Orthobiologics for the Shoulder
Orthobiologics for the shoulder are advanced regenerative treatments that use the body’s natural healing properties to reduce pain and support tissue repair. Mark S. Adickes, MD offers orthobiologic treatments in Houston, Texas, helping patients manage shoulder pain, improve function, and explore non-surgical treatment options.
Orthobiologics are products made from biological substances naturally found in the body. They are used by orthopedic surgeons to improve the healing of musculoskeletal tissues such as tendons, muscle or bone. Regenerative medicine is the interdisciplinary branch of medicine that replaces damaged or diseased tissues and organs by generating functional tissues. This can be achieved by stimulating the body’s repair mechanism with biomaterials such as orthobiologics.
Orthobiologics Treatment for Shoulder
Orthobiologics help your body repair damaged tissue and bone, heal injuries faster and minimize pain. They are administered through injections or surgery. Orthobiologics are recommended by your doctor to treat shoulder conditions causing pain and stiffness.
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Orthobiologics Treatment?
Your doctor recommends orthobiologics if you do not respond to conservative treatment options and require quick healing. People with medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders or cancer may not be suitable for orthobiologics treatment. Inform your doctor if you take prescribed blood-thinning medications.
Types of Orthobiologics for Shoulder
Some important types of orthobiologics are discussed below.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an orthobiologic with a high concentration of platelets in plasma. Blood consists of solid and liquid components. Plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that contains water, salts, enzymes, hormones, and various proteins. The blood cells including the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets form the solid portion.
Activation of the platelets followed by an injury is an important step in the natural healing process. Platelets enhance the healing process by releasing various growth factors and proteins. PRP can be injected into a site of injury or maybe applied during surgery to enhance healing.
Your doctor may suggest PRP for shoulder conditions including:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Shoulder arthritis
- Shoulder impingement
- Labral tear
- Biceps tendonitis
Cell Therapy
Cord blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after childbirth has anti-inflammatory properties and has also been shown to decrease cell death and fibrous tissue formation. This regenerative capacity offers the potential for the management of shoulder arthritis and rotator cuff injuries. However, conclusive evidence still needs to be obtained.
Bone Grafting
A bone graft is the healthy bone tissue taken from the patient’s body (autograft) or obtained from a healthy donor or a deceased donor (allograft) and transplanted to the site of a shoulder injury. Bone grafting is usually performed to repair a shoulder fracture. Once transplanted, the graft slowly converts to new living tissue and establishes functional connections with the living bone (osseointegration).
Cartilage Restoration
Cartilage restoration is a procedure to replace the damaged cartilage by stimulating cartilage growth or transplanting cartilage tissue.
Cartilage restoration is indicated for cartilage defects in the shoulder that can range from minor injury to degeneration(osteoarthritis).
The articular surfaces of the body’s joints are lined by a smooth white tissue called articular cartilage that serves as a shock absorber and allows easy movement of the bones within the joint. Injury or normal wear-and-tear can damage and cause defects in the cartilage, resulting in irregular articular surfaces that interfere with movement causing pain, swelling and disability. Cartilage restoration is achieved by surgery.
Complications of Orthobiologics
Complications are rare but can include:
- Pain
- Infection
- Nerve injuries
What Shoulder Conditions Can Be Treated?
Orthobiologic treatments may be considered for:
- Rotator cuff tendinitis or partial tears
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Labral tears (SLAP tears)
- Shoulder osteoarthritis
- Chronic tendon or soft tissue injuries
Emerging research suggests orthobiologic therapies may help reduce pain and improve function in certain shoulder disorders, though outcomes can vary.
Orthobiologic Treatment Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies depending on the treatment, but most patients can expect:
- First few days: mild soreness at the injection site
- 1–2 weeks: gradual improvement in pain and mobility
- Several weeks: continued healing and functional gains
- 2–3 months: optimal results as tissue repair progresses
Because these treatments rely on biological healing, improvement may occur gradually over time.
Benefits of Orthobiologics for the Shoulder
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- Uses the body’s natural healing mechanisms
- May reduce pain and inflammation
- May improve shoulder mobility and strength
- May delay or avoid surgical intervention in select cases
Orthobiologics are increasingly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions.
Why Choose Mark S. Adickes, MD for Orthobiologic Shoulder Treatments?
Patients choose Dr. Adickes for his expertise in sports medicine and regenerative therapies. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and former professional athlete, he understands the importance of restoring strength, mobility, and performance. His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Houston, TX, this practice serves patients throughout the region, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Memorial, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthobiologics for the Shoulder
What are orthobiologics used for in the shoulder?
They are used to treat shoulder pain, tendon injuries, and degenerative conditions by promoting natural healing and reducing inflammation.
Are orthobiologic treatments safe?
Most treatments use the patient’s own biological material, which reduces the risk of adverse reactions, though outcomes can vary.
How long does orthobiologic treatment take?
Most procedures are completed in under an hour and performed on an outpatient basis.
When will I see results?
Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, with continued healing over several months.
Can orthobiologics prevent shoulder surgery?
In some cases, these treatments may help delay or reduce the need for surgery, particularly in early-stage conditions.
Are orthobiologic treatments covered by insurance?
Many treatments are considered elective and may not be covered by insurance.
If you are experiencing shoulder pain, limited mobility, or a sports-related injury, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Adickes to learn whether orthobiologic treatments may be the right option for you.
