Specialized Shoulder Care in Colorado Springs

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Shoulder

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your shoulder is one of the body's most mobile joints, allowing you to reach, lift, rotate, and perform countless everyday movements. Because of this mobility, the shoulder can also be susceptible to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and other conditions that cause pain and limit movement.

CSOG provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of shoulder conditions, from sports injuries and tendon problems to arthritis, instability, and fractures. Depending on your condition, treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, medications, injections, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery.

Our shoulder specialists take the time to understand your symptoms, activity level, and goals so you can receive treatment designed to reduce pain, improve function, and help you get back to the activities that are important to you.

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What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the shoulder?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment option that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets obtained from the patient's own blood into the shoulder joint. This therapy can be used to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with shoulder injuries and conditions.

What are the Indications for PRP for the Shoulder?

PRP therapy is mainly indicated for the treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions such as:

• Rotator cuff tendinitis or tear
• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Labral tear
• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis
• Frozen shoulder

What Does Preparation for PRP for the Shoulder Involve?

Preparation for PRP therapy for the shoulder includes:

• Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications.
• Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions such as bleeding disorders and if you are taking any regular medications.
• Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen for a few days before the procedure.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol for a few days before the procedure.

What is the Procedure Involved in PRP for the Shoulder?

The procedure of PRP therapy for the shoulder involves the following steps:

• Your doctor will draw a small amount of your blood and place it in a centrifuge machine.
• The centrifuge machine will spin the blood to separate the platelets from other blood components.
• Your doctor will extract the platelet-rich plasma from the centrifuged blood.
• Local anesthesia will be injected near the shoulder joint.
• Imaging guidance may be used by your doctor to inject the targeted site.
• Your doctor will inject the platelet-rich plasma into the shoulder joint.
• A bandage will then be placed on the injection site.

What are the Post-operative Instructions for PRP for the Shoulder?

Post-procedure instructions for PRP therapy for the shoulder include:

• Your doctor will advise you to apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights and performing strenuous activities for a few weeks.
• Follow-up with your doctor as per the scheduled appointments.

What are the Risks and Complications of PRP for the Shoulder?

Risks and complications of PRP therapy for the shoulder include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Redness