PRP Shoulder Injections

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain that hasn’t improved with rest or standard care, PRP injections may help. This treatment uses your blood to support healing of your injured shoulder tissue.

I may recommend it for conditions like rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, or impingement.

Some of my patients have noticed less pain and better movement over time, though results may vary. It’s a safe option that may support long-term healing instead of quick relief.

In this article, I’ll explain how PRP works for shoulder pain, what to expect, and whether it could be a good fit for you.

How Does PRP Work?

When you’re dealing with a shoulder injury, the healing process may be slow, especially in areas with poor blood flow. That’s where PRP can help.

We use a small sample of your blood and concentrate the part rich in platelets. These platelets have growth factors that support healing.  

The concentrated plasma is then injected into the injured part of your shoulder (a tendon, joint, or surrounding tissue).

Once it’s there, the platelets release signals that may:

• Reduce inflammation
• Improve circulation
• Stimulate tissue repair

This leads to improved shoulder movement, less pain when reaching overhead, and better sleep.

Who Is it For and Who Should Avoid It?

Not everyone with shoulder pain is a good candidate for PRP. Its suitability depends on the kind of injury you have, how severe it is, and your overall health.

I may recommend shoulder PRP if your pain hasn’t improved with rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications.

PRP may be helpful for shoulder conditions such as:

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Partial tears
• Bursitis
• Shoulder impingement
• Frozen shoulder
• Joint inflammation 

These are usually conditions where surgery isn’t needed right away, or you might prefer to avoid surgery if possible.

If you’re active or play sports, PRP might help you recover faster and get back to the things you love. But it’s not a fix-all option. 

For example, if your tendon is completely torn and needs surgical repair, PRP alone won’t be enough.

There are also times when I don’t recommend PRP, as it may not be safe:

• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Active infections 
• Bleeding disorders 
• Certain autoimmune conditions

It’s also not advised during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That’s why I always start with a careful medical assessment before recommending it.

PRP vs Steroid Injections for Shoulder Pain

I often get asked whether steroid injections or PRP is the better option for shoulder pain. The answer depends on your goals.

Steroid injections offer faster, short-term relief by reducing inflammation. PRP works differently. It takes longer to feel the effects, sometimes a few weeks. But it focuses on healing the injured tissue itself.

Here’s a quick comparison to give you a better idea:

Feature	PRP Injections	Steroid Injections
Main Action	Uses your own platelets to support tissue repair in areas like the rotator cuff	Reduces inflammation in the joint or surrounding tissues
Onset of Relief	Slower (days to weeks)	Fast (often within 1–2 days)
Duration of Effect	Long-term improvement (months)	Short-term relief (weeks to a few months)
Cause of Pain Addressed	Yes – targets the source	No – mainly manages symptoms
Repeat Use and Side Effects	Safe to repeat, as it’s from your own blood	Limited as repeated use may weaken tendons or cartilage over time

Shoulder Conditions Treated By PRP

1. Rotator Cuff Tears

PRP may reduce pain and support the healing of the damaged tissue for partial rotator cuff tears or chronic inflammation.

It won’t repair a full tear that needs surgery. But it may improve strength and movement for smaller tears. (Especially when lifting your arm or sleeping on that side has become difficult.)

2. Frozen Shoulder

If your shoulder feels stiff and painful to move, you might be dealing with a frozen shoulder. 

In such cases, PRP injections may reduce inflammation and make physical therapy more effective.

While it won’t resolve the issue overnight, it may help speed up a slow recovery process.

3. Shoulder Tendinopathy

Chronic tendon pain around the rotator cuff or biceps is common in people with repetitive overhead activity. 

When therapy hasn’t helped, PRP may support tissue repair and reduce the ongoing irritation that makes motion painful.

4. Shoulder Osteoarthritis

During the early to mid stages of shoulder arthritis, PRP may ease pain and stiffness. While it can’t restore cartilage, it reduces inflammation and improves shoulder movement.

For some people, this may delay the need for surgery and make day-to-day activities more manageable.

The Procedure

The process itself is simple and usually takes about 30 minutes. Here’s what you can expect: 

1. Consultation

I’ll begin by examining your shoulder and reviewing your medical history. After that I’ll confirm if PRP is the right fit for your condition.

2. PRP Preparation

A small blood sample (about two tablespoons) is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets that help with healing.

