Which intervention has shown the most short-term benefit for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder?

• A. Pulsed ultrasound
• B. Isometric strengthening for shoulder flexors
• C. PROM for shoulder flexion
• D. Circling scapula exercises

Answer: (A)

Short-term relief in calcific tendinitis is driven by interventions that quickly decrease pain and inflammation and improve tissue gliding around the painful area. Pulsed ultrasound provides rapid, noninvasive modulation of the inflammatory environment and can improve tissue vitality and microcirculation without adding load to the joint. These non-thermal effects—such as mechanical stimulation that enhances healing processes and reduces sensitivity—often translate into noticeable pain reduction and better ROM in the early weeks of treatment.

In contrast, strengthening and scapular/ROM-focused activities build long-term function and stability, but their benefits typically unfold over a longer time frame and rely on patient effort and progress with exercise. While maintaining mobility and improving mechanics are essential, they don’t generally offer the same immediate symptomatic relief that pulsed ultrasound can provide in the short term.