Study:
A randomized controlled trial (Thepsoparn et al., 2021) compared PRP to steroid injections in 31 patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears who had failed months of conservative therapy. Patients were randomized to receive an ultrasound-guided injection of either PRP into the tendon tear or corticosteroids into the subacromial bursa (it is contraindicated to inject steroids into a tendon). Pain relief and functional improvement were evaluated at 1 and 6 months post-injection using the VAS score and the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS).
Results:
- Both groups had similar improvement in pain and function at 1 month (50% decrease in average pain)
- At 6 months, pain and function further improved in the PRP group, but they did not improve in the steroid group.
Key Takeaway:
PRP offers a longer-lasting, biologically restorative option for patients with partial rotator cuff tears. It improves function and reduces pain well beyond the short-term benefit of steroids.
At Integrative Rehab Medicine, all PRP procedures use highly concentrated biologics to treat all the shoulder structures involved. We work collaboratively with local physical therapy practices to pair regenerative healing with targeted rehabilitation, optimizing recovery, biomechanics, and long-term outcomes.
Reference:
Thepsoparn, M. et al., Orthopaedic Journal of Sport Medicine (2021).
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/23259671211024937