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Shoulder Arthritis – Regenexx Phoenix

16620 North 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

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Patient FAQs

At Active Life Physical Medicine & Pain Center in Phoenix, AZ, physicians in the licensed Regenexx network offer nonsurgical procedures for individuals experiencing pain and mobility issues due to shoulder osteoarthritis. These treatments utilize image-guided delivery of Regenexx injectates, customized concentrations prepared from a patient’s cells, to help support the body’s natural healing response and preserve joint function.

Shoulder osteoarthritis affects nearly 1 in 4 adults, and traditional approaches like corticosteroid injections or shoulder replacement may offer limited long-term benefits. Research indicates that corticosteroids can accelerate joint damage by harming cartilage cells¹ and harm cartilage cells in arthritic joints²

Shoulder joint anatomy graphic with labels.
Shoulder joint anatomy – arthritis pain

16620 North 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032

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Doctors

As the medical director and founder of Active Life Physical Medicine and Pain Center, Innovative Surgery Center, and Regena Spa, Dr. Lundquist has great enthusiasm toward regenerative medicines and a special interest in sports medicine and pain. She loves her work and feels blessed to be entrusted to help patients by alleviating painful ailments.

Her desire is to uncover methods that are more healing and less of a “band aid,” which has led her to become a leader in regenerative medicine technologies. She feels strongly about the importance of seeking methods to help alleviate pain on every level – holistically.

Originally a massage therapist and, later, an osteopath, she has a strong foundation to alleviate patient’s pain. She is a “hands on” physician who implements osteopathic techniques when appropriate with other tools.

She is dual board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation along with pain management, as well as a diplomat with the American Board of Pain Medicine.

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Dr. Bonilla is a double board certified physician (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Interventional Pain Management) with over 20 years of experience treating musculoskeletal conditions and spine injuries in the state of Arizona. Dr. Bonilla prides himself on using the most important tools in Physical Medicine, listening carefully to his patient, and using his hands to perform a careful physical exam. He thoroughly educates his patients on their conditions and treatment options and is a very caring and personable physician, always ensuring his patients are as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Bonilla’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering from Alfred University in New York. He initially worked as a production engineer for DuPont Electronic Materials Inc. for four years. Although he enjoyed his work as an engineer, his passion was always in medicine. As an avid and passionate skateboarder, Dr. Bonilla witnessed and suffered many injuries in his younger years. He witnessed first hand how devastating injuries could be on an active person and he decided to switch careers and study medicine to be able to help people who suffer life changing injuries. Being born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Bonilla attended and graduated from University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He then moved to Pittsburgh, PA to complete his internship at UPMC-Mercy Hospital, followed by his residency in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Virginia.

Dr. Bonilla has been performing Regenerative Medicine for more than 18 years. He is trained and highly experienced in the use of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guided injections. He is also trained in the use of PRP and bone marrow concentrate, which contains your own stem cells, to promote the body’s natural ability to heal. Dr. Bonilla works part time at the Phoenix VA Hospital and enjoys helping Veterans with their musculoskeletal issues. He is married and has one son, currently serving as an US Army Honor Guard. He also has 3 step children and 2 grandchildren. As a passionate Mountain Biker for the last 20 years, Dr. Bonilla understands first hand how an injury can affect an individual’s lifestyle. He also enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors.

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Areas Treated

Cervical Spine (Not Upper Cervical or CCI)*, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Hand & Wrist, Hip, Knee, Lumbar Spine, Shoulder, Thoracic Spine

*This provider is NOT authorized by Regenexx to treat the C0-C1 or C1-C2 levels of the neck or CCI (craniocervical instability).

Woman in telemedicine consult with physician to see if she's a candidate for Regenexx for knee osteoarthritis.

Treating Shoulder Arthritis Without Surgery

Regenexx patients benefit from reduced pain and improved function, helping them avoid shoulder surgery.

Am I a candidate?

Surgery is not always the best path forward for managing shoulder arthritis. A long-term 2015 study followed 100 individuals for 13 years after undergoing shoulder surgery and found that levels of arthritis were no different than in those who had not had surgery³.

Shoulder replacement involves removing natural joint components and replacing them with artificial implants. This major procedure is invasive, carries a lengthy recovery period, and may lead to complications such as infection, nerve damage, and prosthetic failure. Notably, research shows that up to 40% of shoulder replacements in individuals under age 55 may fail within 10 years³.

Physicians at our Phoenix location offer procedures using Regenexx injectates as an alternative approach to managing degenerative shoulder arthritis. These image-guided treatments use concentrated platelets or bone marrow-derived cells to support the body’s ability to maintain and repair joint tissues.

This non-surgical option is particularly suited for individuals who want to:

  • Avoid major surgery
  • Reduce dependence on long-term prescription medications
  • Maintain joint stability and shoulder function
  • Remain active with fewer recovery disruptions

Because the procedure does not alter joint structure, it may help preserve natural biomechanics, key to maintaining long-term mobility and reducing the risk of future complications.

The cartilage in your shoulder is there to help reduce the friction in the joint and to cushion the bone. When cartilage starts to wear down or is injured by metabolic syndrome (i.e., overweight, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides), that’s called arthritis. It leads to chronic shoulder pain, stiffness, limited shoulder function, and decreased mobility.

What might surprise you is that it’s not the lost cartilage that causes the pain but rather the chemicals your body releases in response to inflammation.

Research suggests that those who have shoulder osteoarthritis before rotator cuff surgery for massive tears are at greater risk for retears and a much higher risk for progression of arthritis after surgery.(3) Additionally, a percentage of patients who don’t have shoulder arthritis prior to rotator cuff repair will develop it after the surgery.

When a bone begins to get spurs (osteophytes) — extra extensions of the joint that are your body’s reaction to instability — it is trying to stabilize the joint. So removing spurs is rarely a good idea

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Please note our procedures are only covered by self-funded health plans at this time.

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What about health insurance or medical benefits? What may be covered or reimbursed depends on the details of your plan. Insurance typically covers evaluations and diagnostic testing (if recommended) but most do not cover Regenexx Procedures. Some Employer specific Regenexx Benefits plans do also cover Regenexx Procedures. Your plan’s representative can help verify your benefits, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage.

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