Beyond Cortisone: Next-Level Shoulder Care at Ortho Las Vegas

Are you tired of getting cortisone shots for your shoulder pain, only to find the relief wearing off faster each time? You’re not alone. Many Las Vegas residents come to us frustrated after years of temporary fixes that just don’t last.

Why Cortisone Isn’t a Long-Term Fix

Cortisone injections are like hitting the mute button on your pain—they silence the symptoms temporarily, but they don’t address what’s causing the noise in the first place. In fact, research from the American Journal of Roentgenology (1) shows that overuse of cortisone can actually weaken tendons and cartilage over time, potentially making your shoulder problems worse.

If you’ve reached the point where cortisone has stopped working or you’re concerned about getting too many injections, it’s time to explore longer-lasting regenerative options available right here in Las Vegas.

shoulder pain in las vegas resident

Understanding Why Your Shoulder Pain Persists

Shoulder pain that keeps coming back usually stems from one of these common conditions:

The problem with cortisone is that it only masks these symptoms instead of helping your body repair the damaged tissue. Think of it like putting a piece of tape over your car’s check engine light—the warning goes away, but the underlying issue continues.

Next-Level Shoulder Treatments Available in Las Vegas

At Ortho Las Vegas, we offer advanced options that go beyond simply masking your pain:

1. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for Shoulder Pain

PRP uses healing components from your own blood to stimulate repair in damaged tissues. Here’s how it helps your shoulder:

  • It encourages your body’s natural healing processes in tendons and joints (2)
  • It reduces inflammation without causing tissue damage (unlike what can happen with repeated cortisone)
  • It’s particularly effective for rotator cuff injuries, mild to moderate arthritis, and chronic tendon pain

Think of PRP as sending reinforcements to your body’s repair team—it provides more of the healing elements already found in your blood, concentrated right where you need them.

vial of platelet rich plasma

2. BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) for Advanced Cases

For more severe shoulder conditions, we offer BMAC treatments, which utilize regenerative cells from your own bone marrow to help with tissue repair:

  • It harnesses regenerative cells from your bone marrow to support tissue healing
  • It provides a stronger regenerative approach for severe rotator cuff injuries or osteoarthritis
  • It may help some patients delay or avoid shoulder replacement surgery

BMAC is like calling in the specialized repair crew when standard methods aren’t enough—it provides more powerful regenerative elements that can help with more significant damage.

PRP vs. BMAC: Which One Is Right for You?

Choosing between these treatments depends on your specific condition:

PRP is typically best for:

  • Mild to moderate injuries
  • Younger, active patients
  • Those looking for faster recovery with minimal downtime

BMAC may be better for:

  • More severe joint damage
  • Older patients
  • Cases where PRP alone might not provide enough regenerative support

During your consultation at Ortho Las Vegas, we’ll evaluate your specific condition and recommend the approach that makes the most sense for your situation.

Why Choose Ortho Las Vegas for Shoulder Pain Treatment?

When it comes to advanced shoulder care in Las Vegas, our approach stands out:

  • Dual Expertise in Orthobiologics and Surgery – Dr. McGee has extensive experience blending regenerative medicine approaches with traditional orthopedic techniques, giving you more comprehensive care options
  • Tailored Treatment Plans – We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all approaches—your treatment will be customized to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals
  • Trusted Provider Throughout Las Vegas – We serve patients from Summerlin, Paradise, Henderson, and beyond who are looking for advanced shoulder care

What to Expect from PRP or BMAC Shoulder Treatments

If you’re considering these treatments, here’s what the process typically looks like:

  1. Consultation – First, you’ll receive a full evaluation of your condition, including a physical exam and imaging if needed
  2. Treatment Session – PRP or BMAC procedures are performed in our office in a single visit
  3. Recovery –
    • With PRP, you’ll experience minimal downtime and can typically return to light activity within a few days
    • With BMAC, recovery may take a bit longer but offers more powerful regenerative effects
  4. Follow-Up Plan – We’ll discuss how often treatments might need to be repeated and any activity modifications that will support your healing

Ready for Real Shoulder Relief?

If you’re tired of cortisone shots that wear off and leave you back where you started, it’s time to explore your options for longer-term shoulder relief. Our patients in Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Henderson are finding lasting improvements with these advanced treatments.

Schedule a consultation at Ortho Las Vegas today to learn if PRP or BMAC might be right for your shoulder condition. Let’s move beyond temporary fixes and work toward a solution that actually addresses the source of your pain.

About the Author

Dr. Roddy McGee, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine from the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama. As a Las Vegas native, Dr. McGee brings his specialized expertise in shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle injuries to serve his hometown community at Ortho Las Vegas.

Dr. McGee completed his undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology at the University of Utah, where he also distinguished himself as a pitcher and outfielder on the university’s most successful baseball team in school history. After earning his medical degree from Midwestern University in Arizona, he completed his orthopedic surgery residency in Chicago at St. James’s Hospital before pursuing advanced fellowship training in sports medicine.

As the team physician for College of Southern Nevada and Bishop Gorman High School’s athletic programs, Dr. McGee brings extensive experience in treating sports-related injuries. He is also involved with the Justin Boots Sports Medicine team, providing care for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys, Professional Bull Riders, and the National Finals Rodeo. This diverse athletic experience informs his approach to treating both professional athletes and weekend warriors alike.

Dr. McGee specializes in minimally invasive arthroscopic and open surgical techniques, including:

  • Rotator cuff repair
  • ACL reconstruction
  • Tennis elbow surgery
  • Joint replacement for arthritis of the shoulder, knee, and hip

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. McGee serves as an adjunct professor at Touro University Nevada, where he actively teaches medical students and orthopedic surgery residents. He also contributes to advancing the field as a reviewer for the American Journal of Sports Medicine.

This combination of academic involvement, sports medicine specialization, and dedication to minimally invasive techniques makes Dr. McGee uniquely qualified to discuss advanced options for shoulder care that go beyond traditional treatments like cortisone injections.

  1. “Local and Systemic Side Effects of Corticosteroid Injections for Musculoskeletal Indications” https://ajronline.org/doi/10.2214/AJR.23.30458
  1. “PRP Treatment Efficacy for Tendinopathy: A Review of Basic Science Studies“ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5004020/