Effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the shoulder joint functional status of patients with calcific tendinitis

[Purpose] This study aimed to analyze the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy on the shoulder function of patients with calcific tendinitis through a 12-week follow-up. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 34 patients with calcific tendinitis participated in this study. In the extracorporeal shock wave therapy group, 18 patients received 6-week extracorporeal shock wave therapy and 12-week follow-up. The Constant-Murley scale was used to evaluate shoulder joint function. [Results] Analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the measurement periods. The independent t-test showed significant differences between the groups at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. [Conclusion] Extracorporeal shock wave therapy can be an effective treatment method for calcific tendinitis that affects patients’ shoulder function.