Faculty Sponsor

Jana Stedman

College

College of Nursing & Health Professions (CONHP)

Department/Program

Master of Science & Physician Assistant Studies

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Summer 7-23-2025

Abstract

Objective: This literature review aims to compare the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroid (CS) injections for treatment of rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT). The primary outcomes of interest include changes in pain and shoulder function following injection therapy.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, and EBSCOhost via Valparaiso University’s library system. Keywords included: plasma, PRP, platelet-rich plasma, platelets, steroids, corticosteroids, injection, therapy, intervention, treatment, rotator cuff, rotator cuff tendinopathy, rotator cuff disease, rotator cuff injury, rotator cuff tendinitis, and impingement syndrome. The search yielded 5,300 results on Google Scholar, 27 on PubMed, and 13 on EBSCOhost. Studies were included if published in English from 2019 to the present and evaluated PRP or corticosteroid injections in individuals of any age or gender with RCT, measuring outcomes related to pain and/or shoulder function. Studies were excluded if they involved full-thickness rotator cuff tears, compared PRP or corticosteroids to unrelated interventions, were published prior to 2019, were not in English, or did not report pain or functional outcomes.

Results: Four of the five selected studies demonstrated that PRP injections were associated with improved pain and shoulder function in individuals with RCT. However, the comparative effectiveness of PRP versus corticosteroid injections was inconclusive, with no consistent evidence favoring one treatment over the other.

Conclusion: PRP appears effective in managing rotator cuff tendinopathy symptoms, but evidence remains unclear on its superiority compared to corticosteroids.

Keywords: platelet-rich plasma, corticosteroids, rotator cuff tendinopathy, injection therapy, shoulder function, pain management

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Adam Nieman, a Valparaiso University PA student graduating in July 2025, developed a strong interest in orthopedics during his favorite rotation—Orthopedic Surgery—where he assisted in the OR and managed patients in clinic. His most memorable moment was first-assisting in surgery. Inspired by his passion for musculoskeletal care, Adam chose to research “Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Corticosteroid Injections for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy,” reflecting his interest in innovative treatments like PRP compared to traditional steroid therapy.

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