PRP therapy can be an effective option for shoulder tendonitis, particularly for rotator cuff tendinopathy that has not responded to physiotherapy or cortisone. By delivering concentrated growth factors directly to the affected tendon, PRP aims to stimulate natural tissue repair. Clinical evidence supports its use as a regenerative alternative to repeated cortisone injections.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining attention in Australia as a regenerative option for managing orthopaedic conditions like tendonitis. This article explores how PRP for shoulder tendonitis works and what to expect from the procedure. It also looks at how PRP may complement other rehabilitation strategies.
Understanding Shoulder Tendonitis
Tendonitis refers to inflammation or micro-tears in a tendon—the thick, fibrous cord that connects muscle to bone. In the shoulder, this often affects the rotator cuff tendons (especially the supraspinatus), leading to:
- Dull, aching pain in the shoulder or upper arm
- Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
- Weakness or stiffness
- Disturbed sleep due to pain at night
Conventional treatments like rest, physiotherapy, and corticosteroid injections may offer temporary relief. However, they don’t always address the underlying tendon degeneration. That’s where regenerative options like PRP may play a role.
How PRP Therapy Works for Shoulder Tendonitis
PRP therapy uses your own blood to stimulate healing in injured tissue. After a small blood draw, a centrifuge processes your blood to concentrate the platelets—cells that contain powerful growth factors.
Your doctor then injects the resulting platelet-rich plasma directly into the injured tendon under ultrasound guidance. These growth factors work to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve tendon structure over time.
Because PRP is derived from your own blood, the risk of rejection or allergic reaction is extremely low. However, outcomes can vary from person to person and should be considered within a broader treatment plan.
The PRP Injection Procedure
Receiving PRP injections for shoulder tendonitis is a relatively quick outpatient process. Here’s what typically happens:
- Your doctor draws a small blood sample from your arm.
- A centrifuge spins the blood to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
- Your doctor injects the PRP into the affected tendon under ultrasound guidance for precision.
- The entire process usually takes less than an hour.
After the injection, you may experience mild swelling, soreness, or a temporary increase in discomfort. This is typically part of the healing response and should subside within a few days.
Who May Benefit from PRP for Shoulder Tendonitis?
Your doctor may consider PRP therapy if:
- You’ve had persistent shoulder pain for more than 6–12 weeks
- Imaging shows signs of tendon thickening or microtears
- You’ve already tried rest, physiotherapy, and activity modification
- You want to avoid or delay surgery
PRP is commonly used for non-tear or partial-thickness rotator cuff injuries. It’s important to have a clear diagnosis before considering the injection.
Combining PRP with Physiotherapy
PRP is not a standalone cure—it works best as part of a broader recovery strategy. Many orthopaedic patients benefit from a physiotherapy program that begins a few days after the injection.
Physiotherapy for rotator cuff tendonitis typically focuses on:
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Scapular stability training
- Gradual strengthening of rotator cuff muscles
- Postural adjustments to reduce strain on the shoulder
This combined approach supports tissue healing and functional recovery.
Patients attend Dr John PRP from across Sydney’s north-west including Castle Hill, Norwest, Kellyville, and Baulkham Hills, as well as from Bowral, Mittagong, and the broader Southern Highlands. Book a consultation today to find out whether PRP is right for you.
For further reading, visit the research on PRP for shoulder tendonitis.
