Shoulder conditions
Shoulder labral tear treatment without surgery
Image-guided regenerative treatment for tears of the shoulder labrum, for athletes and active patients who want to explore options before arthroscopic surgery.
Understanding the condition
The rim of cartilage around the shoulder socket
The labrum is a rubbery ring of cartilage attached to the rim of the shoulder socket (the glenoid), which is a shallow socket. The labrum surrounds the ball-and-socket joint, and together with the rotator cuff muscles it helps keep the ball of the upper arm in place while the arm rotates freely.
An injury or repetitive motion of the shoulder can tear the labrum. A torn labrum can cause pain, a feeling of instability and a reduced range of motion, and it can make raising and moving the arm difficult.
Symptoms
What patients describe
- Pain in the shoulder when raising or moving the arm
- A feeling that the shoulder is unstable
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain with repetitive or overhead movement
- Shoulder pain that started with an injury
- Pain that keeps you out of your sport or training
If this sounds like your situation, a consultation starts with finding out exactly which structure is causing the pain.
Treatment
Labral tear treatment at RegenOrthoSport
Primary treatment
Image-guided stem cell therapy (BMAC)
Bone marrow concentrate is injected precisely at the torn labrum under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, with the shoulder numbed locally.
Bone marrow is collected from the back of your hip, concentrated in a centrifuge, and placed by Dr. Movva under ultrasound or X-ray guidance so the treatment reaches the structure that is actually injured.
Before surgery or steroids
Why look at regenerative options first?
For shoulder pain, traditional options often involve corticosteroid injections or surgical procedures such as shoulder arthroscopy or labral repair. Steroid injections may temporarily reduce inflammation but do not heal the underlying tissue, and repeated use can weaken it. Surgery can be effective in some cases but often requires a lengthy recovery and carries risks of complications.
Regenerative injection procedures provide a minimally invasive alternative that focuses on preserving and repairing tissue. By encouraging natural healing, these therapies may reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients delay or avoid major surgery.
Your plan
What treatment can include
- Image-guided bone marrow concentrate at the torn labrum
- PRP or hyper-concentrated platelets (HCP) where Dr. Movva considers them appropriate
- A review of your MRI alongside your examination findings
- A shoulder and shoulder blade strengthening program
- A staged return to throwing, lifting and overhead sport
Every plan begins with a detailed assessment. Dr. Movva will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right option for your case.
Recovery timeline
What to expect after treatment
All patients go home the same day. Mild soreness at the bone marrow collection site and injection areas is common for several days, as the healing process begins with a natural inflammatory response.
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First few days
Mild soreness or stiffness is typical.
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Weeks 2–6
Gradual improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function.
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Months 2–6
Continued healing as stem cells and growth factors support tissue repair.
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Your rehab plan
Dr. Movva provides a personalized rehabilitation plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Patient reviews
Patients in their words
He has kept me from having multiple unnecessary surgeries. I have now seen him three different times for stem cell treatments. First was on my elbow to repair two torn ligaments… A year or so later both shoulders went out on me. I did stem cell treatments again.
Dr Movva and his staff are wonderful! I was able to have my thumb, elbow, shoulder and back treated in two days and am looking forward to having pain free movement back soon!
Individual results vary. Patient testimonials describe personal experiences and are not a guarantee of outcome for any other patient.
Related
More shoulder conditions
Am I a candidate for regenerative orthopedic treatment?
Candidates are typically individuals seeking non-surgical options for joint pain, sports injuries, tendon or ligament damage, or degenerative orthopedic conditions. Your physician will determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate based on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and overall health.
Can regenerative treatments help me avoid surgery?
Many patients seek regenerative orthopedic care because they want to delay or avoid surgery whenever appropriate. While surgery may still be necessary in some cases, our goal is to explore advanced non-surgical options that may help relieve pain, improve function, and support natural healing before considering surgical intervention.
Can I return to sports or exercise after the treatment?
Return to sports depends on your diagnosis, the procedure performed, and your body's healing response. Our team develops individualized recovery plans designed to help patients safely return to their desired activities as healing progresses.
Will I need physical therapy after my procedure?
Many patients benefit from a personalized rehabilitation or physical therapy program following treatment. Combining regenerative medicine with guided rehabilitation often supports improved strength, mobility, and long-term recovery.
How long before I notice improvement?
Healing is a gradual biological process. Some patients begin noticing improvement within several weeks, while others continue to experience progress over several months as damaged tissues respond to regenerative treatment.
Consultation request
Get your shoulder evaluated
Tell us where it hurts and how it is holding you back. Our team will contact you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Movva at our Dallas office.
- Consultation with Dr. Movva
- Review of your history and imaging
- An honest answer on candidacy
Prefer to talk? Call (817) 442-9292 or text (817) 441-0457.
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