Revolutionary Non-Surgical Treatments for Shoulder Arthritis

Shoulder arthritis can be a debilitating condition, robbing individuals of their mobility, comfort, and quality of life. Traditionally, treatments like corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and even joint replacement surgery were seen as the standard. But a new era in medicine—regenerative therapy—is transforming the outlook for patients with shoulder arthritis. At the forefront of this movement is Dr. Nourparvar, a board-certified physician with over a decade of experience in regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic medicine, offering innovative solutions including stem cell therapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS), also known as *Regenokine or *Orthokine therapy.

What Is Shoulder Arthritis?

Shoulder arthritis refers to the degeneration of cartilage within the shoulder joint, typically the glenohumeral (ball-and-socket) or acromioclavicular (AC) joints. This degeneration leads to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones. When it wears away, the bones rub together, resulting in inflammation and pain. Shoulder arthritis is less common than hip or knee arthritis but can be equally disabling. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, over 50 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis, with shoulder arthritis becoming increasingly common due to aging populations and repetitive stress injuries1.

Common Symptoms

• Deep, aching shoulder pain
• Stiffness and decreased range of motion
• Clicking, grinding, or popping during movement
• Pain that worsens with activity or at night
• Weakness in the shoulder or arm

Risk Factors

• Age (most common in those over 50)
• History of shoulder injury or dislocation
• Repetitive overhead motions (e.g., sports or labor-intensive jobs)
• Family history of arthritis
• Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

Types of Shoulder Arthritis:

1. Osteoarthritis (OA): Age-related wear-and-tear.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Autoimmune inflammation.
3. Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Follows fractures or dislocations.
4. Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy: Caused by massive rotator cuff tears.
5. Avascular Necrosis: Bone death from interrupted blood supply.

Conventional Treatments and Their Limitations

Traditionally, shoulder arthritis has been managed using:

1. NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Offer temporary relief but can cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects with long-term use.
2. Corticosteroid Injections: Reduce inflammation temporarily but do not reverse cartilage damage, and repeated use may accelerate joint deterioration.
3. Physical Therapy: Can help maintain function, but may be limited by pain or disease progression.
4. Shoulder Replacement Surgery: An option for advanced cases but comes with risks of infection, nerve injury, and long recovery times.

While these methods aim to manage symptoms, they often fail to address the underlying issue—tissue degeneration.

Regenerative Medicine: A Paradigm Shift in Shoulder Arthritis Treatment

At Dr. Nourparvar’s Los Angeles clinic, we offer non-surgical, minimally invasive alternatives that tap into the body’s natural healing mechanisms. These include:

1. Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of transforming into various tissue types—including cartilage, tendon, and bone. In orthopedic applications, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from sources like bone marrow, adipose tissue (nano-fat and stromal vascular fraction), and umbilical cord tissue are utilized to promote regeneration.

Mechanism for Shoulder Arthritis:

• Reduce inflammation by modulating immune response
• Stimulate cartilage repair and regeneration
• Promote angiogenesis (blood supply) for healing
• Support repair of damaged rotator cuff tendons or labrum

Delivery Techniques:

• Ultrasound-guided injections into the glenohumeral or AC joint
• X-ray-guided precision targeting for deeper shoulder structures

Studies show promise: A 2021 meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology found that intra-articular administration of mesenchymal stem cells improved joint pain and joint function, as well as reduced stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis without serious side effects.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and contains a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. These factors accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. These factors are then injected into the affected shoulder joint. 

Benefits in Shoulder Arthritis:

• Stimulates soft tissue healing in tendons and ligaments
• Reduces joint inflammation
• Improves pain and mobility, particularly in early to moderate arthritis
• Complements physical therapy outcomes

Scientific Support: A study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP injections improved symptoms in shoulder osteoarthritis patients more significantly than corticosteroids2. PRP is effective in early to moderate arthritis and may delay or avoid the need for surgery (American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2019) . PRP is increasingly recommended in early-stage arthritis due to its role in symptom reduction and cartilage protection.

3. Autologous Conditioned Serum (ACS) – Regenokine/Orthokine

ACS therapy involves drawing a patient’s blood, incubating it to stimulate production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-1 receptor antagonist), and reinjecting the serum into the affected joint.

How It Works for Shoulder Arthritis:

• Inhibits IL-1, a key player in cartilage degradation
• Reduces chronic inflammation in the joint
• Enhances joint lubrication and function
• Non-immunogenic since it’s autologous (from the patient)

Marketed As: Regenokine (popularized in the U.S. by Dr. Peter Wehling and used by elite athletes like Kobe Bryant) or Orthokine (common term in Europe).

Why Choose Dr. Nourparvar’s Clinic in Los Angeles?

Dr. Nourparvar combines a holistic, diagnostic-first approach with cutting-edge regenerative therapies. With over 10 years of experience in regenerative and non-surgical orthopedic care, he is:

• A UCLA graduate with a Medical Degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Trained in prestigious programs: UCLA, UC Irvine, Mount Sinai, NYU, CHLA
• Specialized in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) at NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, Montefiore, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• A Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) for work-related injuries

Expertise Includes:

• Advanced Imaging: State-of-the-art ultrasound technology, AI-guided needle visualization, and portability for bedside diagnostics
• Precision Delivery: Ultrasound- and X-ray-guided injections for maximum accuracy and safety
• Multi-modal Access: Intravenous, intranasal, intrathecal, and localized precision injections for systemic and targeted therapy

Hands-On Diagnosis

Dr. Nourparvar offers comprehensive musculoskeletal and osteopathic evaluations, not solely relying on imaging which can often show incidental findings or miss the true pain generator. This thorough, hands-on approach helps prevent unnecessary surgeries and ensures proper targeting of regenerative treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)– Shoulder Arthritis & Regenerative Therapy

Take the Next Step Toward Shoulder Pain Relief—Without Surgery

Shoulder arthritis doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of pain or the trauma of surgery. At Dr. Nourparvar’s clinic in Los Angeles, we provide advanced, evidence-based regenerative treatments that address the root cause—not just the symptoms—of shoulder arthritis.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how stem cell therapy, PRP, or Regenokine (Orthokine) injections can restore your mobility and reclaim your quality of life—safely, naturally, and without surgery.

Sources:

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Shoulder Arthritis.” https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/arthritis-of-the-shoulder
2. Raeissadat SA et al. “The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Pain, Function, and Quality of Life of Patients with Shoulder Osteoarthritis.” Am J Sports Med. 2016.

📞 Call us today at (310) 361-5480 to book your appointment or click here to schedule a consultation.

*Trademark Disclaimer 

Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A. and Dr. Nourparvar are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Orthogen AG, Regenokine®, or Orthokine®.

Regenokine® and Orthokine® are registered trademarks of Orthogen AG. Any references to these therapies on our website are for informational purposes only and do not imply any partnership, ownership, or official association with the trademark holders.

Our clinic offers regenerative medicine treatments that may be similar in concept, such as autologous serum or cytokine-based therapies, but we do not claim to offer Regenokine® or Orthokine® specifically.