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Prolotherapy Q & A

What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is an injection of an agent, usually concentrated dextrose (sugar water), into an area of pain/disease to promote cell healing and proliferation. Your A+ Athlete Sports Medicine provider injects the prolotherapy into injured or painful tissues to stimulate healing in a natural way. This procedure may reduce the need for surgery or other invasive treatments.  It typically is used for chronic non-healing or delaying healing ligament, tendon, or joint conditions.  It has been known about for approximately 100 years.

What is prolotherapy used for?

You might benefit from prolotherapy treatment if you struggle with:

  • Joint swelling

  • Hip pain

  • Knee pain

  • Shoulder pain

  • Ligament, tendon, or cartilage damage

  • Tendonitis

  • Arthritis

  • Severe strains or sprains

  • Other sports-related injuries

  • Age-related wear-and-tear

Prolotherapy is safe and effective for most people. The results you can expect are highly effective and long-lasting.

Is prolotherapy right for me?

To find out what’s causing pain in your joints or other body tissues, the A+ Athlete Sports Medicine team reviews your medical history, lifestyle habits, medications, and symptoms. They check your vital signs, complete a physical exam, and may order diagnostic tests — such as blood tests, joint-fluid testing, X-rays, an MRI, an ultrasound, or another imaging procedure. 

What happens during prolotherapy treatment?

During prolotherapy treatment, your A+ Athlete Sports Medicine specialist injects the dextrose into specific injured or painful tissues. You often need more than one injection and multiple treatment sessions to reap the most benefits after prolotherapy.

What should I expect after prolotherapy injections?

After prolotherapy treatment, you can resume normal activities immediately, as there’s no downtime afterward. Your provider informs you of your next injection appointment, if necessary.. Over the next few weeks and months, as new cells grow, you can expect less pain and improved musculoskeletal functioning.  During this time avoidance of anti-inflammatory medications is preferred to permit restorative healing.

You might be a candidate for additional treatments, such as acupuncture, medication prescriptions, physical therapy, injury specific exercises, bracing, medications, osteopathic manual treatment, massage, nutrition therapy, or additional injections. Your sports medicine physician tailors each treatment to your unique situation. 

To take advantage of prolotherapy treatment at A+ Athlete Sports Medicine, book an appointment by phone or online today.