Prolotherapy FAQs

• What is contained in the injections?

  Most commonly, the procedure involves the injection of a dextrose solution and an anesthetic such as procaine but each treating physician will tailor the selection of injection substance according to the patient’s needs. (No cortisone or steroids are ever used)

• How do the injections work?

  This solution causes irritation and slight inflammation of the tissues. Your body naturally responds to this by mounting a repair process at that site, encouraging growth of new ligament or tendon fibers, resulting in a strengthening of the weakened structure. Additional treatments repair this process allowing a gradual buildup of tissue to restore the original strength to the area.

• What determines a patient’s response to Prolotherapy?

  Each patient must be evaluated thoroughly before treatment can be administered. Success with Prolotherapy depends on factors such as extent of trauma and damage to the effected area and the patients’ overall health and ability to heal.

• Which conditions are usually treated?

  Pain in the neck, back, shoulder, knee, elbow and ankle as well as some forms of chronic headache. Also, fibromyalgia, sports injuries like tennis elbow, whiplash, degenerative discs, carpel tunnel, polio, rotator cuff tears, sciatica, joint dislocation, TMJ dysfunction, heel spurs and arthritis.

• How many injections are needed?

  Typically four to six. Each session is usually spaced two to six weeks apart.

• How painful are the injections?

  Pain perception is a subjective measure, but most patients who have suffered with chronic pain problems find that the discomfort of the injections, while not pleasant, is entirely bearable. The mild discomfort passes fairly rapidly and can be reduced with pain relievers such as Tylenol.
  
  Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen, should not be used for pain relief post-injection because their action suppresses the desired inflammatory process produced by the injection.

• Are there any side effects?

  Some bruising and a feeling of stiffness or soreness around the injection site are routine. Some patients report numbness over the injection site and occasionally tingling or itching. These symptoms are temporary.

• Are there any risks to the procedure?

  Any time a needle is placed into the body, particularly when it is around spinal structures, there are risks of infection, bleeding and injury to nerves. We make every attempt to minimize these risks.

• When will I see benefits?

  About one-third of patients experience benefits immediately, then gradually improve with each successive visit. Most patients experience relief after multiple injections.

• What are my chances of improvement?

  Greater than 82% of people treated experience good or excellent results. Many cured permanently.

• Do I need someone to drive me home?

  Check with your physician.

• Can I return to work or activities the same day?

  Many people do return to work or normal activities the same day as treatment.

• Will my insurance cover Prolotherapy?

  Most insurance companies do not. Most people find that the cost is well worth the substantial improvement they experience.