Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine

Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine

Shoulder Pain Doctor in Michigan Non-Surgical Care From Board-Certified Doctors

The shoulder is one of the most complicated, and most flexible joints of the human body. The shoulder not only has to maintain the connection between the torso and the arm, it helps the neck to support the head and adds to body strength when the muscles in the arm are used.

★ 4.7 Google rating · Board-certified physicians · Rochester Hills & Grand Rapids

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What causes shoulder pain, and how can regenerative medicine help?

Shoulder pain often comes from rotator cuff tendon problems, partial tears, arthritis, bursitis, or an old injury that never fully healed. Our physicians start with an exam and imaging, then discuss non-surgical options such as PRP, bone marrow (stem cell) treatment, or prolotherapy, placed with ultrasound guidance. Results vary.

The shoulder is one of the most complicated, and most flexible joints of the human body. The shoulder not only has to maintain the connection between the torso and the arm, it helps the neck to support the head and adds to body strength when the muscles in the arm are used. There is a lot that can go wrong with the shoulder, and when something does go wrong the services of a shoulder pain doctor in Michigan or elsewhere are needed.

Examining the Complex Anatomy of the Shoulder Joint

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The shoulder is actually made up of five separate bones – the humerus (upper arm), acromion, coracoid, clavicle (collar bone) and scapula (shoulder blade). These five bones move in harmony in order to create the shoulder’s flexibility.

In order for these bones to support the arm, neck, head and torso they are connected to the rest of the body by a series of muscles and ligaments. Broken bones in the shoulder (except, perhaps, for the collar bone) are not common, but tears in the muscles and ligaments are.

Even mundane tasks can cause shoulder issues, but repeated, repetitive use of the shoulder joint is the most common cause for which a shoulder doctor in Michigan may be needed. Minor strains of the shoulder muscles need time to recover, and if that time is not given then the tears will get worse and as a result, pain will ensue. Ligaments also may be placed under strain and tear away from the bone. Rehabilitation from shoulder injuries is typically slow, as nearly every use of the upper body involves the shoulder in some way.

If You are Seeking Help from a Shoulder Pain Doctor in Michigan Contact MCRM

Here at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine we can put you in touch with one of our highly experienced shoulder pain doctors in the Michigan area. We are able to offer you a number of natural techniques that will ease and even reduce your shoulder pain.

If you have consulted your physician about your shoulder pain then you may have been told that the ‘only’ solution available to you is surgery and/or pain medication. We implore you to consult a shoulder pain doctor in Michigan at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine in order to discuss alternatives first. We will do all we can to reduce your shoulder pain, and to get your shoulder functioning back to the way in which it should.

Who May Be a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate if shoulder pain from a tendon problem, partial tear, arthritis, or old injury limits your daily activities, and rest, physical therapy, or medication have not given lasting relief.

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial tears
  • Shoulder arthritis, including AC joint arthritis
  • Bursitis and impingement
  • Lingering pain after a shoulder injury or dislocation

A complete, full-thickness rotator cuff tear or a very unstable shoulder may need a surgical opinion, and your physician will tell you if that is the case. Learn more about our shoulder pain doctors.

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Conditions

Shoulder Conditions Our Physicians Evaluate

Shoulder pain has many sources. Your exam and imaging determine which treatment fits.

Knee Pain & Arthritis

Knee arthritis and old injuries can limit walks and stairs. An exam shows which options fit.

Shoulder & Rotator Cuff

Shoulder symptoms can come from tendons, the joint or nerves, so diagnosis comes first.

Back, Spine & SI Joint

Back discomfort does not always start in a disc. Careful evaluation guides the next step.

Hip & Other Joints

Hip, elbow and ankle concerns are reviewed with your history, exam and imaging.

Sports & Auto Injuries

Lingering problems after a sports injury or car accident get a full evaluation.

Nerve Symptoms & More

Neuropathy, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and more. Browse every condition we evaluate.

