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I have no pain at all in my shoulders
Shoulder Patient
Stem Cell Therapy for Shoulder Pain in Dallas: A Non-Surgical Option for Active Adults
Innovations Stem Cell Center was named Top Stem Cell Treatment Center In The USA by Life Sciences Review (2025 and 2026).
If shoulder pain is keeping you off the golf course, out of the pool, or awake at night when you roll onto that side, and you’ve been told surgery or a shoulder replacement is next, you may have another option to consider first. At our Dallas clinic, active adults 50+ are treated with stem cells from their own fat, injected into the shoulder by Dr. Bill Johnson using ultrasound guidance, plus an IV dose and acoustic wave therapy (AWT). The outpatient treatment day averages about 4 hours under local anesthesia.
The first treatment is $16,500, AWT included, and that one flat fee covers up to 4 joints that need treatment: for example, both shoulders, or a shoulder plus a knee. We only treat joints that actually have a problem. Many patients report improvement. Individual results vary.
The FDA has not approved the use of adult stem cells/SVF for any disorder, including shoulder conditions.
Call: 972-893-9849
Is Shoulder Surgery Your Only Option?
Most people with a painful shoulder try the usual steps first: rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatories and a cortisone shot or two. When those wear off, the conversation often turns to arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff repair or a shoulder replacement. Surgery helps many people, but it usually means a sling, weeks to months of rehab, and time away from the activities you care about. Many of our patients want to try a less invasive option first. Stem cell therapy may help some patients put off surgery. We can’t promise that, and if your shoulder looks better suited to a surgeon, Dr. Johnson will tell you so at your consultation.
Shoulder Conditions We Treat
- Shoulder osteoarthritis (glenohumeral and AC joint)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial tears
- Chronic shoulder bursitis
- Tendinitis, including biceps tendinitis
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Labral wear and old sports injuries
- Lingering pain after a previous shoulder surgery
Full-thickness, retracted rotator cuff tears usually need a surgeon; we’ll tell you if that’s what your imaging shows.
How Your Shoulder Treatment Day Works
- Consultation and review. We go over your history, imaging and goals, in person or by video.
- Fat harvest. Dr. Johnson removes a small amount of fat, usually from the abdomen, under local anesthesia.
- Processing. Your stem cells are separated from the fat in our Dallas lab while you rest.
- Ultrasound-guided injection. Dr. Johnson injects your cells into the shoulder using ultrasound so he can see where they go.
- IV dose. A portion of your cells is given by IV.
- Acoustic wave therapy. Our medical staff deliver AWT to the treated area.
The whole day averages about 4 hours. You go home (or to your hotel) the same day. Local patients can split AWT over several visits; out-of-town patients get everything in one day and can usually fly home the next morning.
Why We Add an IV Dose and Acoustic Wave Therapy
Every joint treatment includes an IV dose of your own cells, along with the joint injection. We also include acoustic wave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that sends sound waves into the tissue. Innovations brought acoustic wave therapy to the USA from Switzerland in 2005, and it’s included in your flat fee, not an add-on. Learn more about acoustic wave therapy.
One Flat Fee for Up to 4 Joints
Shoulder pain rarely shows up alone. Many of our patients also have a sore knee, hip or the other shoulder. Instead of paying per joint, you pay one fee:
| Price | |
|---|---|
| First treatment (up to 4 joints that need treatment, IV dose and AWT included) | $16,500 |
| Follow-up treatment | $10,000 |
We only inject joints with a real problem; a healthy joint isn’t treated just because the fee would allow it. Stem cell therapy is not covered by Medicare or private insurance. Financing is available. See all pricing or our multi-joint arthritis page.
Stem Cell Therapy vs. Shoulder Surgery
| Stem cell therapy at Innovations | Shoulder surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local | Usually general or a nerve block |
| Setting | Outpatient, about 4 hours | Hospital or surgery center |
| Incisions | Small fat harvest site, needle injection | Surgical incisions or arthroscopy ports |
| Sling and rehab | Usually no sling; normal light activity soon after | Often weeks in a sling, then months of rehab |
| Insurance | Not covered (cash, financing available) | Often covered, with deductibles and co-pays |
| Can you still have surgery later? | Yes | — |
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you have chronic shoulder pain from arthritis or rotator cuff wear, you’ve tried therapy or injections without lasting relief, and you’d like to delay or avoid surgery. Most of our patients are 50 and older. Active cancer or infection usually rules out treatment, and blood thinners may need to be adjusted beforehand. Dr. Johnson reviews every case before you book.
Recovery and What to Expect Afterward
Most patients have mild soreness at the harvest site and in the shoulder for a few days, and some bruising that can last 1 to 2 weeks. Most people return to light daily activity within a day or two; we’ll give you a plan for easing back into golf, tennis, swimming or lifting. Improvement, when it happens, tends to come gradually over the following weeks and months. Many patients report improvement. Individual results vary.
Dr. Johnson on Rotator Cuff Injuries
Dr. Johnson explains rotator cuff injuries and how stem cell treatment may help.
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We also treat knee pain and meniscus tears!
Meet Dr. Bill Johnson
Dr. Bill Johnson has been a physician since 1983 and has led Innovations Stem Cell Center since late 2012, nearly 14 years. He performs every fat harvest and ultrasound-guided joint injection himself. Read Dr. Johnson’s bio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy for Shoulder Pain
Does stem cell therapy work for shoulder pain?
Many patients with shoulder arthritis or rotator cuff wear report less pain and better motion after treatment, but it doesn’t help everyone and it is not FDA-approved for shoulder conditions. Individual results vary. Dr. Johnson will give you an honest opinion at your consultation.
How much does stem cell therapy for the shoulder cost in Dallas?
The first treatment is $16,500, with the IV dose and acoustic wave therapy included. That one fee covers up to 4 joints that need treatment, such as both shoulders or a shoulder plus a knee. Follow-up treatments are $10,000. Financing is available.
Does Medicare cover stem cell therapy for shoulders?
No. Medicare and private insurance do not cover stem cell therapy. It is a cash-pay treatment, and financing is available.
Can you treat both shoulders, or a shoulder and a knee, at the same visit?
Yes. The flat fee covers up to 4 joints that need treatment in the same treatment day. We only treat joints that have a real problem.
Can stem cells help a torn rotator cuff?
Stem cell therapy may help some patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy or partial tears. Large, full-thickness or retracted tears usually need a surgeon, and we’ll tell you if your imaging shows that.
Do you treat frozen shoulder?
Yes. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is treated at the same $16,500 flat fee, which covers up to 4 joints that need treatment, with the IV dose and acoustic wave therapy included.
How long is the treatment and recovery?
The treatment day averages about 4 hours under local anesthesia. Most patients go back to light activity within a day or two and have mild soreness for a few days.
Who performs the shoulder injection?
Dr. Bill Johnson performs the fat harvest and the ultrasound-guided shoulder injection himself. His medical staff deliver the acoustic wave therapy.
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Discover why you get MORE stem cells from your fat
Schedule Your Shoulder Consultation
Find out whether stem cell therapy makes sense for your shoulder, and whether any other joints should be treated at the same visit. Call (972) 893-9849 or schedule a consultation. Many patients report improvement. Individual results vary.
