Introduction:
Shoulder pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, limiting mobility and affecting daily activities. Traditional treatments like steroid injections may offer temporary relief, but for those seeking long-term solutions, innovative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy present promising options. In this blog, we'll explore how these advanced treatments, combined with targeted rehabilitation, can effectively alleviate shoulder pain and restore function.
Understanding Shoulder Pain:
The shoulder is a complex joint with a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to various injuries and conditions. Among the most common causes of shoulder pain is rotator cuff pathology, which encompasses a spectrum of issues ranging from inflammation and tears to degenerative changes. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy for Shoulder Pain: PRP therapy involves harnessing the healing properties of platelets found in the patient's own blood to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PRP in treating shoulder rotator cuff pathology, with research indicating improvements in pain, function, and structural healing. At DB2 we have both the skill and experience of delivering PRP to the injured regions of the shoulder.
A study published in Diagnostics from 2020 showed PRP injections were significantly better for medium (6 months) and long-term (12 months) pain symptom control. The current findings are consistent with a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, which concluded that PRP was significantly more effective in reducing pain of up to 24 weeks (1). The results showed significant improvements in pain scores and shoulder function, highlighting the potential of PRP therapy as a non-surgical treatment option for shoulder pain.
Stem Cell Therapy for Shoulder Pain:
Stem cell therapy utilizes the regenerative potential of stem cells to repair damaged tissues and promote healing. In the context of shoulder pain, stem cell therapy offers a promising alternative to traditional treatments, particularly for patients with chronic or severe conditions. Research published in the International Orthopedics Journal (2) explored the use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. MSC injection as an adjunctive therapy during rotator cuff repair enhanced the healing rate and improved the quality of the repaired surface as determined by ultrasound and MRI. Forty-five (100 %) of the 45 repairs with MSC augmentation had healed by six months, versus 30 (67 %) of the 45 repairs without MSC treatment by six months.
Rehabilitation of the Shoulder:
While PRP and stem cell therapy can promote tissue healing, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in optimizing outcomes and preventing recurrence of shoulder pain. DB2 implements a comprehensive rehabilitation program that may include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and stability of the shoulder joint, as well as manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions.
Conclusion:
Shoulder pain can significantly impact ones quality of life, but innovative treatments like PRP and stem cell therapy offer hope for those seeking effective relief. By addressing the underlying causes of shoulder pain and promoting tissue healing, these advanced therapies can help patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function. Combined with targeted rehabilitation, PRP and stem cell therapy represent a comprehensive approach to treating shoulder pain and restoring quality of life. DB2’s Medical Doctor and Nurse Practitioner have what it takes to offer complete solutions for your shoulder pain.
Give us a call at 636 265-2822 or book your appointment on line at
DB2Regeneration.com Start experiencing the DB2 difference!
References:
1. Lin MT, Wei KC, Wu CH. Effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma injection in rotator cuff tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Randomized controlled trials. Diagnostics. 2020;10:189.
2. Hernigou P, Flouzat Lachaniette CH, Delambre J, Zilber S, Duffiet P,
Chevallier N, Rouard H. Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repair with mesenchymal stem cells during arthroscopy improves healing and prevents further tears: a case-controlled study. International Orthopedics. 2014 Sep;38(9):1811-8. doi: 10.1007/s00264-014-2391-1. Epub 2014 Jun 7. PMID: 24913770.
Comments