Calcific Tendonitis Treatment with Needling: Benefits & Side Effects

Calcific tendonitis is tendon inflammation caused by calcium deposits. Needling breaks up the calcium deposits with a hypodermic needle with minimal side effects to patients.

Background

• In needling, the doctor gives you a local anesthesia, and then inserts one or two needles into a calcium deposit using the guidance of an ultra-sound machine. The needle breaks up the calcium deposits, which get flushed out using a sterile saline solution.

Side Effects

• The possible side effects of needling include soreness, bruising or bleeding. Any procedure that punctures the body carries a risk of infection.

Post Procedure

• According to The Cape Shoulder Institute, patients have no restrictions after needling and may drive, go to work and resume normal activities immediately.

Usages

• Needling becomes an option when more conservative treatments for calcific tendonitis do not work in an effort to avoid surgery.

Success Rate

• According to The Cape Shoulder Institute, needling has proved successful in more than 70% of patients.