The therapy of choice for “breaking up calcifications” is shock wave therapy. The device is similar to a smaller, very-low powered jackhammer. The head of the shockwave device creates areas of high pressure, followed by areas of low pressure. This then results in the dissolving and re-formation of gas bubbles that were already in the tissue called cavitation. This alternating gas bubble formation/reabsorption results in a “micro-massage” of the cell walls of the tissues. This effect in return, allows for physical breakdown of calcification in tendons as well as creating environment for healing.
Indication for shockwave therapy includes, plantar fasciitis which will lead to heel spurs, achilles tendonitis, shin splints or medial tibial stress syndrome, patellar tendonitis, proximal hamstring tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, supraspinatus or rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow and breaking up of calcifications in tendons of the shoulder.