PROLOTHERAPY
What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is the shortened version of “proliferative therapy”. It is the injection of healing substances into areas of tendons and ligaments near their attachments to bone. The most common solution used to trigger the healing process is concentrated dextrose (above 10%, typically 15-25%) which is sugar (glucose) in sterile water.
What conditions will it help?
Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy technique used for many different types of musculoskeletal pain including Osteoarthritis, tendonitis, partially torn tendons, ligaments & cartilage, heel spurs & plantar fasciitis, neuromas, Osgood Schlatter’s Disease, Shin Splints, medial knee pain, foot & ankle pain/injuries, knee injuries, deep aching pain, sports injuries.
How does prolotherapy work?
A concentrated dextrose solution is injected into the tendon/ligament attachment and results in a short increase in inflammation in that area. This in turn results in inflammatory cells triggering a “healing cascade” of substances the body makes. Fibrin, collagen and other renewing substances form; the result is healthy new tissue. This in turn “tightens” up the ligament or tendon so that it can do its job of supporting the joint properly, resulting in better function and less or no pain.
How quickly does it work?
You may have some pain and stiffness over the next 48 hours. After that, the pain begins to lessen. However, healing continues long after the injection, which is why the appointments are spread out about a month apart.
How often will I need to come?
Everyone is different and comes with a different condition and a different degree of pain. Some people occasionally only need one appointment. Others might need ongoing treatment as they gradually progress. The range is around 3-8 treatments.
How many injections will I get at any one time?
This varies from person to person and will depend on the extent of the pain. But typically, there are several injections at one visit, as all the painful areas of the affected joint(s) are treated.
Will it hurt?
Local anaesthetic helps to decrease the sensation of the prolotherapy injection. There is also some local anaesthetic included in the dextrose solution (as in “freezing” at the dentist), which quickly reduces local pain. Sometimes a pain medication or cream will be needed over the next 48 hours. We will do everything we can to make the injections as comfortable as possible.
Are there any risks associated with prolotherapy?
There are very few side effects or complications. However, some patients may experience a little light-headedness (not serious) or nausea (rare). There may be some bruising (not serious) or a little bleeding/oozing which will stop by applying some pressure. Some treatment stiffness may occur from the process of having an injection.
Let us know if any of the injection sites become increasingly red or painful. Temporary tingling or numbness from the medication is common, but it is very rare for any numbness to persist. There may be a temporary increase in pain.
- If you develop sudden shortness of breath, significant chest pain or major trouble breathing, you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room.
What is the cost?
The cost depends on the time required for the examination and injections, so please ask us about this. Typical prolotherapy treatments cost between $95 and $400. (excluding the consultation)
How will I feel after treatment?
Initially, you should notice a decrease in pain and an increase in your range of movement. Then as the local anaesthetic wears off, you could well be stiff and a bit sore for a few days. Remember, we are trying to stimulate the inflammatory (and healing) cascade of substances in your body, so this is in fact a good thing. Don’t plan on being too active for a day or two, to allow this process to have its maximum effect. Walking is fine. If you need some pain medication during this stage, we will advise you on what to use.
- Do not use heat or ice after treatment, we want to stimulate inflammation in the early stages.
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!
Prolotherapy (as mentioned in “how does prolotherapy work” above) causes a temporary inflammation in the tissues which is crucial in triggering the healing process. It is therefore very important not to take anti-inflammatory medication for a week prior to and after the injections.
Anti-inflammatory medication prevents the prolotherapy from working. These medications include the commonly available medications Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, Celebrex, Voltaren and other similar medications. Also included would be full-strength Aspirin, although baby Aspirin (100mg daily) taken for the prevention of heart disease may be taken.
