The effects of therapeutic exercise using PNF on the size of calcium deposits, pain self-awareness, and shoulder joint function in a calcific tendinitis patient: a case study

[Purpose] The purpose of this case study was to identify the effects of independent and intensive therapeutic exercise using Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation on the size of calcium deposits, pain self-awareness, and shoulder joint function in a patient with calcific tendonitis. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a 42-year-old female patient with calcific tendonitis and acute pain who had difficulty with active movement and problems with general function. The independent and intensive Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercise was applied for 40 min twice a day five times a week for two weeks for a total of 20 times. An X-ray, the visual analog scale, a simple shoulder test, the Constant-Murley Scale, and passive range of motion was used to evaluate the patient’s change. [Results] The size of the calcium deposit, the visual analog scale score, and the simple shoulder test score decreased. The Constant-Murley Scale score and the passive range of motion were increased. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggested that intensive and independent therapeutic short-term exercise without any other exercise reduced pain and produced positive effects in shoulder function in a patient with the calcific tendonitis, which could confirm the importance of therapeutic exercise in the treatment of calcific tendonitis.