Shoulder Arthritis: PRP Treatment in Raleigh & Cary, NC

Related nonsurgical orthopedic resources

Shoulder pain treatment • Alternatives to shoulder replacement

For patients in Raleigh and Cary, NC dealing with shoulder pain and rotator cuff conditions, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative care. PRP uses a concentrated preparation of the patient's own platelets and is intended to deliver growth factors to an injured or degenerative area. At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, treatment decisions are individualized after a musculoskeletal evaluation, and injections are performed with ultrasound guidance when appropriate to improve anatomic accuracy. PRP is not the right treatment for every patient or every diagnosis, but it can be an important nonsurgical option to discuss before considering more invasive procedures. Our Raleigh and Cary offices evaluate patients throughout the Triangle for regenerative and nonsurgical orthopedic treatment options.

Understanding Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced motion, and difficulty with activities such as walking, stairs, exercise, or prolonged standing. The severity seen on an X-ray does not always match the severity of symptoms, so treatment decisions should be based on the patient rather than imaging alone.

PRP and Nonsurgical Treatment for Osteoarthritis in Raleigh & Cary

PRP has become an important nonsurgical option for appropriately selected patients with osteoarthritis who want to reduce symptoms and maintain activity. At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, PRP treatment is performed with image guidance and can be incorporated with rehabilitation and other nonsurgical strategies based on the joint and severity of disease.

Patients with osteoarthritis do not all need the same treatment. The goal is to identify the painful structure, understand how severe the condition is, and choose the least invasive option likely to restore function. For patients considering PRP in Raleigh or Cary, an individualized evaluation can help determine whether PRP, rehabilitation, shockwave therapy, another injection option, or a combination approach makes the most sense.

Alternatives to Shoulder Replacement for Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis can produce deep joint pain, stiffness, grinding, loss of motion, night pain, and difficulty reaching overhead or behind the back. Glenohumeral osteoarthritis is different from rotator cuff disease, frozen shoulder, or acromioclavicular arthritis, although more than one problem may exist at the same time. X-rays and a focused examination are often useful for determining the location and severity of arthritis.

Nonsurgical treatment may include activity modification, mobility and strengthening work, medications when appropriate, and image-guided injections. Corticosteroid can provide temporary relief for some patients, while hyaluronic acid, PRP, and other orthobiologic approaches may be discussed in selected cases. The appropriate option depends on arthritis severity, age, activity level, prior treatment, and whether the patient is trying to delay shoulder replacement.

PRP is intended to improve symptoms and function; it should not be viewed as a guaranteed way to regenerate an advanced arthritic shoulder. Patients with severe structural disease and major functional limitation may ultimately benefit more from surgical consultation. For patients who are not ready for replacement, however, a structured nonsurgical plan can sometimes help maintain activity and manage symptoms.

Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics evaluates shoulder arthritis in Raleigh and Cary and performs injections with ultrasound guidance. We also assess the rotator cuff, biceps tendon, and surrounding structures because treating the joint alone may not fully address symptoms when several abnormalities coexist.