Frequently Asked Questions about Prolotherapy
The Pain Management and Anti-Aging Center
- What is injection therapy?
- Is injection therapy a new procedure?
- Is injection therapy safe?
- Will this treatment work for neck, shoulder, back, and pelvic pain??
- What about headaches and chronic tendonitis?
- Where can I learn more?
- How do I know if I am a good candidate for injection therapy?
A: Injection therapy is an injection treatment designed to stimulate healing of chronic ligament and tendon weakness. The painful weakened areas are injected with a proliferant, which is a solution that directly stimulates the growth of healthy, strong tissues. The healing process can be expected to take about 4 to 12 weeks after the initial treatment. As the tendons and ligaments grow stronger and more capable of doing their tasks, the pain is alleviated.
Q: Is injection therapy a new procedure?
A: Injection therapy is done effectively to thousands of patients routinely to help chronic pain. George S. Hackett, M.D. developed the technique in its current form in 1939, but treatments to promote normal healing of injuries and wounds date back to the days of Hypocrites.
A: Injection therapy is an extremely safe procedure. The risks are far less than taking aspirin or Motrin for a lifetime to temporarily alleviate chronic pain. There is, of course, at least a slight risk involved in any medical/surgical procedure. In injection therapy, the risks and side effects will vary depending on the area being treated and the doctor will discuss these possibilities fully with the patient during pre-treatment consultation.
Q: Will this treatment work for neck, shoulder, back, and pelvic pain?
A: Weakness or injury to the tendons and ligaments that support the spine and pelvis can be effectively treated by injection therapy. The radiating or "referred" pain from these support structures can also improve.
Q: What about headaches and chronic tendonitis?
A: Headaches caused by tendon or ligament weakness from injuries to the neck can be effectively treated with injection therapy. Chronic or recurrent tendonitis can be effectively treated with injection therapy to strengthen the weld of the tendon attachments to bone.
A: Here are some resources that we recommend:
- The American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine (AAOM)
- The American College of Osteopathic Pain Management & Sclerotherapy
- Prolotherapy.com, an informative site on Prolotherapy
- A Week in the Zone by Barry Sears
Q: How do I know if I am a good candidate for injection therapy?
A: Visit our Contact Us to email us or set up an appointment.
Top