Symptoms we hear about
- Pain reaching overhead or behind your back
- Ache that wakes you when you lie on the shoulder
- Weakness lifting or carrying
- A 'pinch' at a certain point in the arc of motion
What PRP can treat here
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy / tendonitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Partial-thickness cuff irritation
- Biceps tendonitis
- Chronic shoulder pain that hasn't responded to PT
The honest evidence
Here's the honest picture: a 2024 meta-analysis of about 30 randomized trials found PRP reduces shoulder pain in the short and medium term versus placebo or cortisone, but improvements in strength and function are inconsistent, and there's no professional consensus for routine use. The benefit appears limited to tendinopathy with an intact tendon, not full tears. Because Dr. Hock is a surgeon, he can image your shoulder, tell you which category you're in, and refer you for repair if that's what the tendon actually needs.
Dr. Hock's rule: if the research doesn't support treating your specific problem, he'll tell you, and point you to what actually works.
You may be a good candidate if…
- ·Tendinopathy or impingement with an intact tendon on imaging
- ·Partial irritation that PT and rest haven't resolved
- ·You want to avoid cortisone, which can weaken tendon over time
PRP is probably not your answer if…
- ·A significant full-thickness rotator-cuff tear (often needs repair)
- ·Acute traumatic tears with weakness and loss of motion
Frequently asked questions
Does PRP work for a rotator cuff tear?
It depends on the tear. For tendinopathy or a partial, intact tendon, PRP can reduce pain and support healing. For a significant full-thickness tear, PRP is not a reliable substitute for surgical repair, and a surgeon should make that call after imaging.
Is PRP better than a cortisone shot for the shoulder?
PRP tends to give more durable relief, while cortisone works faster but can weaken tendon tissue with repeated use. For chronic tendinopathy where you want to avoid steroid downsides, PRP is often the better long-term choice.
How will I know if PRP is right for my shoulder?
Dr. Hock examines the shoulder and reviews imaging (or arranges it). If the tendon is intact and irritated, you're a good candidate. If it's a real tear that needs repair, he'll tell you, he'd rather refer you to the right fix than sell you the wrong one.