Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint, and rotator cuff (RC) pathologies are one of the main causes. The RC undergoes various tendinopathic and avascular changes during the aging process. Other degenerative changes affecting its healing potential make it an appealing target for biological agents. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has demonstrated the potential to deliver a high concentration of several growth factors and anti-inflammatory mediators, and its clinical use is mainly supported by experiments that demonstrated its positive effect on muscle, ligaments, and tendinous cells. This review aimed to specify the role of PRP and its future applications in RC tendinopathies based on the current clinical evidence. Due to the different characteristics and conflicting outcomes, clinicians should use PRP with moderate expectations until more consistent evidence is available. However, it is reasonable to consider PRP in patients with contraindications to corticosteroid injections or those with risk factors for inadequate healing. Its autologous origin makes it a safe treatment, and its characteristics make it a promising option for treating RC tendinopathy, but the efficacy has yet to be established.

Primary glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis is a growing pathology with multifactorial aethiology that affects younger and older population. Treatment must be focused on reducing pain, regaining functionality, and slowing the course of the disease. Surgery and non-operative methods are available for treating it and are a frequent source of controversy, the latter being applied to patients with factors that may relatively contraindicate surgery. Practitioners must be acquainted with the therapeutic choices and the current status of the evidence. Given that nonsurgical therapy may be beneficial in relieving symptoms, it should be considered first-line treatment, particularly in low-demand individuals with symptoms that have shown themselves sub acutely. Literature is lacking of high quality evidence on this matter, and up to date, there have not been any high quality studies comparing different options. Optimal treatment of primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis depends on specifically patient´s needs, therefore a combination of all the resources available could represent the best option and result in better outcomes.