As a consequence of a calcified shoulder incarcerations below the top of the shoulder occur frequently. The pressure on the tendon tissue leads to its inhibited metabolism and the calcinosis increases. This may cause chronic disorders with severe repetitive pain attacks or painful inflammatory processes. In some cases the calcified shoulder stiffens up permanently. Often physiotherapy and injections are not sufficient to remove the cause altogether. In these cases the shock wave therapy is successfully applied as a non-surgical method. Usually three to four ambulant sessions are sufficient to "pulverise" the calcification. The crushed calcium particles are gradually dissimilated by the body. In more stubborn cases an arthroscopy is performed (ambulant or in-hospital), thus removing the calcium depot. 
