Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Shoulder Injuries

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a regenerative medicine therapy that involves the use of a patient’s own blood plasma to promote healing and regeneration of tissues. Blood is composed of several components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

Platelets are small cells in the blood that play a crucial role in the body’s natural healing process by helping to form blood clots to stop bleeding and by releasing growth factors that stimulate the cells that promote tissue repair.

The growth factors and other proteins present in PRP stimulate and accelerate healing by attracting stem cells and other repair cells to the injured site, promoting tissue regeneration, and reducing inflammation. PRP therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, tendonitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and more.

A small amount of a patient’s blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the blood platelets.  The concentrated platelets and growth factors are combined with the remaining blood and a local anesthetic for your comfort. This concentrated PRP solution is then injected, under ultrasound guidance, into the affected area of the patient’s body, such as a joint or muscle, to promote healing and tissue regeneration.

Side effects are minimal and may include pain at the site of injection that can last for a few hours or days and swelling that resolves within a few days.  After treatment a patient will be advised to rest and avoid exercise for a time.

Generally, it can take up to a month to experience pain relief which will improve over the course of 3-6 months after treatment. However, the recovery period is determined by the type and severity of injury.

PRP has been used in the treatment of various shoulder injuries. Use is aimed at enhancing tissue healing, reducing pain, and improving functional outcomes. Below are key applications of PRP for shoulder injuries:

Rotator Cuff Tears

• Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: PRP augmentation during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair significantly reduced long-term retear rate and shoulder pain and provided improved shoulder function in patients. The growth factors in PRP are thought to stimulate tendon healing and reduce inflammation.
• Meta-analysis of selected studies showed that PRP injection was safe and effective intervention for long-term pain control and shoulder function in patients with RC disorders.

Tendinitis and Tendinopathy

• Chronic Tendinitis: Conditions like calcific tendinitis, where calcium deposits lead to inflammation in the tendons, can be treated with PRP to promote resorption of calcium and healing of the tendon.
• Tendinopathy: PRP may also be beneficial in managing tendinopathies like supraspinatus tendinopathy, often characterized by degeneration of the tendon due to repetitive stress or age-related wear and tear.

Arthritis and Joint Degeneration

• Osteoarthritis of the Shoulder: PRP injections can be utilized for managing pain and improving joint function in patients with shoulder osteoarthritis. The growth factors might help in reducing inflammation and promoting a healthier joint environment.

Bursitis

• Subacromial Bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac in the shoulder. PRP can help heal painful bursitis.

Labral Tears

• Treatment of Labrum Injuries: PRP can be applied in cases of labral tears, either as a standalone non-surgical treatment in minor cases or as a part of the post-surgical healing process to enhance the repair of the labrum.

Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder)

• Management of Pain and Stiffness: While not a direct cure, PRP may aid in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with adhesive capsulitis, potentially improving range of motion and facilitating physical therapy.

Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

• Studies report that platelet-rich plasma injections offers a significant reduction in pain and improved range of motion and overall excellent functional outcomes in shoulder impingement syndrome.