Why PRP for Shoulder Arthritis?
Shoulder arthritis develops as the cartilage cushioning your joint gradually wears down, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. PRP delivers a concentrated dose of your body's own healing factors directly into the joint, helping calm that inflammation and support the surrounding tissue. It won't regrow lost cartilage, but for the right patient, it can meaningfully reduce symptoms and help delay more involved treatment.
What to Expect
PRP tends to work best for early-to-moderate shoulder arthritis. More advanced or “bone-on-bone” arthritis can still see some relief from PRP, though typically not as much as earlier-stage arthritis. As with any PRP treatment, how much you improve depends heavily on the extent of the arthritis 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 early-to-moderate shoulder arthritis
- You want to try a non-surgical option before considering shoulder replacement
- Physical therapy or medication alone hasn't fully resolved your symptoms
- You have more advanced arthritis, but aren't ready for or don't want surgery right now
This is likely not the right fit if:
- You have severe, bone-on-bone arthritis and want complete symptom relief
- You've already decided that shoulder replacement is the right path for you
Dr. Thon will evaluate your specific case and tell you honestly whether PRP is a good starting point, or whether another option is the better path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding PRP
Yes. Trying PRP first doesn't close off replacement as an option down the road, and it may help manage your symptoms in the meantime.
Cortisone reduces inflammation but doesn't support tissue health the way PRP is intended to. Some evidence also suggests that repeated cortisone injections too close together can be harmful to joint tissue over time.
It can. PRP is often used specifically for patients whose symptoms haven't fully resolved with physical therapy or medication alone, adding a biologic component those approaches don't provide.
The number of injections depends on the severity of your arthritis, your symptoms, and how you respond to treatment. A series of 2 to 3 treatments, typically spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, may provide better results than a single injection for some patients. Dr. Thon will recommend a treatment plan based on your individual condition and response to treatment.
Get an honest answer about whether PRP is right for your shoulder arthritis.
Want the full picture on PRP, including the procedure and pricing? [Visit our PRP overview page →]