How is shoulder osteoarthritis different from a rotator cuff problem?

Osteoarthritis is wear of the joint surfaces themselves. A rotator cuff injury is damage to the tendons that move the joint. The two often coexist, and your imaging review tells us which is driving your symptoms.

How is the treatment given?

Typically as an image-guided injection into the shoulder joint, sometimes combined with intravenous delivery, in a single visit to our licensed clinic in San José.

Is this an alternative to shoulder replacement?

For some patients it may delay or avoid surgery. For others, surgery remains the right choice. Our physicians tell you which they believe applies to you.

When might I notice a change?

Responses vary. Some patients report changes within weeks; others over several months. We follow up with you on a set schedule.

Who is not a candidate?

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

Shoulder Osteoarthritis Stem Cell Treatment

How stem cell therapy may help with shoulder osteoarthritis

A healthy shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. Osteoarthritis takes that freedom a degree at a time: cartilage thins, the joint fluid loses its cushion, and a low-grade inflammation runs in the capsule day after day. Medication and injections ease the symptoms. They do not interrupt the cycle.

Mesenchymal stem cells are studied for their ability to calm inflammation inside the joint capsule.
Research examines how cell signalling may affect inflammation and the tissue environment. Evidence and clinical outcomes vary by application.
Treatment is delivered into the shoulder joint 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

A deep, heavy ache

Felt at the back of the shoulder or over the top of the joint, worse after use.

Grinding or clicking on rotation

The gritty sensation as the arm turns, which clinicians call crepitus.

Nights on one side

Pain that wakes you when you roll onto the shoulder, and the tiredness that follows.

The lost overhead reach

Cupboards, hair, seatbelts, a tennis serve. The everyday movements that now need a workaround.

Who may be a candidate

Adults with shoulder osteoarthritis confirmed by imaging, who have not found lasting relief from physical therapy, medication or steroid injections, may be evaluated. Candidacy is decided by our physicians after a medical review of your history and imaging, never by a form.

Treatment is not offered where there is 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 imaging.

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.

Shoulder Osteoarthritis