# Tempe shoulder soreness: what do people ask? *Shoulder Pain Treatment Tempe | Straight Answers* > Shoulder pain relief and shoulder pain treatment Tempe questions about causes, home care, visits, PRP, and nearby clinics. ## Sources 1. In the MOON Shoulder prospective cohort of 452 patients with symptomatic, ATRAUMATIC full-thickness rotator cuff tears, physical therapy succeeded in more than 70% of patients at 10 years: only 115 (27.0%) had surgery at any point over the decade. Patient-reported outcomes improved with physical therapy and did NOT decline over 10 years in those who never had surgery. The strongest predictor of early surgery was low patient expectation of physical therapy, not tear anatomy. Kuhn JE, et al. — [The Predictors of Surgery for Symptomatic, Atraumatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears Change Over Time: Ten-Year Outcomes of the MOON Shoulder Prospective Cohort.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38980920/). *J Bone Joint Surg Am*, 2024. DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.23.00978. 2. The GRASP trial randomized 708 adults with a rotator cuff disorder to progressive exercise (up to 6 sessions), a single best-practice advice session, or either of those preceded by a corticosteroid injection. Over 12 months there was no evidence of a difference in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index between progressive exercise and one advice session (adjusted mean difference -0.66, 99% CI -4.52 to 3.20), and no evidence of a difference between having a corticosteroid injection and not having one. Hopewell S, et al. — [Progressive exercise compared with best practice advice, with or without corticosteroid injection, for the treatment of patients with rotator cuff disorders (GRASP): a multicentre, pragmatic, 2 × 2 factorial, randomised controlled trial.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34265255/). *Lancet*, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00846-1. 3. At 10 years, arthroscopic subacromial decompression offered NO benefit over placebo surgery for subacromial pain syndrome: the mean difference in VAS pain was -1.5 points (95% CI -8.6 to 5.6) at rest and -3.2 points (-13.0 to 6.5) on arm activity, against a minimally important difference of 15. It also showed no benefit over exercise therapy. Kanto K, et al. — [Arthroscopic subacromial decompression versus placebo surgery for subacromial pain syndrome: 10 year follow-up of the FIMPACT randomised, placebo surgery controlled trial.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41330610/). *BMJ*, 2025. DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-086201. 4. FDA states verbatim that stem cell, stromal vascular fraction, umbilical cord blood, Wharton's jelly, amniotic fluid and exosome products 'have [not] been approved for the treatment of any orthopedic condition, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, disc disease, tennis elbow, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain.' The only FDA-approved stem cell products in the United States are blood-forming (hematopoietic progenitor) cells from umbilical cord blood, approved only for disorders of blood production, and there are currently NO FDA-approved exosome products. U.S. Food and Drug Administration — [Consumer Alert on Regenerative Medicine Products Including Stem Cells and Exosomes](https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/consumer-alert-regenerative-medicine-products-including-stem-cells-and-exosomes). *FDA (Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research)*, 2020. 5. A current-concepts review of non-operative management of shoulder osteoarthritis states plainly that biologics such as PRP, bone marrow aspirate concentrate and mesenchymal stem cells 'are helpful in decreasing shoulder pain but neither stopping the progression nor improving OA', and that first-line care is physical therapy with NSAIDs. Yamamoto N, et al. — [Non-operative management of shoulder osteoarthritis: Current concepts.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37321293/). *J ISAKOS*, 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jisako.2023.06.002. ## What makes my shoulder sore in Tempe? Tempe makes it easy to repeat bike rides, errands, and overhead play. The shoulder may get sore when that weekly work outruns its strength. Joint wear and stiffness can add to the ache, especially after rest. I'd note whether reaching, lifting, or sleeping brings it on. ## What can I do at home for a sore shoulder? Ease back from the one motion that clearly makes it worse. Keep gentle daily movement, because complete rest can leave the arm stiffer. Support the arm with a pillow if night soreness wakes you. Don't force a sharp catch or keep testing a weak arm. ## How long does shoulder exercise take to help? Useful change often takes several weeks, not several days. Your plan should slowly add strength or reach as the shoulder allows. Track sleep, dressing, or a shelf you use often. If nothing is changing, ask whether the cause or the exercise needs another look. ## When do I need a doctor for shoulder soreness? Get quick care after a fall if the arm won't move or suddenly feels very weak. A hot, red shoulder with swelling or fever also can't wait. Make a regular visit when sleep, motion, or daily work keeps getting worse. Chest pressure, sweating, nausea, or short breath with shoulder discomfort needs emergency help. ## Can a rotator cuff tear improve without surgery? Some tears that came on slowly improve with guided strength work and time. The scan alone doesn't decide whether you need an operation. A new tear after an injury with sudden weakness is different. Ask whether delay changes your choices before you settle on a plan. ## How much does PRP for the shoulder cost in Arizona? This site doesn't give a set price because the care plan can differ. PRP is often paid for by the patient rather than Medicare. Ask for the full written cost and the number of planned visits. You'll want recovery time and follow-up costs in that same answer. ## Where can Tempe residents have a shoulder visit? The Chandler clinic on South Dobson Road is nearest for most of Tempe. The Scottsdale location may suit people starting near Papago Park or Town Lake. Bring your timeline, past care, medicines, and the task you want back. You can call (602) 837-PAIN before travelling. ## Would you like to talk through your shoulder? The Chandler clinic is at 1100 S. Dobson Rd., Suite 210, Chandler, AZ 85286. You can call (602) 837-PAIN before making the drive. Book a free consultation: --- Clear help for a shoulder that keeps bothering you. Plain answers about a sore shoulder, home care, warning signs, and non-surgical choices near Tempe. Plain shoulder answers for Tempe, from home care to a clinic visit. This site is operated by the owners of the QC Kinetix Phoenix-area clinics, including the Chandler clinic recommended here, and the operators benefit when readers book a consultation. © 2026 Tempe Shoulder Field Guide. General education only; a clinician who can examine your shoulder should guide personal medical decisions.