Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?

Partial tears and degenerative tendon damage sometimes can, with the right support. A full-thickness tear that has retracted generally cannot. Your MRI tells our physicians which you have.

Is this an alternative to rotator cuff repair?

For some patients with partial tears it may be. For others, surgical repair remains the right choice. Our physicians tell you which they believe applies to you.

How is the treatment given?

As an image-guided injection to the affected tendon and joint, sometimes combined with intravenous delivery, in a single visit to our licensed clinic in San José.

When might I notice a change?

Responses vary with tear size, tissue quality and how long you have had symptoms. Some patients report changes within weeks; others over several months.

Who is not a candidate?

Active infection, certain cancers, a fully retracted tear, and some other conditions rule treatment out. Your medical review determines candidacy, not this page.

Rotator Cuff Injury Stem Cell Treatment

How stem cell therapy may help with a rotator cuff injury

The rotator cuff is the group of four tendons that hold the shoulder in its socket and power every lift and turn of the arm. Tendon has a poor blood supply, so once it is torn or frayed it heals slowly and incompletely. Rest, medication and cortisone quiet the pain. They do not rebuild the tendon.

Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to reduce inflammation in damaged tendon tissue.
Research examines how cell signalling may affect inflammation and the tissue environment. Evidence and clinical outcomes vary by application.
Treatment is delivered to the affected tendon under imaging guidance.
Cells are prepared in our own laboratory and used fresh, never frozen.
The protocol is written for your shoulder, your imaging and your goals.

Concerns to discuss with your care team

Pain at the front or side of the shoulder

Often the first sign, and worse with reaching or lifting.

Difficulty lifting the arm

Carrying, reaching above the shoulder, or holding the arm out.

Night pain

Discomfort when lying on the affected side that disturbs sleep.

Stiffness in daily tasks

Dressing, driving, washing your hair, reaching a seatbelt.

Who may be a candidate

Adults with a partial rotator cuff tear, degenerative tendon damage or chronic shoulder pain confirmed by imaging, who have not found lasting relief from physical therapy, medication or injections, may be evaluated. This includes patients weighing the recovery time of surgical repair. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history and MRI, never by a form.

Treatment is not offered where there is a fully retracted tear, active infection, certain cancers, or other conditions identified in review.

What to expect

1. Evaluation

A call with a patient advisor, then a medical review of your records and shoulder MRI.

2. Treatment plan

Protocol, schedule and the full investment, written for your case and discussed with you before you travel.

3. Treatment in San José

Travel and stay arranged for you. Treatment by our physicians in our Ministry of Health–licensed clinic.

4. Follow-up care

Scheduled check-ins with our team after you return home.

Investment

Each plan is built for one patient. In your consultation we walk through the full investment and exactly what it includes: cells, clinical care, and the arrangements around your stay.

The Cellebration approach

Fresh, never frozen. Ask how cells are prepared and evaluated for your proposed care.
Physician-led. Clinical decisions by our medical team, in a licensed clinic.
An informed discussion. Review the evidence, limitations and alternatives relevant to your condition.
Personalized support. A care team helps coordinate the treatment journey.

Rotator Cuff Injury