Patient reviews

What Our Patients Say

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Gwendolyn Botardo profile picture
Gwendolyn Botardo
5 days ago
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Dr. Santa Ana is very kind. He demonstrates advanced professional skill in the administration of regenerative medicine. The decompression and stem cell treatment provided for my hip pathology were executed with the highest level of competence. God bless Dr. JSA, and his staff: Heidi and Jennifer, thank you for your care and compassion. The CRNA who kept me comfortable and safely sedated- Amanda{?} - sorry if I forgot your name- a testimony to your great Versed execution. Alexus and Brie, thank you. CC: Cathy> appreciate how you easily share your peaceful zen and help to place those in your presence at ease. Awesome team! Thank you, All ; ) ~ GBS
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Evelyn Rose profile picture
Evelyn Rose
16 days ago
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My sister Benita Allen and I are patients of Dr. Robert Farhat. We just wanted to say how much we appreciate Dr. Farhat. He is patient, caring, and very thorough. We travel out of our way just to see him. His exceptional care and honesty are very refreshing. We trust him completely and would recommend him to anyone seeking pain management. The staff is also very professional and easy to work with.
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Peter Lynde profile picture
Peter Lynde
31 days ago
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Excellent experience with Dr. Farhat at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. Experienced, knowledgeable and patient. I highly recommend him and the Center.
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frank deblock profile picture
frank deblock
55 days ago
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Dr. Nemeth and Kelly are the kindest people. They understand and listen to what you have to say. I'm so glad he was able to get back to helping us with chronic pain.
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Cindy Jubeck profile picture
Cindy Jubeck
135 days ago
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Dr Nabity is one of the most caring, patient, & thorough doctors around! Highly recommended he & his team!
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Christopher Micakovic profile picture
Christopher Micakovic
152 days ago
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Dr. Farhat is knowledgeable, compassionate, and genuinely cares about helping patients improve their quality of life. The office is well organized, appointments are handled professionally, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.
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Tony Coy profile picture
Tony Coy
210 days ago
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Dr Nabity and his staff are great. They take the time to expansively listen and share knowledge about conditions, injuries, and treatments. I can tell Dr Nabity is passionate about helping his clients and avoiding surgery if possible. He’s clear about plan of action / plan of healing and that has helped me a lot! I feel more comfortable with my health and moving forward because of Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. I highly recommend.
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T Baugh profile picture
T Baugh
467 days ago
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Dr Farhat is the best when it comes to pain management. He is a doctor that actually listens and he truly cares about his patients. The staff goes above and beyond to help. Excellent medical team. I highly recommend!
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Judith Schwagle profile picture
Judith Schwagle
481 days ago
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Dr. Nabity is awesome! He spent over an hour with my husband and me going over my MRI’s for hip issues and all other information. He explained everything about PRP and answered all my questions. While we were there, he even checked out my husband’s hip problem too and gave him suggestions as well. I am very pleased with the plan of action we chose together. Looking forward to healing!!
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Patti Eisenbraun profile picture
Patti Eisenbraun
1129 days ago
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I found Dr. Santa Ana very helpful. I had a condition that is rarely seen and he did research on his own to make sure that I would receive the proper treatment. He’s very kind and his bedside manner is very spectacular. You can tell he really cares.
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Christopher Nofar profile picture
Christopher Nofar
1147 days ago
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Great experience, first time patient. Dr. Santa Ana was a pleasure to work with. Very informative, explained diagnoses and treatment plans at length, and walked me through my treatment step by step. Front office staff were pleasant and easy to work with. Looking forward to my future treatments.
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Patrick Medado profile picture
Patrick Medado
2211 days ago
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In an effort to use time at home towards bettering myself, I may have overdid it with the online workouts. I was able to get a telemedicine appointment with Dr. Santa Ana quickly and he was able to diagnose me online. His line of questioning showed me he was very knowledgeable and ultimately diagnosed me with a muscle strain which eased my fears. Great bedside manner. I highly recommended to anyone looking for genuine honesty and compassion in their care.
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Mark Rodriguez profile picture
Mark Rodriguez
3168 days ago
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Dr. checked up on me soon after the injection, and was notably concerned about my pain levels and well being. I would consider Dr. Nabity at the top of the list of cutting edge treatments, a caring bedside manner, and someone that I would recommend to anyone that I care about.
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In Their Words

We were amazed at how thorough the explanation of the recommended procedure was. I knew just what would happen and what I was agreeing to.

