Chronic shoulder pain is an ailment that can manifest from a number of causes and impede your ability to function daily at a normal level.
Whether your goal is to play sports, pick up your grandchildren, or simply reach overhead to get something off of the top shelf, it can be extremely frustrating to be limited by your pain.
Most times, doctors will recommend shoulder replacement surgery if a patient is plagued by chronic shoulder pain. Understandably, many are hesitant to undergo a risky and invasive surgery but may think that shoulder replacements and pain medications are their only options for pain relief.
Thankfully, our clinic offers alternative treatment options that are effective for treating severe shoulder pain, primarily with PRP.
What are PRP Treatments?
PRP or platelet-rich plasma is a type of biological treatment that provides optimum healing to injuries and assists in alleviating pain by using the power of your own body. It is a great non-surgical and drug-free alternative for those seeking to avoid invasive procedures involving long, painful recovery periods.
This cutting-edge treatment can also reduce the inflammation and swelling often associated with chronic shoulder pain and injuries. PRP therapy is often considered safe, effective, and long-lasting because it focuses on improving your body’s function and encouraging its natural healing ability rather than masking the symptoms of your ailment.
The most common causes of chronic shoulder pain that can be treated with PRP include:
- Strains and sprains
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Torn rotator cuffs
- Degeneration
- Dislocation
- Arthritis
- Sports-induced injuries
What Can I Expect During and After the Procedure?
In the platelet-rich plasma procedure, one of our doctors will initially draw a small amount of your blood. Next, they will use a centrifuge to isolate its platelets, resulting in nearly colorless plasma that is then injected into your shoulder.
Other than the minor and short-lived discomfort of the injection, the procedure is simple and relatively painless. If necessary, the doctor may even use an ultrasound for an even more precise injection, ensuring an accurate distribution of the PRP.
Though the key role of platelets within the body is to clot blood, they also play a crucial role in healing. Therefore, when the brain sends out a signal alerting the body that damage has occurred, growth factors arrive at the site to stimulate healing in the area (in this case, the damaged shoulder).
This results in reduced pain, improved function, and possibly even complete resolution of symptoms within a reasonably short period of time. In fact, many begin to experience relief within three to four weeks following an injection. In most cases, our patients do not experience any adverse reactions to the injections, only relief.
However, it is important to remember that everyone heals at a different rate, and some may respond to treatments more quickly than others.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one are suffering from chronic shoulder pain, call us today at (214) 221-2525 for a complimentary consultation. We look forward to assisting you on your pain relief journey!