PRP therapy · Shoulder pain
PRP for Shoulder Pain in Honolulu
PRP for shoulder pain at Aloha Stem Cell uses platelets and growth factors from your own blood, concentrated in a centrifuge and injected into the shoulder structures that are causing pain, most often the rotator cuff tendons. It is one option we discuss for chronic tendon problems and shoulder strain that has not settled with conservative care. The aim is to support the shoulder’s own healing response, with honest expectations about what PRP can and cannot do.
Honest, patient-first care
Start with a conversation
01 · The shoulder
Common causes of shoulder pain we evaluate
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body, and that mobility comes with trade-offs. A group of muscles and tendons called the rotator cuff holds the ball of the joint in place, and it is a frequent source of pain. Tendon irritation, partial tears, impingement, bursitis, and arthritis in the joint can all cause similar symptoms: pain with reaching, lifting, or sleeping on the affected side.
Because the causes overlap, we never treat symptoms alone. Your consultation includes a careful history and a review of any imaging so we can identify what is actually driving your pain before deciding whether PRP is relevant.
02 · The treatment
How PRP is used for the shoulder
We draw a small sample of your blood, concentrate the platelets in a centrifuge, and inject the prepared plasma directly into the affected tendon or joint area with a guided injection. The platelets carry growth factors that can encourage the tissue’s own repair response, which is the idea behind using PRP for chronic tendon problems.
It is an outpatient visit. The shoulder is numbed first, and the injection itself is brief.
03 · The evidence
What research shows about PRP for rotator cuff problems
PRP has been studied for chronic tendon conditions, including rotator cuff tendinopathy, and the evidence is genuinely mixed. Some studies report improved pain and function, especially in people with chronic tendinopathy who have not improved with physical therapy. Other trials show little difference from placebo. Full-thickness tendon tears are a different story: a torn tendon will not stitch itself back together with an injection, and surgery is often the more appropriate conversation.
We bring this nuance to your consultation. If your imaging shows a complete tear, we will not sell you PRP as its replacement. We will talk about what actually has a chance of helping.
04 · The visit and recovery
What to expect from a shoulder PRP visit
A PRP visit starts with preparation and ends with a recovery plan you can follow at home.
The usual arc
- Consultation and imaging review to confirm tendon or joint involvement
- Blood draw and preparation, about a 30 to 60 minute visit
- Numbing and a guided injection into the affected area
- Rest and protection of the shoulder for the first 48 hours
- A gradual return to activity, with rehabilitation often playing a key role
- Follow-up to track progress and adjust the plan
A note from the clinic
A complete rotator cuff tear is usually not something PRP can fix. If imaging shows a full-thickness tear, we will tell you plainly and point you toward the surgical opinions that are appropriate for your situation.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about PRP for shoulder pain
Is PRP effective for rotator cuff tears?
For partial tears and chronic tendinopathy, PRP is a reasonable treatment to discuss, and some studies show benefit. For a full-thickness tear, an injection is unlikely to repair the tendon, and surgical evaluation is usually the more honest next step. We will tell you which situation you are in.
How many shoulder PRP injections will I need?
Some patients improve after one injection, while others benefit from a planned series. It depends on the severity of the problem, your response, and how consistently you follow the recovery plan. Expectations are set honestly at your consultation.
Will the injection hurt?
We numb the shoulder before injecting, and most patients describe the experience as brief and tolerable. Expect some soreness, swelling, or aching in the days after, which is a normal part of the healing response rather than a sign of trouble.
Is PRP better than surgery for my shoulder?
It depends on what is wrong. For chronic tendon pain without a full tear, PRP may help you avoid surgery. For structural problems like a complete tear or severe arthritis, surgery may be the better or only real option. The consultation is where we sort those paths out honestly.
Does insurance cover PRP for the shoulder?
Most plans treat PRP as investigational for shoulder conditions and do not cover it. You will receive the full pricing picture in writing before you commit, so there are no surprises.
Talk to the clinic
Get honest answers before you decide anything
Every treatment at Aloha Stem Cell starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Tell us what is going on and Phil will get back to you with straight answers and a clear next step.
What happens next
After you get in touch, Phil will call or write back to understand your situation, answer your questions, and set up a consultation if that is the right next step. No pressure and no obligation.
Send us a message
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Not sure if this is the right step for you?
One phone call gets you honest answers, a clear picture of your options, and, if it makes sense, a consultation at our Honolulu clinic. No pressure and no obligation.
Good to know
- Autologous treatments from your own body
- Honest answers about costs and evidence
- Suite 511, 1314 South King St
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