A Chiropractic Approach to Shoulder Tendinitis

Ultrasound Instead of Drugs

If the tendon connecting the shoulder muscles to the bone becomes
inflamed or irritated, you're probably suffering from tendinitis.
Calcium deposited into the tendon may increase the pain and
restrict shoulder movement and flexibility.

The potential side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are
well-documented, making this study on a nondrug alternative --
ultrasound -- that much more interesting. Fifty-four patients (61
total shoulders) received either ultrasound therapy or a "sham"
treatment (in which the ultrasound machine was not turned on) for
six weeks.

After the treatment period, calcium deposits had disappeared in
six shoulders and decreased by at least 50% in nine shoulders. The
sham group showed no resolution of calcium deposits, and 50%
improvement in only three shoulders. These differences were even
greater at a follow-up visit nine months later.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain or tenderness, schedule a
consultation and a thorough examination with your chiropractor. If
tendinitis is the culprit, ultrasound might be the solution.

Ebenbichler G, Erdogmus CB, Resch KL, et al. Ultrasound therapy for
calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. The New England Journal of
Medicine, May 20, 1999: Vol. 340, No. 20, pp1533-1538.