3. Injection Process

Once the PRP is ready, it’s injected into the injured part of your shoulder. Ultrasound guidance is used to make sure that it goes exactly where it’s needed.

4. Post-PRP Care

Your shoulder joint might feel a bit sore or stiff after the injection, and that’s completely normal. Rest the shoulder for a few days and avoid heavy lifting or workouts for about a week.

How Painful Is Shoulder PRP?

It’s common to feel nervous about a shot directly into the shoulder, especially when it’s already sore. But most of my patients are surprised by how quick and manageable it is.

Before the injection, I numb the skin and the deeper shoulder tissue, so you’ll mostly feel pressure or a brief pinch. The injection itself takes just a few seconds.

Over the next 24 to 72 hours, it’s normal for your shoulder to feel achy or sore.  Some of my patients tell me it feels like they overdid it during a shoulder workout. 

Here’s what you can expect after that:

• Sleeping may be a little uncomfortable if you’re used to lying on that side. I usually suggest using extra pillows to stay off the treated shoulder.
• Ice packs may help with discomfort during the first day or two. 
• I also ask patients to avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. 

These can interfere with the healing effects of PRP. If needed, acetaminophen is usually okay.

While this soreness is expected, it goes away quickly. Knowing what to expect and how to manage it can make things easier.

Benefits

• PRP injections supports repair in areas like the rotator cuff, which often don’t heal well on their own.
• It’s an in-office procedure with no stitches and little downtime.
• May reduce inflammation and pain, which makes movement easier.
• A good option when conservative care hasn’t worked.
• May Improve mobility and comfort, which leads to better shoulder function over time.

Risk and Side Effects

PRP injections in the shoulder are generally well-tolerated. Most of my patients do just fine after the procedure.

Here’s what you might experience after your PRP injection:

• Mild soreness or swelling around the shoulder joint
• Stiffness or tightness
• Bruising at the injection site
• Rare chances of Infection (rare)

Note: Some people don’t notice much improvement with PRP.

If you experience unusual pain or fever or your shoulder feels worse instead of better, reach out. It’s always better to check in early.

PRP might not be right for you if you have medical conditions like cancer, a serious infection, or a low platelet count. That’s why I review your full medical history before recommending anything.

Shoulder PRP injection Recovery Timeline

How Long Does It Take To Work?

The first six weeks after a PRP injection are when you may notice your shoulder responding to treatment.

Week 1:

• Expect some soreness and stiffness around the shoulder joint. 
• Swelling is normal, especially if the injection was near the rotator cuff or bursa. 

I usually suggest that patients avoid lifting, overhead movement, or sleeping on that side. Ice and rest may help with discomfort.

Week 2:

• Inflammation and soreness often begin to settle.
• Many patients tell me daily tasks like getting dressed or reaching across the body feel a little easier.

Week 3–4:

• By this point, the shoulder often feels more stable.
• This is when I recommend gentle exercises or physical therapy to restore the range of motion. 

Week 5–6:

• Shoulder strength and motion begin to improve.
• Discomfort continues to decrease, and everyday tasks may feel easier to manage.
• You may return to light physical activity as per the guidance provided.

By the end of week 6, most people feel they’re finally making progress.

How Long Do the Effects Last?

You may start feeling the full benefits of PRP injections by 2 to 3 months. For shoulder injuries, results can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months and sometimes longer.

To benefit from the procedure: 

• Stick with your physical therapy plan 
• Avoid activities that strain the joint
• Sleep in a position that doesn’t put pressure on your shoulder
• Keep your posture and movement patterns in check

For chronic issues like arthritis, a repeat injection may be needed after 12 to 18 months. PRP isn’t always permanent. But with the right care, it may give long-term relief.

Shoulder Rehabilitation After PRP

PRP injections helps your shoulder heal. But physical therapy keeps that healing on track.

We usually start rehab a few days after the injection once the soreness reduces.

The first step is to get your range of motion back. Shoulder injuries often cause stiffness, especially if you’ve been avoiding movement. Gentle stretches and guided exercises help loosen things up.

Next, we focus on strength. The rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles keep your joint stable. Building them up protects the shoulder and lowers the risk of re-injury.

We also plan how to return to activity, step by step. That could mean lifting your arm overhead, reaching behind you, or getting back to tennis. We increase the load slowly so your shoulder can handle more without setbacks.

Rehab after PRP injection is just as important as the injection itself. It helps you move better, feel stronger, and stay pain-free longer.