ROTATOR CUFF TEARS
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and help to stabilize and move the shoulder. The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. These muscles work together to help lift and rotate the arm, and they are essential for many everyday activities, such as lifting objects, reaching overhead, and throwing.
Rotator cuff tears can be caused by a variety of factors, including acute injury, degeneration, and chronic overuse.
Acute injury: Rotator cuff tears can occur as a result of an acute injury, such as a fall, a motor vehicle accident, or a sports injury. These types of injuries can cause the tendon or muscle to tear or become detached from the bone.
Degeneration: As we age, the tendons in the rotator cuff can degenerate and weaken, making them more susceptible to tearing. This type of tear is often called a degenerative tear and is more common in people over the age of 40.
Chronic overuse: Chronic overuse of the shoulder joint, such as repetitive overhead lifting or throwing, can also cause the rotator cuff tendons to weaken and eventually tear.
Other factors that may increase the risk of a rotator cuff tear include:
- Family history of rotator cuff tears
- Poor posture
- Poor shoulder biomechanics
- Tobacco use
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease
Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury may include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. Treatment for a rotator cuff injury may involve physical therapy, regenerative treatments and medications to manage pain and inflammation, and in some cases, surgery to repair the damaged tendon or muscle.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited range of motion, as these may be signs of a rotator cuff tear or other shoulder injury.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR YOU
The decision to use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or stem cell treatment for a particular condition depends on several factors, including the location and severity of the injury, the underlying cause of the injury, and the patient’s overall health and medical history.
PRP therapy is typically used to treat soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis and muscle strains. PRP therapy can be effective for mild to moderate injuries, and it is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.
Stem cell treatment, on the other hand, is typically used to treat more severe or chronic injuries, particularly those that involve damage to bone, cartilage, or other tissues.
In some cases, both PRP therapy and stem cell treatment may be used together to maximize the benefits of regenerative medicine.
Ultimately, the decision to use PRP therapy or stem cell treatment depends on the specific condition being treated, the severity of the injury, and the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Our medical team has the right expertise in regenerative medicine and can help you to determine which treatment option is best suited for your condition.
How can regenerative medicine treatments help to treat rotator cuff tear?
Regenerative medicine treatments can potentially help to treat rotator cuff tears by promoting the body’s natural healing processes and stimulating tissue repair and regeneration.
One regenerative medicine approach that has shown promise in treating rotator cuff tears is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is a concentrated solution of platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules that are derived from the patient’s own blood. The PRP solution is prepared by spinning the patient’s blood in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and growth factors. The resulting PRP solution can then be injected directly into the site of the rotator cuff tear, where it can help to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
Another regenerative medicine approach that may be used to treat rotator cuff tears is stem cell therapy. Stem cells are cells that have the ability to differentiate into a variety of different cell types, including muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. Stem cells can be isolated from the patient’s own body (autologous stem cells) or obtained from a donor (allogeneic stem cells). Once harvested, the stem cells can be processed and injected directly into the site of the rotator cuff tear, where they can help to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
Other regenerative medicine approaches for treating rotator cuff tears may include the use of growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules that are designed to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
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How does stem cell treatment help
- Promoting tissue regeneration: Stem cells have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, including spine discs, muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. By injecting stem cells into the damaged area, they can help promote tissue regeneration and repair damaged tissues.
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the area contributes to pain and may require surgical intervention. Stem cells have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
- Stimulating natural healing: Stem cells can stimulate the body’s natural healing process by releasing growth factors and other proteins that help repair damaged tissues.
- Minimally invasive procedure: Stem cell treatments are typically performed on an outpatient basis and involve a minimally invasive injection procedure. This means less downtime and a quicker recovery period compared to traditional back surgery.
- Customizable treatment: Stem cell treatments can be customized to each patient’s individual needs and can target specific areas, making them a more precise and targeted treatment option.
It is important to note that not all cases of tendon, ligament, cartilage pain and lesions can be treated with stem cell treatments and that each case is unique. It is important to consult with us to determine if stem cell treatment is a viable option for your specific case.
How does it work?
Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body, such as muscle, bone, and cartilage cells. By harvesting these cells from the patient’s own bone marrow, they can be injected into the damaged area to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
During the painless procedure, a small amount of bone marrow is typically taken from the patient’s hip bone using a needle. The bone marrow is then processed to isolate the stem cells, which are then injected into the affected area using imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement.
While it may not provide immediate pain relief, it provides long-term benefits and improves overall function and quality of life. If you are considering this treatment option, it is important to book your FREE consultation with us to determine if it is right for you.
What to expect?
Stem cell treatment using bone marrow is a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself can take up to an hour and the patients can go home after the procedure.
After the procedure, patients may experience some soreness or discomfort at the site of the bone marrow extraction, but this typically subsides within a few days. Pain relief may not be immediate, as it can take several weeks for the stem cells to start promoting healing and tissue regeneration.
It is important to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including any physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises, to help optimize the healing process.
What do I need to have prior to receiving stem cells treatment?
- Book Free consultation with us.
- Bring your MRI results. If you don’t have an MRI test done recently, don’t worry. Miami Stem Cell has partnered with imaging clinics to provide MRIs to our patients for as little as $200 per test. Ask us about our partnerships.
- Do a tumor marker test. This is a simple blood test that you will need to do prior to the procedure.
- Bring someone to drive you back home.