Medically reviewed by Derek Wimmer, PA Updated
Shoulder pain often involves the rotator cuff, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), or arthritis. Wimmer uses in-office imaging (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) when needed to identify the cause and treats it non-surgically — using Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, and image-guided injections among the options, and focused shockwave for stubborn cuff-related tendon pain.
| Common causes | Rotator cuff, frozen shoulder, arthritis |
|---|---|
| Evaluation | In-office imaging as needed |
| Key options | Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, injections |
| Goal | Restore motion, avoid or delay surgery |
Common causes & symptoms
- Rotator cuff strain and tendinopathy
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Shoulder arthritis and stiffness
- Pain with overhead motion, golf, tennis, or swimming
When to seek care
If shoulder is limiting your activity, lingering for more than a couple of weeks, waking you at night, or causing swelling or instability, it's worth a proper evaluation. Early, accurate assessment often opens up more — and less invasive — options.
How we evaluate it
Your visit begins with an in-office evaluation, with imaging — ultrasound or fluoroscopy — when it's needed, so we can see the area clearly. Occasionally we'll arrange additional imaging elsewhere. From there, Derek builds a personalized, honest plan — and walks you through the options for your situation.
Non-surgical options we may consider
- Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells — an umbilical-derived allograft, an emerging non-surgical option offered with honest, individualized counsel
- PRP — platelet-rich plasma to support your body's own repair signaling
- Peptides — targeted peptides such as BPC-157 to support recovery and tissue resilience
- Injections — targeted relief for the joint or cuff, placed under image guidance
- Focused shockwave therapy — for stubborn cuff-related tendon pain
- Mobility & maintenance planning — to restore and protect range of motion
Keeping you active
For golfers, pickleball and tennis players, boaters, and active retirees, the goal isn't just less pain — it's getting back to the life you love and staying there. That's the heart of how we plan your care.
Terms to know
- PRP
- Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a patient's own blood to concentrate platelets for an injection.
- Focused shockwave
- A non-surgical treatment that directs acoustic waves to a selected tissue area.
- Ultrasound
- Imaging that uses sound waves to show soft tissue and guide selected procedures.
