Rotator Cuff Tear
At Dr. Steve Derrington, we believe surgery should only be considered as the last treatment option once all other options have been exhausted. We are proud to offer a variety of non-surgical and minimally invasive treatment options to patients who experience rotator cuff tears.
A rotator cuff tear is a rip in one or more of the tendons that stabilize your shoulder and help you move your arm. Tears can range in size from small areas of fraying of the tendon to a complete tear with retraction of the tendon.
These injuries are common with overuse of the shoulder joint, but can also occur from an trauma such as a fall or lifting a heavy object incorrectly. Though this is a common injury and the tear may be significant, it does not mean surgery is the only option.
Patients who suffer from a rotator cuff tear may consider surgery for pain relief, but surgery is shown to be ineffective for many patients, with 1 in 3 patients not completely healing and up to 60% of patients experiencing retears! Surgery should only be considered after all other treatment options have proven ineffective.
Our non-surgical treatment options have proven effective in using the body’s natural healing ability to reduce pain and restore proper function of your shoulder. We recommend patients undergo a consultation at Derrington Orthopedics to obtain an accurate and complete diagnosis of their rotator cuff injury and determine the best treatment options for their condition.
Three Steps From First Call to a Treatment Plan You Can Act On
Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility
Send us your imaging and tell us what is going on. We review your radiology at no cost and tell you honestly whether an image-guided, non-surgical approach is worth exploring for your condition.
Step 2 — Schedule Your Consultation
A full evaluation with advanced ultrasound and MRI review. Regenexx consultations average a full hour: complete history, hands-on examination, imaging review and a real diagnosis explained in plain language.
Step 3 — Start Your Healing Plan
If you are a candidate, your physician builds a personalized plan around your diagnosis: Regenexx bone marrow concentrate or platelet procedures, supported by therapies such as prolotherapy and MLS laser, with follow-up at six to eight weeks.
The treatments behind these procedures
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01
Regenexx procedures — bone marrow concentrate and advanced platelet procedures, placed under image guidance.
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02
Platelet Rich Plasma — concentrated platelets from your own blood, for tendon and ligament damage and mild arthritis.
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03
Prolotherapy — for ligament laxity and joint instability.
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04
MLS Laser Therapy — non-invasive pain and inflammation control, often alongside the above.
Which one fits your case is decided at the evaluation, from your imaging and the tissue involved — not from a web page.
Find out whether we can treat your rotator cuff tear
Send your imaging ahead
If you already have an MRI or X-ray, upload it before your visit and Dr. Derrington will review it in advance.
Two offices
Carlsbad and Laguna Hills, serving San Diego and Orange County.
Or call us directly at (760) 721-4000 - Carlsbad Office or (760) 721-4000 - Laguna Hills Office
Ready to Find Out If a Non-Surgical Approach Could Work for You?
Call us to schedule an in-office or telehealth appointment, or fill out the form and our team will reach out. We will ask about your condition, explain which options may apply, and tell you honestly whether an evaluation makes sense.
If we are not the right fit for your condition, we will tell you — and try to point you in the right direction.
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