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Impingement Syndrome and Stem Cells

Impingement Syndrome and Stem Cells

Approaches:

1. Autologous Stem Cells: Harvested from the patient’s bone marrow or adipose tissue, then injected into the shoulder.
2. Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UC-MSCs): Allogeneic cells used in image-guided injections.
3. Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Stem Cells: Minimally invasive injections to reduce inflammation and promote repair.

Claimed Benefits:

• Pain Reduction: Modulate inflammation and promote tissue regeneration.
• Non-Surgical: Avoids risks of invasive surgery.
• Faster Recovery: Return to daily activities in days, sports in 4–12 weeks.

Clinical Evidence:

• Positive Outcomes:
  • Many studies (e.g., patients with rotator cuff tears) reported pain relief and functional improvement post-stem cell injection7.
  • Case reports highlight structural tendon repair on MRI6.

Traditional Treatments

• RICE Protocol: Rest, ice, compression, elevation.
• Physical Therapy: Strengthens rotator cuff muscles.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Temporary inflammation relief.
• Surgery: Subacromial decompression for refractory cases.
• Impingement Syndrome (IS): Understanding Shoulder Pain and Restricted Movement

Conservative Care: Most patients recover with rest and PT.

Impingement Syndrome, commonly occurring in the shoulder, involves the compression of tendons or bursae in the subacromial space, leading to pain and limited mobility. The condition often results from repetitive overhead activities or structural abnormalities, affecting daily life and physical function.15.

Causes of Impingement Syndrome

Impingement syndrome can arise from several factors:

• Repetitive overhead motions: Activities like painting, lifting, swimming, and throwing compress and rub the shoulder structures15.
• Structural abnormalities: Hooked acromion shape, bone spurs, or calcium deposits constrict the subacromial space12.
• Poor posture: Slumped shoulders narrow the space between the acromion and humerus1.
• Muscle imbalances: Weak rotator cuff muscles cause improper shoulder movements1.
• Trauma or injury: Falls or blows to the shoulder can damage tissues1.
• Age: Over 40, tendons stiffen and acromion bones enlarge13.
• Restrictions in Scapulothoracic Movement: Restriction in the ribs can cause the scapula to raise4.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Pain: Often worsened by overhead movements and may occur at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder14.
• Weakness: Loss of strength in the affected shoulder4.
• Limited Movement: Restricted range of motion4.
• Grinding or Popping Sensation: During shoulder movement4.
• Painful Arc: During forward elevation of the arm from 60° to 120°4.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical Examination: Assessing range of motion, pain triggers, and shoulder structure1.
• Imaging tests:
  • X-rays: To identify bone spurs or structural abnormalities1.
  • MRI: Assessing soft tissues, such as rotator cuff tendons and bursae1.

Treatment

Treatment aims to relieve pain and restore function:

• Rest: Avoid activities aggravating the condition1.
• Ice: Apply to reduce inflammation1.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve range of motion and strengthen rotator cuff muscles1.
• Medications:
  • Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen1.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: To reduce inflammation1.
• Surgery: In severe cases, to widen the subacromial space or repair damaged tissues1.

Prognosis

Most individuals recover with conservative treatment:

• Early diagnosis and intervention improve outcomes1.
• Adherence to rehabilitation programs is essential for restoring function1.
• Surgical intervention typically has positive results when conservative measures fail1.

Conclusion

Impingement syndrome, a common cause of shoulder pain, stems from various factors that narrow the subacromial space. Early diagnosis and a combination of conservative and, in some cases, surgical interventions as well as Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells can effectively alleviate pain and improve shoulder function.

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!
At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Impingement Syndrome and Stem Cells or would like more information on our services, consult with our experts today!

Consult with Our Team of Experts Now!

References

1. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Treatment and Relief: https://www.bpcphysio.com/blog/understanding-shoulder-impingement-syndrome/
2. Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5729225/
3. People over 50 should not overlook shoulder impingement syndrome: https://www.bangkokhospital.com/en/content/impingement-syndrome
4. Shoulder impingement syndrome: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoulder_impingement_syndrome