QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT PROLOTHERAPY

1. What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a little known but highly effective method of treating chronic ligament and tendon weakness. In Prolotherapy, the weakened areas are injected with a proliferant solution that directly stimulates the growth of healthy, strong tissues. The healing process can be expected to take about six weeks after the initial treatment. As the tendons and ligaments grow stronger and more capable of doing their tasks, the pain is alleviated.
 

2. I’ve heard of cortisone injections; is this the same thing?
We do not use cortisone with any of our patients. Long term studies have shown that cortisone injections actually weaken tissue, Prolotherapy solutions, called proliferants, cause the ligaments and tendons to be strengthened.
 

3. Will this treatment work for migraines?
Migraine headaches are often caused by ligament injuries to the neck. This same injury can also be the cause of other symptoms including pain reaching almost any part of the head and neck, visual blurring, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of balance, and other symptoms. A physiatrist can accurately determine whether these symptoms are caused by ligament injury and other factors. Migraines caused by ligament injury can be effectively treated with Prolotherapy.
 

4. What about sciatica pain?
The most common cause of pain radiating down the legs is not "sciatica" or sciatic nerve injury, but a weakness or injury to the ligaments that support the pelvic joint. This radiating or referred pain can be effectively treated by Prolotherapy.
 

5. How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies with each patient. Many of our patients have reported partial or complete relief of pain after only one session. Patients with a healthy immune system generally require fewer treatments. The average person requires 4 to 6 treatment sessions given at 4 to 6 week intervals.
 

6. Is Prolotherapy safe?
Prolotherapy 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 procedure. In Prolotherapy, the risks and side effects will vary depending on the area being treated, and the Prolotherapy doctor will discuss these possibilities fully with the patients during the pre-treatment consultation.
 

7. Will my insurance cover this?
That depends on the coverage your insurance provides. Most insurance companies will cover part of your Prolotherapy treatment.