Shoulder pain can be debilitating, limiting your ability to perform everyday tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. Whether caused by repetitive strain, injury, or underlying conditions such as arthritis or rotator cuff damage, chronic shoulder pain can feel like an endless battle. Fortunately, there’s a natural, minimally invasive treatment that’s gaining traction for its ability to help the body heal: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.
PRP injections utilize your body’s natural healing properties to target pain and inflammation. The process begins with drawing a small sample of your blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets rich in growth factors. This concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the affected area, such as a shoulder joint, tendon, or muscle. The platelets serve as a natural repair mechanism, stimulating tissue regeneration and helping to reduce inflammation for improved healing and relief.
Chronic shoulder pain often stems from slow-healing injuries or conditions where tissue damage persists. PRP injections can target these issues by:
Accelerating Healing: PRP promotes tissue regeneration, aiding in the repair of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Reducing Inflammation: The growth factors in PRP help calm inflammation, which is a common cause of pain.
Improving Functionality: As healing progresses, you may notice improved range of motion and reduced stiffness.
Addressing Chronic Conditions: PRP can be effective for conditions like rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, arthritis, and tendonitis.
PRP therapy offers several advantages, making it an appealing option for those seeking a natural alternative to surgery or medication:
Minimally Invasive: PRP injections are quick and require no downtime, allowing you to resume your normal activities sooner.
Drug-Free Pain Relief: Unlike pain medications, PRP works by enhancing your body’s natural healing process, addressing the root cause of pain.
Long-Lasting Results: Many patients experience sustained relief as the treatment supports long-term tissue repair.
Your healthcare provider will begin by assessing your shoulder pain and reviewing your medical history. This thorough evaluation helps determine if PRP injections are the right treatment for your condition. They will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and what to expect during the process, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
The PRP injection process is quick and straightforward, typically taking less than an hour to complete. After drawing a small sample of your blood and preparing the platelet-rich plasma, the provider carefully injects it into the affected area. The procedure involves minimal discomfort, and numbing agents may be used to enhance your comfort.
After the injection, you may experience mild soreness at the injection site, but this usually subsides within a day. Most patients can resume light activities shortly after the procedure. The full benefits of PRP therapy develop gradually over several weeks or months as the healing and tissue regeneration process progresses.
Don’t let chronic shoulder pain hold you back. PRP injections can help you heal naturally, empowering you to live pain-free. At ReAlignMed, we’re committed to helping you take control of your health with cutting-edge therapies like PRP.
If you’re experiencing chronic shoulder pain, contact ReAlignMed to schedule your consultation and learn how PRP therapy can make a difference. Visit our office in Chicago, Illinois, or call (773) 665-4400 to book an appointment today.