Struggling with shoulder pain that just won’t go away?
If a torn rotator cuff is holding you back, you’re not alone—and you might not need surgery to feel better.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a promising treatment that uses your body’s own healing ability to repair shoulder injuries naturally.
At First Choice Medical we offer regenerative medicine treatments for rotator cuff tears to help you heal faster and avoid downtime.
Here’s how PRP works, who it’s for, and what to expect from the treatment.
What Is a Torn Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that keep your shoulder joint stable and allow it to move freely.
Rotator cuff tears can happen gradually from overuse or suddenly from an injury, like lifting something too heavy or falling the wrong way.
If you’ve torn your rotator cuff, you might notice:
- Shoulder pain when lifting your arm
- Weakness or stiffness
- Trouble sleeping on that side
- Clicking or popping during movement
Some tears are small and respond well to therapy.
Others may need more focused treatment to heal properly.
Common Treatment Options for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Many people start with rest, physical therapy, or cortisone injections.
These treatments can reduce pain but don’t always help the tendon heal fully.
In more serious cases, surgery may be recommended, but it usually comes with a long recovery and risks that many want to avoid.
That’s where PRP therapy comes in as a non-surgical option.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma.
It’s made by taking a small sample of your blood, spinning it in a machine to concentrate the healing platelets, and injecting it back into the injured area.
These platelets are rich in growth factors that help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and support long-term healing.
Because it comes from your own body, there’s very little risk involved.
How PRP Helps a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal
When PRP is injected into the damaged part of your shoulder, it sends a signal to your body to start the healing process.
Over time, it can help:
- Reduce pain
- Improve shoulder strength
- Support tendon repair
- Restore range of motion
PRP is especially helpful for partial rotator cuff tears and chronic shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
PRP vs Cortisone Injections or Surgery
Cortisone shots can relieve pain quickly, but they don’t fix the tear—and repeated use can even weaken the tendon.
PRP, on the other hand, works to heal the tissue itself.
Compared to surgery, PRP is much less invasive.
There’s no anesthesia, no incision, and almost no downtime.
You’re in and out of the clinic the same day and can usually return to normal activity within a few days.
Who Should Consider PRP for a Rotator Cuff Tear?
PRP might be a good fit for you if:
- You have a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear
- Your shoulder pain has lasted more than a few weeks
- You’ve tried physical therapy or cortisone without relief
- You’re looking for a non-surgical solution
Not every case is the same, so a proper evaluation is the best way to know for sure.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
The process is simple and usually takes under an hour.
Here’s what it looks like:
- We draw a small amount of your blood.
- It’s spun in a centrifuge to isolate the healing platelets.
- The PRP is injected into your shoulder under ultrasound guidance to make sure it hits the right spot.
You might feel a bit of soreness for a day or two after the injection.
Most people start noticing improvement in four to six weeks, with continued progress over the next few months.
How First Choice Medical Can Help With Torn Rotator Cuffs
At First Choice Medical, we help people find relief from shoulder pain using advanced, non-surgical treatments.
If you’re dealing with a torn rotator cuff, we offer PRP therapy as part of a customized care plan built around your goals.
We use imaging tools to guide every injection with precision, making sure you get the most out of your treatment.
Our team will walk you through each step and follow up with care that keeps you moving forward.
FAQs: PRP For Torn Rotator Cuff
What is PRGF vs PRP?
PRGF, or Plasma Rich in Growth Factors, is a type of PRP that’s further processed to isolate specific growth factors believed to aid in healing. While both come from your own blood, PRGF aims to be more targeted, but PRP is more commonly used and well-studied for musculoskeletal injuries like rotator cuff tears.
Can PRP heal a torn muscle?
Yes, studies show that PRP can help with the healing of torn muscles, especially partial tears. The growth factors in PRP support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and can speed up recovery. However, severe or complete tears may still require surgery or additional therapies.
Can a torn rotator cuff get better without surgery?
In many cases, yes. Partial tears and chronic inflammation often respond well to non-surgical treatments like PRP, physical therapy, and activity modification. Full-thickness tears are less likely to heal without surgery, but pain and function can still improve with conservative care.
Who is not a good candidate for PRP?
People with certain blood disorders, active infections, or severe tissue degeneration may not be good candidates for PRP therapy. If you’re on blood thinners or have uncontrolled health conditions, your provider may recommend alternative options.
Is it OK to not repair a torn rotator cuff?
It depends on the size of the tear and your symptoms. Some people live comfortably with a rotator cuff tear by managing pain and improving shoulder strength through rehab. However, untreated tears can get worse over time, so it’s important to work with a provider to monitor your condition and decide on the best approach.
