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Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily life, making simple tasks difficult. In fact, up to 67% of people experience shoulder pain at some point. Many patients are now turning to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as a non-surgical option for relief.
PRP shoulder injections are typically used for the following conditions:
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Frozen Shoulder (also known as adhesive capsulitis)
- Rotator Cuff Tear
- Shoulder Impingement
- Shoulder Bursitis
In this guide, will discuss PRP shoulder injections, including how they work and the treatment procedure. Keep reading to learn more!
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What Are PRP Injections?
PRP injections are a safe, non-surgical treatment that helps reduce shoulder pain and improve movement. This treatment uses your own platelets – cells in your blood that help heal tissues – to repair muscles, tendons, and joints.
The number of PRP injections needed to treat your condition is decided after a careful assessment of your shoulder. Your orthopedic doctor will make your treatment plan for PRP shoulder injections depending on multiple factors, including:
- Intensity of pain
- Severity of injury
- Extent of shoulder immobility
How Does it Work?
PRP therapy is a regenerative treatment that harnesses your body’s natural healing power. Platelets – your blood’s clotting cells – also contain proteins called growth factors, which help repair tissues and reduce inflammation.
To put it simply, platelets can increase your body’s natural healing abilities.
PRP is a type of plasma (blood fluid) with a much higher number of platelets than usual. The amount of platelets and growth factors can be 5 to 10 times higher than in regular blood. PRP injections help your body to
- Reduce inflammation, which decreases pain
- Form new blood vessels, which improve blood supply
- Produce collagen, which regenerates and repairs tissues
After an injury, the body goes through a natural healing process, starting with the inflammation phase, which lasts for a limited time. If healing doesn’t fully occur within 3-6 months, the injury may become chronic, leading to persistent pain and mobility issues.
PRP therapy helps “restart” the healing process, stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation to improve function and relieve discomfort.
As per insurance providers, PRP is an emerging treatment and requires more research. This is why insurance companies typically do not cover its expenses.
Why PRP?
PRP therapy is often recommended when other treatments—such as rest, physical therapy, or steroid injections—haven’t provided enough relief.
In some cases, PRP can also be used alongside surgery to promote faster healing of tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
The Cost of Shoulder PRP
The cost of PRP shoulder injections varies based on several factors, including the number of sessions needed, the provider’s expertise, and the clinic location.
The price typically includes:
- Blood draw & processing (separating platelets from other blood cells)
- Injection preparation
- Ultrasound-guided administration (if used)
While PRP is an out-of-pocket expense, it is often more affordable than surgery and has a shorter recovery time.
In general, PRP is more affordable as compared with surgical procedures.
Shoulder Conditions Treated by PRP
PRP injections are used to treat various shoulder conditions, including:
- Surgical scars – Aids in tissue repair and healing after surgery
- Rotator cuff tears & tendonitis – Helps improve healing in torn tendons
- Shoulder impingement – Reduces inflammation and restores movement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) – Speeds up recovery by improving blood flow
- Osteoarthritis – Helps slow joint degeneration and relieve pain
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage that cushions the bones gradually wears down, often due to aging, repetitive use, or past injuries. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
The use of PRP therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis is gaining popularity because most conventional treatments—such as pain medications or corticosteroid injections—only reduce inflammation without addressing the underlying tissue damage.
PRP therapy could:
- Reduce inflammation and easing pain
- Stimulate cartilage regeneration to help repair damaged tissue
- Increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to support joint healing
- Enhance synovial fluid quality, improving lubrication, and reducing joint friction
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) occurs when the shoulder joint capsule thickens and tightens, causing pain and stiffness. It often develops after a long period of immobility due to injury or surgery.
Without treatment, frozen shoulder can take years to resolve.
PRP therapy helps by reducing inflammation and stimulating tissue repair, making it a preferred alternative to corticosteroid injections, which only provide temporary relief and may weaken bones over time.
Other conditions
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tears occur when the muscles or tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint become torn, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. These injuries can result from repetitive overhead movements, aging, or sudden trauma.
PRP injections can be beneficial for both partial and full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Partial tears, in particular, often struggle to heal naturally due to their limited blood supply. PRP therapy could help by:
- Stimulating new blood vessel formation to enhance healing
- Reducing inflammation and alleviating pain
- Accelerating tissue repair for better long-term function
Shoulder impingement
Shoulder impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendon or bursa gets pinched or rubbed by the shoulder blade.
In a recent investigation, PRP therapy has been shown to improve shoulder movements and reduce pain. Even after a single PRP injection. PRP therapy was reported to help reduce pain and improve healing for shoulder impingement.
The Procedure
The PRP procedure is quick, usually taking about 30 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
1. Consultation
Your doctor will assess your shoulder and determine if PRP is right for you.
2. PRP Preparation
A small sample of blood (about 30-60 mL) is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets.
3. Injection Process
The PRP is carefully injected into the injured area, often using ultrasound guidance for precision.
4. Post-PRP Care
You may feel mild discomfort after the injection, but this typically resolves within a few days. Avoid strenuous activities for about a week.
Follow up
Visit your doctor a few weeks after the treatment for follow-up as per the appointment. The doctor will check the mobility of your shoulder and assess your progress.
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Benefits
PRP is a natural treatment that uses your own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. Benefits include:
✅ Less invasive than surgery
✅ Faster recovery time
✅ Low risk of complications
✅ Could improve shoulder function and reduce pain
Risks and Side Effects
PRP injections are generally safe, with minimal risk. However, some patients may experience temporary side effects, including:
- Mild pain or swelling at the injection site
- Bruising or slight bleeding
- Temporary inflammation as the body’s healing process begins
Most side effects resolve within a few days. Contact your doctor if you experience unusual or severe symptoms.
Note: Please note that you might not be recommended to receive PRP therapy if you have cancer, extreme infection, anemia, and a low platelet count.
Recovery time
Recovery time after PRP injections varies based on your health and the severity of your condition. Here’s a general timeline:
- First few days: Some soreness and mild swelling are normal.
- 6-8 weeks: You should start noticing improvements in pain and mobility.
- 3-6 months: Full healing, especially for tendon injuries, may take longer.
FAQs
How long should you rest after PRP injections to the shoulder?
Rest more than usual for at least 2-3 days after PRP injections, to allow the healing process to begin. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines based on your condition, but light movement is encouraged after the first few days to prevent stiffness.
How many PRP injections will I need?
The number of PRP injections needed depends on the severity of the injury.
Mild cases – 1 injection may be enough
PRP injections don’t provide instant relief but work gradually to promote healing. Most patients experience pain relief for 6-9 months, and in some cases, benefits last over a year. Results vary based on the severity of the condition and overall health.Moderate to severe injuries – 2-3 injections spaced 4-6 weeks apart
Your doctor will determine the best treatment plan based on your condition.
Does Medicare cover PRP injections in the shoulder?
No, most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover PRP therapy because it is considered an emerging treatment.
How long do PRP Injections last in the shoulder?
PRP injections don’t provide instant relief but work gradually to promote healing. Most patients experience pain relief for 6-9 months, and in some cases, benefits last over a year. Results vary based on the severity of the condition and overall health.
How often can you get PRP injections in your shoulder?
PRP shots for shoulders are injected after 4-6 week intervals, based on the damage. Most of the people get 1-3 sessions. However, your exact injection frequency and treatment plan will be planned as per your needs.
Can you drink alcohol after the PRP injection?
It’s best to avoid alcohol for at least 24-48 hours after PRP injections. Alcohol can interfere with platelet function and slow the healing process. Staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich foods can help improve your recovery.
