Stem Cells for Shoulder Arthritis

Arthritis is a common affliction. Seniors, in particular, tend to experience arthritis in their shoulders, although athletes may also be affected. The bones and muscles in the shoulder joints experience daily use throughout a person’s life. After many years of constant movement, the tissue in and around joints wears down. This can lead to shoulder arthritis. Traditional treatments for this condition require a long and difficult recovery process. Many patients are unable to engage in their normal routines and activities, due to arthritis shoulder pain. Fortunately, stem cells for shoulder arthritis may have the potential to effectively treat shoulder arthritis. Below, we will examine how this innovative approach has helped some patients heal and experience pain relief. 

Types of Shoulder Arthritis 

The human shoulder has more range of motion than any other joint on the body. Because of this, it often loses functionality as you age. Usually, this is due to everyday wear and tear. 

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of shoulder arthritis. But it is not the only type that patients experience. 

Other types of arthritis in the shoulder include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, caused by underlying inflammation
• Post-traumatic arthritis triggered by prior shoulder injuries
• Rotator cuff tear arthropathy from a prior rotator cuff tear

These are only a few examples of the types of arthritis that may affect the shoulder joint as you age. 

Regenerative Therapy and Stem Cells Could Help 

Traditional medical treatments for shoulder arthritis include physical therapy and surgery. Many of these options are invasive and require a long recovery period.

However, stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that many patients are finding to be helpful. There is some evidence that stem cell therapies may decrease arthritis pain and encourage the growth of new tissues. Stem cell therapies are all-natural. That is because the stem cells used in the treatments come from adult stem cells.  

They may be found in adipose (fat), bone marrow, or umbilical cord (Wharton’s Jelly) tissues. Some treatments may also include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is drawn from your blood. 

These mesenchymal stem cells will then be administered to the problem area to help your body heal naturally. Once injected, the stem cells and/or PRP will encourage your body to engage in its natural healing functions. Growth factors in stem cells encourage the regeneration of tissue and decrease in inflammation. 

No matter what type of arthritis a patient may be facing, stem cells for shoulder arthritis offer a promising option for patients to explore. Some patients may also explore additional modalities such as prolozone (ozone therapy with added vitamins) or peptides (amino acids) in their healing plans.