By Dr. Vladimir Fiks, MD | Interventional Pain Management, Advanced Pain Management Center
Shoulder pain can make simple activities like reaching overhead, lifting groceries, or getting comfortable at night increasingly difficult. At Advanced Pain Management Center, Dr. Fiks evaluates patients with shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, labral tears, and other shoulder conditions to determine whether Regenexx regenerative treatments may be an appropriate nonsurgical treatment option.
Shoulder Conditions Treated with Regenexx
The shoulder’s complexity, with its wide range of motion and reliance on soft tissue for stability, makes it one of the more challenging joints to treat with conventional methods. Regenexx addresses several of the most common shoulder conditions:
Partial rotator cuff tears are among the strongest candidates for regenerative therapy. Partial-thickness tears, particularly of the supraspinatus, respond well to BMC and PRP injections delivered under ultrasound guidance, with the goal of stimulating tendon repair without surgical intervention. Full-thickness tears typically require surgical evaluation first, though Regenexx can be used adjunctively after repair to support healing.
Shoulder osteoarthritis (glenohumeral joint) causes progressive joint space narrowing and chronic deep shoulder pain. Regenexx intra-articular injection offers an alternative to repeated corticosteroid management for patients seeking a more durable approach.
AC joint arthritis, affecting the acromioclavicular joint, is common in aging patients and overhead athletes. Targeted regenerative injection to the AC joint can reduce pain and improve function in cases where cortisone has provided diminishing returns.
Shoulder instability and partial labral tears, including chronic laxity and SLAP lesions that are not yet surgical candidates, can benefit from regenerative support to stabilize the joint and reduce pain without an operation.
Why Regenexx for the Shoulder, Not Just Steroid Injections?
APMC already offers shoulder joint injections as part of its comprehensive injection therapy program. Regenexx is not a replacement for that service; it is the next step for patients where corticosteroid relief has been ineffective or short-lived.
There is a clinically important distinction here. Repeated corticosteroid injections can weaken tendons and soft tissue over time, which is counterproductive when the goal is tendon repair. Regenexx PRP and BMC work by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes rather than suppressing them. For a patient who has had two or three cortisone injections and is still experiencing persistent shoulder pain, this difference in mechanism is worth understanding.
For the full science behind how Regenexx works, visit our Regenexx Portland page for a detailed overview.
The Regenexx Shoulder Procedure at APMC
Regenexx shoulder procedures are performed on an outpatient basis using ultrasound-guided PRP or BMC injection. The target structure, whether the supraspinatus tendon, the glenohumeral joint, or the AC joint, is determined by your imaging and diagnosis before the procedure begins. No general anesthesia is required.
Dr. Fiks uses ultrasound guidance for shoulder injections, consistent with APMC’s established joint injection services. Most patients return to light activity within two to five days, with a gradual return to overhead work or sports as healing progresses.
Advanced Pain Management Center serves patients throughout the Portland metro area, including Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, and Lake Oswego. Physical therapy services are available in the same building when recommended as part of your treatment plan.
Am I a Good Candidate for Regenexx Shoulder Treatment?
The best candidates for Regenexx shoulder therapy are patients with partial rotator cuff tears, early to moderate glenohumeral osteoarthritis, AC joint arthritis with persistent symptoms, and those looking to avoid or delay shoulder surgery. Regenexx is not a substitute for surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, does not address advanced bone loss, and is not appropriate for acute traumatic injuries that require urgent orthopedic care. Dr. Fiks reviews each patient’s imaging, symptoms, and medical history to determine whether Regenexx is an appropriate treatment option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Regenexx fix a torn rotator cuff without surgery?
For partial tears, regenerative therapy can support healing and is often an effective non-surgical option. Complete full-thickness tears typically require a surgical evaluation to determine whether repair is necessary before any regenerative adjunct would be appropriate. Dr. Fiks reviews each case individually.
How many Regenexx injections does a shoulder need?
Dr. Fiks determines the appropriate protocol based on your imaging and your response to initial treatment. Most patients are assessed at six to twelve weeks to evaluate progress before any additional injections are considered.
Will I need physical therapy after a Regenexx shoulder injection?
Yes. Physical therapy is an important complement to regenerative treatment and plays a meaningful role in maximizing outcomes. APMC coordinates referrals within the same building, making the process straightforward for patients.
Is Regenexx better than a cortisone shot for shoulder pain?
Cortisone provides anti-inflammatory relief and remains a useful tool in the right context. Regenexx targets tissue repair rather than inflammation reduction. For chronic tendon and joint conditions where repeated cortisone injections have not provided lasting relief, regenerative therapy addresses the underlying problem rather than the symptoms associated with it.
How do I schedule a Regenexx shoulder consultation in Portland?
Call APMC at (503) 295-0730 or use the online request form at apmconline.org to schedule your consultation with Dr. Fiks.
Your shoulder doesn’t have to limit your life. Contact APMC at (503) 295-0730 to schedule your Regenexx consultation with Dr. Fiks in Portland.
