Stem cell treatment for a shoulder labral tear is usually an image-guided injection of your own bone marrow concentrate, but labral evidence is limited to small case series. Rotator cuff tears and mild to moderate arthritis have stronger data, and all uses are cash pay and not FDA approved.
Prolotherapy injects a 12.5 to 25% dextrose solution, not stem cells, into weak ligaments and tendons over 3 to 6 sessions. What to expect before, during and after, the evidence, and how it compares with PRP, cortisone and stem cell therapy.
PRP injection recovery follows a predictable timeline from initial inflammation through tissue maturation. Here is a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect, what to avoid, and when you can return to normal activity.
