Shoulder pain that lingers for months can wear you down. Reaching, lifting and sleeping all become harder, and many people worry that surgery is the only answer. For a large share of shoulder problems, it is not. This guide explains shoulder pain treatment without surgery, from physical therapy and injections to regenerative options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and how to think about which approach may fit your situation.
Common Shoulder Problems That May Respond to Non-Surgical Care
- Rotator cuff tendinitis and partial tears. Irritation or wear in the tendons that lift and rotate the arm.
- Shoulder impingement. Pinching of the tendons when the arm is raised.
- Bursitis. Inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the shoulder.
- Frozen shoulder. Gradual stiffening of the shoulder capsule.
- Shoulder arthritis. Wear of the cartilage in the joint.
Some injuries, such as large traumatic tears in active patients or a dislocated shoulder that keeps slipping out, may need a surgical opinion. A proper evaluation tells you which group your shoulder falls into.
Start With the Foundation: Conservative Care
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), nonsurgical treatment relieves pain and improves function in about 80 to 85% of patients with rotator cuff tears. That treatment usually includes:
- Rest from activities that cause pain, especially overhead reaching
- Physical therapy to restore motion and strengthen the shoulder
- Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- A steroid (cortisone) injection if pain continues
The AAOS reports that steroid injections help about two-thirds of patients for at least three months. Many patients do well with these steps alone. Others look for additional options when pain keeps coming back.
Regenerative Options for the Shoulder
Regenerative medicine uses substances such as your own blood platelets to support the body’s healing response. Here is what patients should know about the most common options.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood. It is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors, and then injected into the injured area, often with ultrasound guidance. Because it comes from your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction is low. Research on PRP for shoulder conditions is still developing, and results vary from patient to patient. Learn more about how PRP therapy works.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy uses a series of injections, often a dextrose solution, to create a controlled irritation that is intended to prompt a healing response in ligaments and tendons. Read more about how prolotherapy works.
Cell-based and tissue allograft injections
You may also hear about injections derived from umbilical cord or amniotic tissue. Patients should know that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that the only FDA-approved stem cell products are blood-forming stem cells from umbilical cord blood, approved for certain blood disorders, and that none are approved to treat orthopedic conditions. You can read the FDA consumer alert. Ask any provider what a product contains, how it is regulated and what results you can realistically expect.
Who May Be a Good Candidate?
Non-surgical and regenerative options are usually considered for people who:
- Have shoulder pain from tendon irritation, partial tears or early arthritis
- Have tried rest and therapy but still have pain
- Want to avoid or delay surgery, or are not good surgical candidates
- Are willing to follow a rehabilitation plan after treatment
Not everyone is a candidate. Imaging, a physical exam and your health history help determine what makes sense. Read is regenerative medicine right for you? for more.
Why Rehab Still Matters After an Injection
No injection replaces strength and good movement. After any injection, a guided exercise plan helps the shoulder use its new comfort to rebuild strength and stability, which lowers the chance the pain returns.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Treatment
- What is causing my shoulder pain, and how was that confirmed?
- What are my non-surgical options, and in what order should I try them?
- What does the research say about this treatment for my condition?
- How many treatments might I need, and what is the recovery like?
- Is it covered by insurance? See our article on costs and insurance for regenerative therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can shoulder pain be treated without surgery?
Often, yes. The AAOS reports that nonsurgical treatment relieves pain and improves function for about 80 to 85% of patients with rotator cuff tears.
Is PRP good for shoulder pain?
PRP is used for some tendon problems in the shoulder. Research is ongoing and results vary, so your provider should explain what to expect for your specific condition.
Are stem cell injections FDA approved for shoulder pain?
No. The FDA states that no stem cell products are approved to treat orthopedic conditions. Ask your provider about the regulatory status and evidence for any product they recommend.
How long does it take to feel better after a shoulder injection?
It varies. Steroid injections may work within days, while PRP is designed to support healing over several weeks, combined with rehabilitation.
Explore Non-Surgical Shoulder Care in Hazlet, NJ
Stem Cell of NJ offers a full evaluation to find the cause of your shoulder pain and explain your non-surgical options, including physical therapy and regenerative treatments when appropriate. Learn more about our non-surgical joint pain treatment.
Call (732) 264-2233 to schedule your consultation at 1354 Route 36, Hazlet, NJ 07730.
