Prolotherapy FAQs
What is Prolotherapy?
The term is a short one for proliferative therapy. Is a nonsurgical treatment which involves injecting a substance which acts as a “growth factor” to cause proliferation (growth) of cells and tissue to stabilize and strengthen weakened joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The injected solution intentionally causes controlled irritation in the injected tissue. By this irritation, an inflammatory response occurs, which increases the blood supply and thereby stimulates the tissue to heal and regrow new tissue.
How does prolotherapy work?
The injected solution causes irritation in a controlled manner leading to rapid production of collagen and cartilage. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body that is a necessary element for the formation of new connective tissue—the tissues that holds our skeletal infrastructure together. These tissues include, tendons, ligaments, muscle fascia and joint capsular tissue
How safe is Prolotherapy?
No serious side effects from Prolotherapy have been reported in the medical literature despite millions of Prolotherapy treatments given. Prolotherapy is not dangerous, Prolotherapy cures chronic pain. The usual side effects such as infection( if doctor does not keep a clean environment) and transient pain which occurs with every other injection procedures can occur otherwise there are no serious side effects.
Will prolotherapy work for me?
Prolotherapy is effective in markedly reducing or curing musculoskeletal pain 80-90% of the time. If you have tried physical therapy, steroid injections, viscus supplementations and your only option is surgery, such as a surgical fusion or the destruction of a nerve. Then why don’t you try prolotherapy ? considering the success rate
How do I know the prolotherapy is working?
You will notice an improvement in your pain, function, stiffness, strength and imaging studies will also show some improvement.
How many visits are necessary, and how frequent are they scheduled?
Most conditions are treated with 4-8 visits, but some conditions may take more. The timing of visits varies from weekly to every 2 weeks or more. Rarely, 10-15 visits may be required as long as progress is being made
How long does it take to know if my treatment is working?
Patients occasionally experience a great deal of relief after their first two injection; most, however, note improvement after 3-4 injections, with the duration of treatment then determined by the rate of progress. Studies suggest a success rate of greater than 50% improvement in pain level in 80-90% of patients..
Is Prolotherapy expensive?
Compared to many treatments that are much less permanent and carry greater risk, it is very cost-effective.However, it is not covered by most insurance so patients get the service by cash/fee for service but it is worth the treatment as most patients will say.
Will Prolotherapy improve my loose joints?
Prolotherapy has been shown to increase the ligaments around joints by approximately 30-40% in strength and mass. This can remarkably improve torn ankle, knee, and other ligaments. Even if there is minimal pain with some of these injuries, the weakness can ultimately tear further and create greater dysfunction. Many athletes utilize Prolotherapy to strengthen their weak ligamentous tissues to reduce future risk of tears and injury.
