Shoulder tendonitis—particularly rotator cuff tendonitis—is a common cause of persistent shoulder pain and limited range of motion. Whether due to repetitive overhead motion, injury, or wear and tear over time, tendonitis can interfere with daily life and make even simple activities uncomfortable.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining attention in Australia as a regenerative option for managing orthopaedic conditions like tendonitis. In this article, we explore how PRP for shoulder tendonitis works, what to expect from the procedure, and how it 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, your blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets—cells that contain powerful growth factors.
The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected directly into the injured tendon under ultrasound guidance. These growth factors are believed 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:
- A small sample of blood is drawn, usually from your arm.
- The blood is spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma.
- The PRP is injected into the affected tendon using 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?
PRP therapy may be considered 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.