Steve G. Regenerative medicine patient

This doctor is very professional, using layman’s terms and taking his time with my parents to fully explain everything, and in answering all our questions!

Rosanna Windsor, Ontario · Family of a stem cell patient

Dr Nabity answered every question/concerns I had prior to the procedure in detail. If you leave a message for him he always calls you back himself.

Connie H. New Baltimore, MI · Stem cell patient

Excerpts from our patient testimonials.

Individual results vary. Reviews reflect each patient’s own experience.

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Your visit

Your Path to Treatment

Most visits follow four simple steps. Our team guides you through each one and answers questions along the way.

1. Consultation

Meet your physician, talk through your symptoms, and review your history and goals.

2. Diagnosis & Imaging

Ultrasound or other imaging helps identify the source of your pain.

3. Treatment

If regenerative treatment fits your shoulder, your physician places it precisely with ultrasound guidance and gives you a rehab plan.

4. Follow-Up

Check-ins track your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Insurance & cost

Insurance, Self-Pay, and Clear Pricing

We accept many major insurance plans for consultations, testing, and many spine and joint procedures. Regenerative treatments such as PRP and stem cell therapy are usually self-pay, so you get a clear estimate before you decide.

Usually billed to insurance

  • Consultations and office visits
  • EMG and nerve testing
  • Epidural, facet, and SI joint injections
  • Nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve stimulators

Usually self-pay

  • PRP and stem cell therapy (BMAC)
  • Prolotherapy
  • PRP hair restoration
  • Stem cell banking

Self-pay options include prompt-pay discounts, payment plans, and HSA or FSA funds for eligible expenses.

Plans we accept

  • PPO Trust

UMR coming soon. Blue Care Network plans require a referral. Coverage varies by plan and service, so call Rochester Hills (248) 216-1008 or Grand Rapids (616) 288-1109 and we will check your benefits.

Why patients choose Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine

  • Board-certified physicians Every procedure is performed by a board-certified physician, not a technician.
  • Image-guided precision Ultrasound or fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance places treatment exactly where it is needed.
  • Your own cells, prepared on site Platelets and bone marrow cells are processed in our in-house lab during your visit.
  • Results we track We have reported patient outcomes to the DataBiologics registry since 2019.
  • Clear, upfront pricing Itemized estimates before treatment, prompt-pay discounts, and payment plans.
  • Physicians who teach physicians Our doctors teach orthobiologic courses and helped write national back pain guidelines.

Our physicians

Meet Your Care Team

Thomas Nabity, MD, board-certified physician

Thomas Nabity, MD
Board-certified physician

John Santa Ana, DO, board-certified physician

John Santa Ana, DO
Board-certified physician

Robert Farhat, DO, board-certified physician

Robert Farhat, DO
Board-certified physician

Kevin M. Nemeth, MD, board-certified physician

Kevin M. Nemeth, MD
Board-certified physician

John Steele, MD, board-certified physician

John Steele, MD
Board-certified physician

Christopher Hannasch, DO, board-certified physician

Christopher Hannasch, DO
Board-certified physician

Credentials & memberships

Training You Can Look Up

Board certification shows a physician completed specialty training and passed independent exams. Our physicians go further, with added certifications and memberships in orthobiologics, musculoskeletal ultrasound and electrodiagnostic medicine. Each program is run by an independent organization, so you can see exactly what it requires.

PM&R Board Certification

Board certification in physical medicine and rehabilitation, the specialty focused on restoring function.

Pain Medicine Board Certification

Board certification in pain medicine, covering evaluation and treatment of complex pain conditions.

IOF Certification Courses

Advanced knee, hip and spine certification courses in image-guided orthobiologic procedures.

IOF Instructors & Training Hub

Our physicians teach other doctors as IOF instructors, and our Rochester Hills clinic hosts training.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

Certified in diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, the imaging used to guide our treatments.

Electrodiagnostic Medicine

Board certification in electrodiagnostic medicine, the specialty behind EMG and nerve testing.

