Sometimes we will see someone seeking help with shingles. While shingles is not something we treat extensively, I am familiar with effective approaches for managing this condition. Shingles presents as small blisters caused by a herpes-type virus. Although stem cell therapy is not typically used for this condition—and I have not tried it personally—we employ a blend of treatments to address the pain. Specifically, we make small injections, or “blebs,” around the affected area, which usually helps alleviate pain and speeds the healing of blisters. While I cannot promise results, we have often observed rapid relief from both pain and blisters.
For those suffering from shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia, we offer a non-pharmacological approach. Unlike some practices that rely on medications like gabapentin to mask the pain, we focus on targeted injections around the affected area, which can eliminate the pain.
A December 2025 study (1) evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Herpes zoster-associated neuralgia (HZN) treatment, and compares it to PRF alone.
Seven studies with 568 subjects showed that Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) combined with PRP relieved HZN-related pain better than Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) alone. Combined therapy also improved sleep, reduced the need for rescue analgesics, and had a similar rate of adverse events as traditional PRF.
Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF) combined with PRP is more effective than traditional radiofrequency pulse therapy for HZN, improving sleep quality and reducing the need for postoperative rescue analgesics. These results indicate that the combination may be a promising treatment option for HZN.
References
1 Lu Z, Zhao C, Ni H, Yao M. Efficacy and Safety of Pulsed Radiofrequency Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Pain Research. 2025 Dec 31:7213-24.