Barbotage for Calcific Tendinitis – Delray Beach, FL
Precise & Effective treatment for Calcific Tendinitis
Do you struggle with shoulder pain or symptoms of frozen shoulder? Do you have mobility problems and pain at other locations throughout your body? There is a chance that you have calcific tendinitis (also spelled tendonitis). Our Delray Beach non-surgical orthopedics team is eager to help you find relief via a minimally invasive procedure known as barbotage, which is possible thanks to musculoskeletal ultrasound technology. Read this page to learn more about barbotage, and get in touch with us if you have questions or if you would like to book a consultation.
What Is Barbotage?
Calcific tendinitis is a condition that occurs when calcium builds up on tendons. (Tendons are the connective tissues that link bones and muscles together.) If the calcium deposits are small and soft enough, they may not cause any symptoms. In some individuals, however, calcific tendinitis can be very painful and lead to mobility problems. This problem most commonly occurs in the shoulder joint, but it can afflict other areas of the body as well.
There are a few different ways to address calcific tendinitis, ranging from rest and mild painkillers to surgical intervention. Here at The Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics, we favor barbotage as the best way to address this problem. Barbotage uses ultrasound technology to find the calcium deposits, after which we use a small needle to break up the calcium.
The Process of Barbotage
To start the barbotage process, we clean and numb the area of the body where we will be working. Then, we use musculoskeletal ultrasound to examine your tendon. When we pinpoint the exact location of the calcium deposit, we insert a needle to break it up. For softer deposits, we may flush out the area with a saline solution and then suction it out, taking along some of the calcium with it. To finish, we may inject a small dose of a steroid medication to reduce inflammation. The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes.
The Benefits of Barbotage
Some benefits of barbotage include:
- It is a low-risk procedure.
- Ultrasound is precise and can find even very small calcium deposits. It can also identify conditions that may be associated with calcific tendinitis.
- Barbotage causes minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
- Barbotage may help you to avoid more invasive procedures, such as surgery and arthroscopy.
Aftercare Instructions for Barbotage
It is normal to experience soreness and discomfort after barbotage. To facilitate a smooth healing process, you should:
- Avoid the use of NSAIDs. You can take acetaminophen if necessary.
- Do not lift anything heavier than two pounds for at least two weeks.
- Apply ice to the treated area.
- Attend all recommended follow-up appointments.