American Academy of PM&R

The national society for physiatrists, physicians focused on restoring movement.

Interventional Pain (ASIPP)

A society that sets education and practice standards for interventional pain medicine.

Orthopaedic Medicine (AAOM)

A physician group focused on non-surgical musculoskeletal care, including prolotherapy.

DataBiologics Registry

We report patient outcomes to a national orthobiologics registry to track results over time.

Patient stories

Hear From Our Patients

Patients describe their own experiences with care at the Michigan Center for Regenerative Medicine. Individual results vary.

Patient Testimonial

Patient Testimonial

FAQ

Shoulder Pain Questions

Answers to common questions from Michigan patients. Your physician can address your specific situation during a consultation.

What causes shoulder pain?

Common causes include rotator cuff tendinopathy and tears, arthritis, bursitis, impingement, and old injuries that never fully healed.

Can PRP help a rotator cuff injury?

PRP may help some patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy or partial tears, especially alongside rehab. Results vary.

Do I need an MRI first?

Not always. Your physician may use an exam, X-rays, or diagnostic ultrasound, and will tell you if an MRI is needed.

Can regenerative treatment help me avoid shoulder surgery?

For some patients it may. A complete tear or an unstable shoulder may still need surgery, and your physician will be honest about which applies.

Are shoulder injections image-guided?

Yes. Our physicians use ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to place treatment precisely.

How long is recovery?

Most patients return to light activity soon after treatment, then follow a gradual rehab plan over several weeks.

Does insurance cover regenerative shoulder treatment?

Regenerative treatments are usually self-pay. Some conventional joint injections can be billed to insurance.

Do you treat shoulder pain in Grand Rapids?

Yes. Shoulder care is available at both our Rochester Hills and Grand Rapids offices.

Where are your offices?

Rochester Hills: 355 Barclay Cir, Suite A, (248) 216-1008. Grand Rapids: 1000 E. Paris Ave SE, Suite 221, (616) 288-1109.

How do I schedule a consultation?

Call (248) 216-1008 for Rochester Hills or (616) 288-1109 for Grand Rapids, or use the short form on this page.

A doctor in a white coat sits at a desk across from a patient during a consultation.

Still Have Questions?

Talk with our team about your shoulder symptoms and which options may fit.

Grand Rapids: (616) 288-1109
Rochester Hills: (248) 216-1008

Keep learning

Related Regenerative Medicine Articles

From a Torn Meniscus to the Kona Finish Line: Heather’s Ironman Story

After PRP for a torn meniscus, Heather trained for and finished the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. Here is her comeback story.

Read the article

What Is Stem Cell Therapy and Could You Benefit From It?

Learn what stem cell therapy is, how bone marrow concentrate is used to support healing, which conditions it may help and how to find out if you are a candidate.

Read the article

A Nonsurgical Approach for Painful Joints with Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a nonsurgical injection treatment that aims to strengthen ligaments and tendons and relieve chronic joint pain. Learn how it works and who it may help.

Read the article

Next step

Find Out if Regenerative Shoulder Care Is Right for You

Answer a few short questions and our team will contact you to schedule a consultation.

Share your symptoms and goals in the short form.

Our team contacts you to schedule a consultation.

Meet a board-certified physician in Grand Rapids or Rochester Hills.

★ 4.7 Google ratingBoard-certified physiciansTwo Michigan clinics

Prefer to talk?Rochester Hills (248) 216-1008Grand Rapids (616) 288-1109

Free webinar replay

Watch: Pain Management Treatment Strategies

Watch the replay of our physicians’ webinar on pain management treatment strategies.

Our physicians host free webinars with live Q&A. Watch any past webinar on demand, or call us to ask about the next date.

Our locations

Visit Our Michigan Clinics

Rochester Hills Clinic

355 Barclay Cir, Suite A
Rochester Hills, MI 48307

(248) 216-1008

Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm

Grand Rapids Clinic

1000 E. Paris Ave SE, Suite 221
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

(616) 288-1109

Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm

Areas we serve

Shoulder Pain Care Near You

Patients visit our Rochester Hills and Grand Rapids clinics from across Michigan.

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