Shoulder pain can make daily activities, workouts, and sports difficult. While some injuries require surgery, others may respond well to less invasive treatments.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one option that may help support the healing process in certain shoulder conditions.
At the orthopedic practice of Matthew Pifer, MD, in Santa Barbara, California, Dr. Pifer combines his expertise in shoulder and sports medicine with innovative biologic treatments such as PRP. He evaluates each patient individually to determine whether regenerative medicine is an appropriate part of their treatment plan.
In this article, we explore three shoulder conditions where PRP could help.
PRP therapy uses a sample of your own blood to create a concentrated preparation containing a higher concentration of platelets than normal blood. Platelets contain growth factors and other proteins involved in the body's natural healing response.
During treatment, Dr. Pifer draws a small amount of blood and processes it to concentrate the platelets. Then, he injects the PRP into the targeted area, typically using imaging guidance to improve accuracy.
PRP results can vary depending on the condition being treated. The goal is to create an environment that supports the body's natural healing, and the treatment may reduce pain and improve function gradually.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow you to raise and rotate your arm. Overuse, sports, aging, or an injury can damage these tissues.
PRP may be considered for partial rotator cuff tears, particularly when symptoms have not improved with conservative treatment. The goal is to support tendon healing while also avoiding or delaying surgery when appropriate.
Complete rotator cuff tears may require surgical repair. In some cases, biologic treatments can be used alongside surgery to support the healing process.
Repetitive overhead movements can irritate the tendons around the shoulder, causing swelling. Athletes, active adults, and people whose work requires repeated arm movements are most at risk.
Depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition, PRP may be an option when rest, physical therapy, and other conservative measures have failed to provide enough relief.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the shoulder joint. Tears can occur due to:
Depending on the location and severity of the tear, symptoms may include pain, clicking, catching, or a feeling of instability.
PRP may have a role in treating certain labral injuries and inflammation, although not every labral tear is appropriate for injection therapy. Dr. Pifer considers your specific injury, symptoms, activity level, and treatment goals before recommending PRP or another approach.
PRP therapy isn't appropriate for every shoulder condition, and evidence for its effectiveness varies depending on the specific injury. A thorough evaluation is important before deciding whether it makes sense as part of your treatment plan.
As a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in the shoulder and minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Pifer offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
If shoulder pain is limiting your activities, contact the office of Matthew Pifer, MD, in Santa Barbara, California, to schedule a consultation and learn whether PRP or another treatment may be appropriate for you.
