Calcific Tendonitis & Barbotage

Calcific Tendonitis & Barbotage Treatment

Effective Relief from Shoulder Pain with Advanced Ultrasound-Guided Therapy

What Is Calcific Tendonitis?

Calcific tendonitis is a condition where calcium deposits form within the tendons of the rotator cuff, most commonly in the shoulder. These deposits can cause intense pain, inflammation, and limited movement, particularly during flare-ups.

It often affects people aged 30 to 60 and can develop without a clear cause, although repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, and age-related changes may contribute.

Common Symptoms

Sudden or gradually worsening pain in the front or top of the shoulder
Sharp pain when lifting the arm or lying on the affected side
Stiffness and reduced range of motion
Night pain, often disturbing sleep
Tenderness over the rotator cuff tendons

During the “resorptive phase,” when the body tries to break down the calcium deposit, pain can become very severe and swelling or inflammation may be present.

How Is Calcific Tendonitis Diagnosed?

At our clinic, we use diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound to:
Detect and measure the calcium deposits
Assess inflammation or associated bursitis
Evaluate tendon health in real-time during movement
This quick, non-invasive scan gives a clear and immediate diagnosis.

What Is Barbotage?

Barbotage (also called ultrasound-guided needling or lavage) is a minimally invasive procedure used to break down and remove calcium deposits from the tendon. It is considered the gold standard for treating calcific tendonitis when conservative treatments fail.

How Barbotage Works

Performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, the procedure involves:

The entire procedure is usually completed within 30–45 minutes and does not require general anaesthesia or hospital admission.

Benefits of Barbotage

Immediate pain relief in many cases
Minimally invasive
Performed in-clinic under local anaesthetic
Reduces the need for surgery
Accelerates return to normal activities
Ultrasound-guided for maximum accuracy and safety

What to Expect After the Procedure

Why Choose Us for Barbotage?

Performed by an experienced Consultant Physiotherapist
Over 20 years of clinical expertise in NHS and private settings
Same-day assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
High-quality ultrasound imaging and guided injection techniques
Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

Start Your Recovery Today

If you’re suffering from shoulder pain due to calcific tendonitis, Barbotage offers a fast, effective, and non-surgical solution.

Book your consultation today to get an expert assessment and access to cutting-edge treatment—right in our clinic.

What Is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, medically known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and loss of movement in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually and can last for months or even years if left untreated.

This condition occurs when the capsule surrounding the shoulder joint becomes inflamed and thickened, forming adhesions that restrict movement.

Who Gets Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder most commonly affects people aged 40 to 60, and is more common in women. Risk factors include:

Symptoms of Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder progresses in three main phases:

Freezing Phase (6 weeks to 6 months)
- Gradual onset of shoulder pain
- Increasing stiffness
- Pain worsens at night and with movement
Frozen Phase (4 to 12 months)
- Pain may reduce, but stiffness remains severe
- Daily activities like dressing, reaching, or driving become difficult
Thawing Phase (6 months to 2 years) - Range of motion slowly begins to improve
- Full recovery may take time, and some stiffness may persist

Diagnosis

At our clinic, frozen shoulder is diagnosed through:

Treatment Options

Early and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce recovery time and improve your quality of life. We offer a range of non-surgical treatments including:

Corticosteroid Injections

Steroid injections reduce inflammation inside the shoulder joint capsule, helping to:

Benefits:

Hydrodistension (Hydrodilatation)

Also known as capsular distension, this is an advanced treatment option for moderate to severe frozen shoulder.

What is it?
Hydrodistension involves injecting a sterile fluid mixture (saline, corticosteroid, and local anaesthetic) into the shoulder joint capsule to:

Procedure Details:

Physiotherapy: The Key to Full Recovery

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment and long-term recovery of frozen shoulder. Whether you’ve had an injection, hydrodistension, or are managing the condition conservatively, physiotherapy helps to:

Calcific Tendonitis & Barbotage