Why PRP for Rotator Cuff Tears?
Rotator cuff tendons have a limited natural blood supply, which is part of why they can be slow to heal on their own. PRP delivers a concentrated dose of your body's own growth factors directly into the tendon, supporting the healing response in an area that doesn't always get enough of that support naturally. For partial tears and tendinopathy (irritated, degenerated tendon tissue without a full tear), that added support can make a real difference.
What to Expect
PRP tends to be most helpful for partial-thickness tears and rotator cuff tendinopathy. Full-thickness tears can still see some relief from PRP, though typically not as much as partial tears. As with any PRP treatment, how much you improve depends heavily on the extent of the tear itself. Most patients see gradual improvement over several weeks, and a series of treatments generally outperforms a single injection.
Am I a Candidate?
This may be a good option if:
- You have a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear or tendinopathy
- You want to try a non-surgical option before considering surgery
- Physical therapy alone hasn't fully resolved your symptoms
- You have a full-thickness tear, but aren't ready for or don't want surgery right now
This is likely not the right fit if:
- You have a large or full-thickness tear and want complete symptom relief
- Your symptoms include significant weakness, not just pain
Dr. Thon will evaluate your specific tear and tell you honestly whether PRP is a good starting point, or whether surgery is the better path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding PRP
Yes. Trying PRP first doesn't close off surgery as an option down the road, and it may even help manage your symptoms in the meantime.
Cortisone reduces inflammation but doesn't support tissue repair. Some evidence also suggests that repeated cortisone injections too close together can actually damage tendon tissue over time. PRP is intended to actively support your tendon's healing, using your body's own growth factors rather than a steroid.
It can. PRP is often used specifically for patients whose symptoms haven't fully resolved with physical therapy alone, adding a biologic component that PT alone doesn't provide.
Not always. PRP may be an option for select partial-thickness rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy, particularly when symptoms have not improved with conservative care. A full-thickness tear, significant weakness, or a tear that is unlikely to heal on its own may require surgical repair. Dr. Thon will evaluate the extent of your injury and recommend the treatment that makes the most sense for you.
In some cases, yes. PRP may be used as part of a broader treatment plan alongside physical therapy or surgery. Whether it is appropriate depends on the type and severity of the tear and the goals of treatment. Dr. Thon can discuss whether PRP has a role before or after your repair.
PRP is not an immediate treatment. Improvement is often gradual as the body responds to the injection, and it may take several weeks to notice meaningful changes. Your response depends on the extent of the tendon injury and other factors affecting healing. If you are not improving as expected, Dr. Thon can reassess your shoulder and determine whether another treatment or a different approach is appropriate.
Get an honest answer about whether PRP is right for your rotator cuff.
Want the full picture on PRP, including the procedure and pricing? [Visit our PRP overview page →]