Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy
What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a non surgical injection therapy that is very effective for treating joint pain. It promotes the healing of damaged ligaments, joints and soft tissues. Prolotherapy starts the bodies healing process through mild controlled inflammation. This healing process strengthens, tightens, stops pain and heals damaged tissues.
What is Injected?
Prolotherapy uses natural substances to induce healing. At Lake Stevens Natural Medicine we use dextrose, lidocaine and nutrients at different percentages depending on your joint health and your body’s particular needs. Dextrose is a natural irritant that helps reduce/resolve nerve pain along with promoting tissue healing without surgery.
What to expect after Prolotherapy
It is common to experience some soreness, stiffness, mild swelling, or even increase pain after a prolotherapy treatment. In some people this may last for up to 2 weeks. After 2 weeks ligaments will tighten and pain reduction will occur.
Expected Treatment:
Most people need 3-6 treatments spaced out every 4 weeks to resolve pain and to heal tissues. Remember, healing a ligament or joint takes time!
Want to know what we can do for you?
Conditions That Prolotherapy Can Help:
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- Joint injuries
- Arthritis
- Torn meniscus
- Sprained ankles
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labral tears
- Tennis elbow
- Golfers Elbow
- Unstable Joints
- Ect.
Prolotherapy is an exciting treatment that can help you to reduce, if not resolve, your pain all without surgery or drugs that may do more harm in the all run than good. It helps keep you active, allowing you to live life to the fullest.
Prolotherapy FAQ
Success rate of Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy has about an 80% success rate.
How many treatments will I need?
This is different from patient to patient. Most patients need 3-6 prolotherapy treatments to be pain free. Some patients require only 1-2 treatments to fully heal, but these are typically younger patients.
How long does it take Prolotherapy to work?
Patients’ should be seeing changes in their symptoms 2-4 weeks after their first treatment. Pain will continue to improve after each treatment.
How often should I receive Prolotherapy?
For most patients, getting prolotherapy every 4-6 week works the best.
Does insurance cover Prolotherapy?
Generally, insurance companies do not cover Prolotherapy. Check with your insurance provider for details.
What conditions is Prolotherapy good for?
- Joint injuries
- Arthritis
- Torn meniscus
- Sprained ankles
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labral tears
- Tennis elbow
- Golfers Elbow
- Unstable Joints
- Many more, shedule to find out
Am I a candidate for Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is great for treating Osteoarthritis in all locations. It’s wonderful for healing, damaged cartilage, and ligaments (see conditions listed in the question above).
Who is not a candidate for Prolotherapy?
- People with infected joints.
- People that have non-healing wounds.
- Patients with Cancer.
- Patient with an autoimmune condition.
- Patients on anticoagulants.
Is Prolotherapy the same thing as a cortisone shot?
No, prolotherapy is a proliferative therapy, meaning it helps tissues heal. Cortisone just stops inflammation. Note that cortisone also thins tissues and ligaments, possibly leading to further issues in the future.
How will I feel after treatment?
You may be bruised achy and sore. These symptoms can last a couple days.
Can I drive after Prolotherapy?
Yes, but you may be a little stiff from the procedure.
How long after treatment can I work out or play sports?
Generally, the time is 2 weeks. The tissues need time to heal before you stress them.
What should I do the day of treatment?
Have a snack an hour before treatment. Make sure you are hydrated and wear loose fitting clothes that can be moved to get to the treatment area.
I'm ready! What are the next steps?
Excellent! START HERE.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to us.