/2026 16:03

DontLetTheMugglesGetYouDown90 · 27/01/2026 15:50

Shameless post for traffic as I'm desperate. Have been having shoulder pain recently, dull ache which is worse at night. Went to physio last week which helped somewhat but pain got worse again on Sunday whilst I was at work (healthcare). Done some exercises from the physio yesterday which seemed to cause a terrible flare. Was in tears last night, pain was on par with labour, throbbing continously. Couldn't sleep. Rang (my fabulous) gp this morning who sent me for an x ray where a large calcium deposit was found. I'm hoping to get an ultrasound tomorrow (privately) but can anyone give advice on how to manage the pain or share similar stories of woe? I'm concerned about taking more time off work as I'm in the private sector and don't get paid if I don't go in. Photos attached of the bugger causing all this!

I really sympathise. I had this (and a frozen shoulder) and hydrodilation with a high dose of steroids in the injection sorted it out. Two weeks after the treatment and some physio and I could move almost as normal - the pain was gone too. I'm not a specialist though. I recommend you get referred to a shoulder specialist for this.

Definitelymaybe2025 · 27/01/2026 16:02

I've had this and after many physio sessions, ended up having an mri which identified the calcium deposits. No amount of physio is going to get rid of that! Eventually I had a guided injection done privately. I thought it was going to be some sort of magic solution that would dissolve the calcium deposit but no - it was saline in a needle that they used to physically break down the deposit. I felt quite bruised after the procedure but it did the trick.

ChoccieCornflake · 27/01/2026 15:58

I've had that - it's hideous!

Caveat for the following - I am NOT a doctor. This is just what worked for me. You will need to see a doctor for decent pain meds

Don't move the joint at all if you can help it. Movement inflames it. Certainly don't lift the arm above the vertical
Topical voltarol (or better still something like naproxen - need a prescription)
Oral painkillers such as paracetamol, or something stronger (see GP)
Time. It gets better I promise.

Sminty2 · 27/01/2026 15:57

Forgot to say, a steroid shot into the shoulder helped a lot with the pain.

Sminty2 · 27/01/2026 15:56

I have had this in both shoulders as a result of my auto immune disorder.

I had a procedure called a Barbotage on the nhs, takes about an hour, rinses out the deposits under ultrasound and cleared it up in both cases.

Ops were 8 years apart. It’s done with just local anesthetic and only aches for a few hours afterwards. I would recommend it.

Bucdynovehbkfdg · 27/01/2026 15:52

No advice! But I sympathise, it’s shit! I had a trapped nerve in my neck that’s radiated down my shoulder nd arm, like I was being stabbed! And it was 2 days after labour and honestly I would say the pain is worse!

I hope you feel better soon!

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