What starts as a nagging shoulder ache can quickly become a daily frustration, interfering with work, workouts, and sleep. If rest, physical therapy, or medications haven’t provided the relief you hoped for, many patients begin searching for a next step that encourages healing without jumping straight to surgery.
Fortunately, this is where platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, can help. A PRP injection is one non-surgical shoulder pain treatment that’s used to help tendon, joint, and soft-tissue injuries heal more naturally.
What Is a PRP Shoulder Injection?
A PRP shoulder injection uses your own blood to support healing in damaged tissue. It happens in three simple steps:
- A small amount of your blood is drawn
- The blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate healing platelets
- That platelet-rich solution is injected into the injured area of your shoulder
Platelets contain growth factors that prompt tissue repair. PRP is considered a regenerative medicine treatment, meaning it supports the body’s natural healing response rather than masking pain. It is not a steroid, and it does not function as a painkiller.
PRP shoulder injections can be used for a range of conditions, including:
- Rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy
- Labral tears
- Biceps tendonitis
- Arthritis of the shoulder joint
How Does PRP Compare to Cortisone or Surgery?
Cortisone injections and PRP injections serve very different purposes. Cortisone can reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief. While helpful in some cases, repeated steroid injections may weaken tendons over time and don’t promote tissue repair.
On the other hand, PRP stimulates healing within the damaged tissue itself. For many patients, PRP is considered after conservative care—such as activity modification or physical therapy—but before surgery.
What to Expect During Your PRP Procedure at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians
A PRP shoulder injection can be completed in a single office visit and takes about 45 to 60 minutes from start to finish, including the initial blood draw, centrifugation, and injection.
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we always use advanced image guidance, including fluoroscopy (x-ray) or ultrasound, to ensure precise injection placement, improving accuracy and outcomes, especially in complex shoulder structures.
PRP Shoulder Injection Recovery Timeline
Shoulder PRP recovery is gradual. The treatment works by encouraging tissue healing over time rather than immediately. A general recovery timeline includes:
- First 0 to 48 hours: Increased soreness is common; relative rest is recommended
- Weeks 1 to 2: Gradual return to light daily activity
- Weeks 2 to 6: Progressive strengthening or physical therapy, if recommended
- Around 3 months: Maximum benefit is typically reached
Your physiatrist and pain management physicians will closely monitor progress and may recommend follow-up visits or additional PRP sessions depending on how your shoulder responds to treatment.
How Much Does a Platelet-rich Plasma Injection Cost?
Since PRP injections are a regenerative treatment, they are not covered by insurance. Most PRP shoulder injections fall within a general range of $950-1650 per injection. The exact cost depends on factors such as:
- Shoulder injury complexity
- Number of areas treated
During your consultation, our team provides transparent pricing and a clear estimate so you know what to expect before moving forward.
Risks and Side Effects of PRP Shoulder Treatment
PRP is usually well tolerated by patients because it uses your own blood. Allergic reactions are extremely rare.
As with any treatment, there are possible side effects, including:
- Temporary soreness or swelling
- Mild bruising at the injection site
- Risk of infection (very rare)
PRP injections are always performed by experienced, fellowship-trained physicians and pain management specialists using image guidance to maximize safety and precision.
How Long Do PRP Results Last for Shoulder Pain?
Before your treatment, your physiatrist or pain management specialist will tailor the treatment plan based on imaging findings, your goals, and overall health.
It’s important to recognize that PRP is never a one-size-fits-all solution. That said, most patients experience 12-24 months of improvement or longer, depending on the condition being treated.
For instance, acute tendon injuries may respond well to one or two treatments, while chronic arthritis or degenerative conditions may benefit from periodic booster injections.
Why Choose Desert Spine and Sports Physicians for PRP Shoulder Treatment?
Choosing where to receive a PRP shoulder injection matters just as much as choosing the treatment itself. Our physicians are fellowship-trained physiatrists and pain management specialists who specialize in image-guided, non-surgical care.
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we use PRP when it aligns with your goals and makes clinical sense. Appointments are unhurried, pricing is clear, and treatment plans include physical therapy and follow-up care for lasting improvement.
Request an appointment with Desert Spine and Sports Physicians today to find out if PRP can help you heal without surgery.
February 17, 2026
