Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for the Shoulder in Mount Pleasant, SC
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities like lifting, reaching overhead, exercising, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Whether your symptoms are caused by a rotator cuff injury, shoulder arthritis, bursitis, or chronic tendon inflammation, early treatment may help improve function and reduce pain. Blake Ohlson, M.D. offers Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for the shoulder in Mount Pleasant, SC, providing a minimally invasive regenerative medicine treatment that utilizes your body's own healing properties to support tissue repair.
PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets and growth factors from your own blood and injecting them into the affected shoulder under precise guidance when appropriate. Dr. Ohlson carefully evaluates each patient to determine whether PRP is an appropriate treatment option based on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, and individual recovery goals. Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, and Summerville seek PRP therapy as a non-surgical option for chronic shoulder pain and sports-related injuries.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for the Shoulder?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment option that involves injecting a concentrated solution of platelets obtained from the patient's own blood into the shoulder joint. This therapy can be used to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with shoulder injuries and conditions.
What are the Indications for PRP for the Shoulder?
PRP therapy is mainly indicated for the treatment of shoulder injuries and conditions such as:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis or tear
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Labral tear
- Osteoarthritis
- Bursitis
- Frozen shoulder
What Does Preparation for PRP for the Shoulder Involve?
Preparation for PRP therapy for the shoulder includes:
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any medications.
- Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions such as bleeding disorders and if you are taking any regular medications.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen for a few days before the procedure.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol for a few days before the procedure.
What is the Procedure Involved in PRP for the Shoulder?
The procedure of PRP therapy for the shoulder involves the following steps:
- Your doctor will draw a small amount of your blood and place it in a centrifuge machine.
- The centrifuge machine will spin the blood to separate the platelets from other blood components.
- Your doctor will extract the platelet-rich plasma from the centrifuged blood.
- Local anesthesia will be injected near the shoulder joint.
- Imaging guidance may be used by your doctor to inject the targeted site.
- Your doctor will inject the platelet-rich plasma into the shoulder joint.
- A bandage will then be placed on the injection site.
What are the Post-operative Instructions for PRP for the Shoulder?
Post-procedure instructions for PRP therapy for the shoulder include:
- Your doctor will advise you to apply ice to reduce pain and swelling.
- Avoid lifting heavy weights and performing strenuous activities for a few weeks.
- Follow-up with your doctor as per the scheduled appointments.
What are the Risks and Complications of PRP for the Shoulder?
Risks and complications of PRP therapy for the shoulder include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Redness
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for the Shoulder in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Successful regenerative medicine requires more than simply administering an injection. Accurate diagnosis, proper patient selection, and precise treatment techniques are essential to achieving the best possible outcomes. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines orthopedic expertise with advanced regenerative medicine experience to provide personalized care for patients with shoulder pain and injuries.
Patients across Mount Pleasant and the surrounding Lowcountry choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Comprehensive evaluations to accurately diagnose shoulder conditions
- Expertise in orthopedic surgery and regenerative medicine
- Ultrasound-guided PRP injections for precise treatment when appropriate
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and activity level
- Conservative, evidence-based care before considering surgery whenever possible
- Experience treating athletes, active adults, and individuals with chronic shoulder pain
- A patient-focused approach centered on restoring function, relieving pain, and improving quality of life
Whether you are experiencing shoulder pain from sports, overuse, arthritis, or tendon injuries, Dr. Ohlson will help determine if PRP therapy is an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP Injections for the Shoulder
What shoulder conditions can PRP injections help treat?
PRP therapy may be considered for conditions including rotator cuff tendinitis, partial rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, labral injuries, bursitis, mild shoulder osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, and certain chronic tendon disorders. An evaluation is necessary to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your condition.
How do PRP injections work?
PRP therapy uses concentrated platelets obtained from your own blood. These platelets contain growth factors that may help stimulate the body's natural healing response, reduce inflammation, and support tissue repair in injured tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Is PRP therapy for the shoulder painful?
Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is often used to improve comfort, and mild soreness around the injection site for several days afterward is a normal part of the healing response.
How long is recovery after a shoulder PRP injection?
Most patients can resume light daily activities within a day or two. Heavy lifting, overhead activities, and strenuous exercise are usually restricted for several weeks. Improvement often develops gradually over four to eight weeks, although recovery timelines vary depending on the condition being treated.
Will my insurance cover PRP therapy?
Many insurance providers currently classify PRP therapy as investigational and may not cover the procedure. Our office will discuss treatment costs, expected outcomes, and available options before your procedure is scheduled.
Schedule a PRP Consultation for Shoulder Pain in Mount Pleasant, SC
If shoulder pain is preventing you from working, exercising, or enjoying your daily activities, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy may provide a minimally invasive treatment option. Dr. Blake Ohlson offers comprehensive evaluations and personalized regenerative medicine treatment plans for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether PRP injections for the shoulder may help reduce pain, promote healing, and restore comfortable shoulder function.