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PRP vs. MFAT for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Injections
Rotator cuff tears are one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. Traditionally, many patients are treated with cortisone (steroid) injections, which may temporarily reduce pain but do not repair the damaged tendon.
In fact, repeated steroid injections can weaken tendons and potentially worsen rotator cuff damage over time. Because of this, many patients are looking for treatments that help support healing rather than simply masking symptoms.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics in Raleigh and Cary, we specialize in regenerative treatments such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) cell therapy, which use your body’s own healing cells to help repair injured rotator cuff tendons.
PRP for Rotator Cuff Tears
PRP is created from a small sample of your own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors. These healing factors are then injected directly into the injured rotator cuff tendon using ultrasound guidance.
PRP is often an excellent treatment for:
• Rotator cuff tendinitis
• Small or partial rotator cuff tears
• Chronic shoulder pain from tendon degeneration
PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response, helping the tendon repair itself over time.
MFAT Cell Therapy for Larger Tears
For larger or more degenerative rotator cuff tears, MFAT cell therapy may be recommended.
MFAT uses regenerative cells obtained from a small sample of the patient’s own fat tissue.
These cells release powerful signaling molecules that help:
• Reduce inflammation
• Support tendon healing
• Improve the biologic environment around the shoulder
MFAT can be particularly helpful when PRP alone may not be strong enough for more significant tissue damage.
Treating the Entire Shoulder — Not Just One Spot
Rotator cuff problems rarely involve just one structure. Shoulder pain often involves a combination of issues affecting the rotator cuff tendons, joint capsule, bursa, and surrounding stabilizing structures.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics, we take a comprehensive treatment approach, often addressing multiple structures within the shoulder rather than injecting only one location.
By improving the health of the entire shoulder complex, regenerative treatments may provide better long-term outcomes and improved stability.
A Natural Treatment Option for Rotator Cuff Tears in Raleigh and Cary
Regenerative orthopedic treatments such as PRP and MFAT offer patients a way to support healing using their body’s own biology—without relying on repeated steroid injections.
At Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics we specialize in nonsurgical treatments designed to help patients stay active and avoid surgery whenever possible.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or have been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear, regenerative treatments may be an option.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
As with most orthopedic conditions, patients will often begin with a combination of physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest (and in some cases, steroid injections). When these methods are no longer effective, Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics offers the latest in cutting-edge treatments to reduce pain and get you back to the activities you enjoy. Some of these innovative alternatives to surgery include Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine treatments, such as:
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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Use your own platelets to reduce inflammation and accelerate healing.
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Stem Cell Injections: Use your own adipose (fat) cells to stimulate regrowth of damaged tissue (primarily beneficial for arthritis and major injuries).
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Prolotherapy: Uses dextrose (sugar water) in place of steroid to reduce pain and promote healing.
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Shockwave: A non-invasive therapy that uses impulses to treat chronic pain and repair tissue.
See the full list of conditions and treatments offered at Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics.
READ MORE ABOUT ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
The rotator cuff is the group of tendons in the shoulder joint providing support and enabling wider range of motion. Major injury to these tendons may result in the tearing of these tendons, known as a rotator cuff tear. It is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain in middle aged adults and older individuals. Diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear is based on physical examination, X-rays, and imaging studies, such as an MRI (rotator cuff tears are best viewed on magnetic resonance imaging). A rotator cuff tear may cause shoulder pain, tenderness, reduced range of motion, and other potentially disabling symptoms. When seeking to resolve their rotator cuff symptoms, many patients wonder: “Is there a treatment for torn rotator cuff without surgery?” Indeed, there are several nonsurgical treatment options which can help alleviate symptoms. Generally speaking, nonsurgical options are usually prescribed first for partial rotator cuff tears, with surgery being a last-resort option in most cases. Full thickness rotator cuff tears in the active patient will usually require surgery to heal the rotator cuff back to bone.
WHY CAROLINA
NONSURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS
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All Providers are BOARD CERTIFIED and Specially Trained in Nonsurgical Orthopedics
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Over 50,000+ and Counting Procedures Performed
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Procedures Performed with Ultrasound Guidance for Accuracy and Safety
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Local and Independent Practice That is NOT a Franchise
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Discounts for Service Members, Teachers, and Public Servants
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Serving Raleigh Since 2013