Prolotherapy

Call us today 417-887-8075

You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.

How do you know prolotherapy may be right for you?

You have muscle or joint conditions that need to be repaired.

Your pains have pain.

You want to accelerate your body’s natural healing process.

You’re looking for a minimally invasive solution and want to avoid orthopedic surgery.

Schedule an appointment Have a question? Talk to a rep.

What health conditions may prolotherapy help?

Prolotherapy is a non-steroid injection that naturally encourages the body to heal common health conditions like:

Achilles tendonosis
Ankle and foot issues
Carpal bone instability
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cervical spine issues
Chronic hamstring strains/tears
Chronic IT band tendonosis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Disc Disease
Elbow issues
Finger and thumb arthritis
Golfer’s Elbow
Hip and pelvis issues
Joint instability
Knee issues
Labral tears
Lumbar spine issues
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
Osteoarthritis
Pain after surgery
Peripheral meniscal tears
Pes anserine tendonosis
Plantar fasciitis
Recurrent shoulder subluxations
Rib Dysfunction
Rotator cuff issues
Runner’s knee
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Shoulder issues
Spondylosis
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
Tennis Elbow
Thoracic spine issues
Triceps tendonosis
Whiplash
Wrist and hand issues

HOW DOES PROLOTHERAPY DIFFER FROM OTHER INJECTIONS?

Prolotherapy is a type of regenerative medicine that uses injections to strengthen the ligaments and tendons after an injury or overuse.

While there are several different formulations used in prolotherapy, a common one is made of hypertonic dextrose (a concentrated sugar solution) and lidocaine (a numbing agent). By activating the body’s self-healing properties, prolotherapy treatments can help get you on the path to new mobility and healing. The exact way that prolotherapy works is subject to ongoing research. However, a common hypothesis is that prolotherapy stimulates the release of growth factors in response to cellular irritation.

Prolotherapy is an outpatient procedure. You will be able to go home soon after your treatment.
Prior to your Prolotherapy injection, your skin will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe. You will then receive a local anesthetic to the area being treated.

Here is how the Prolothrerapy procedure works:

1. The skin is prepped with the alcohol wipe and local anesthetic.

2. The prolo solution is injected into the affected area.

The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes including prep time.

Please click HERE for a printable version of important guidelines from your doctor to follow after your Prolotherapy treatment.

Is prolotherapy right for you?

Surgery shouldn’t be a first option. Neither should a prescription.

Any patient who has suffered a joint, muscle, or connective tissue injury may be a good candidate for prolotherapy.

Prolotherapy is effective at decreasing or, in many cases, eliminating pain for individuals with connective tissue and joint injuries like osteoarthritis, muscle pain, and tendon pain. However, we do not recommend prolotherapy treatments for rheumatoid arthritis or for patients suffering from autoimmune diseases. Sparing these exceptions, prolotherapy is regarded as a safe alternative to steroid injections that speeds up the body’s own healing process.

Our prolotherapy injections do not have the same adverse reactions as steroids. Long term use of steroid injections can lead to cartilage loss, as well as changes in skin and subcutaneous fat near the injection site. More rarely, joint steroid injections can lead to bone death, osteoporosis, and hormonal imbalances.

At Loehr Health Center, we will help guide you through your treatment process which includes an exam, consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. We may order additional imaging or diagnostic testing, and our regenerative medicine providers will help you determine which treatment is right for you.

We value your health. If prolotherapy is not a recommended treatment option for you or you would benefit from co-treating with other specialists, our physicians will refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Understand your prolotherapy care.

Prolotherapy FAQs and Answers

What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy uses the process of regenerating cells to restore or establish normal function. This procedure injects natural irritants into an injured area to trigger the body’s own healing process. Prolotherapy treatment can be used on many areas of the body, such as the shoulders, neck, and knees. While there are several different formulations used in prolotherapy, a common one is made of hypertonic dextrose (a concentrated sugar solution) and lidocaine (a numbing agent). By activating the body’s self-healing properties, prolotherapy treatments can help get you on the path to new mobility and healing.

I read that it is recommended that patients not take NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications ex. ibuprofen) for 48 hours before a prolotherapy injection. Why?

NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications) may decrease the effectiveness of the prolotherapy injection. Notify your doctor prior to your injection if you have taken any NSAIDS to discuss your treatment options.

How long does it take to see results after a Prolotherapy injection?

Patients usually see improvement within two to four weeks of receiving a prolo injection. If necessary, your doctor may recommend another injection four to six weeks after your prior injection.

Will the injection hurt?

Patients will feel discomfort during the injection—similar to getting a vaccination. Prolotherapy may cause mild swelling, inflammation, and aches for several days after the injections. This is normal, and this temporary inflammation is an important part of the regenerative process. The ache will soon subside and will leave you feeling even better than before.

Will I need an escort the day of the procedure?

No, you will not need an escort the day of receiving a prolotherapy injection. We do not use anesthesia, only topical numbing creams. You will be alert and able to drive after the procedure.

Is it okay to take pain relievers after a prolotherapy procedure?

You should not take any anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen before or after your treatment.
If you receive a prolotherapy injection, do not take NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications) for at least seven days after your procedure.

Prolotherapy works by stimulating the body’s inflammatory responses to trigger healing, so taking an anti-inflammatory medication will reduce the efficacy of the treatment.

What can I do to help alleviate pain after a Prolotherapy injection?

Some swelling post-injection is normal. This is the body’s immune system working. You may use a cold compress a few times per day for ten to twenty minutes at a time to help decrease pain and swelling.

May I wash or bathe the injection site after a Prolo injection?

If possible, avoid washing the injection site for a minimum of 24 hours after an injection. Patients should also avoid the use of skincare and hair products at the injection site for at least 24 hours. Individuals who received a spinal injection should avoid submerging the injection site for 72 hours. Avoid using hair coloring products for one week, if applicable.

When can I return to exercising after a Prolotherapy injection?

Patients should not resume exercise in the joint that was injected for approximately two weeks after a prolotherapy injection.
Patients may be advised to wear a brace or sling to immobilize the affected joint. Patients may also be advised to use crutches if they receive an injection at the ankle, knee, or hip.

Are prolotherapy treatments covered by insurance?

Prolotherapy treatments are not covered by most insurance companies. However, we do not want cost to be a hindrance to receiving care. If cost is a concern, please contact our billing department by CLICKING HERE, and they will review your financial options with you.

Depending on your particular needs and the number of joints to be treated, the average cost at our clinic can range from $150.00 to $450.00 per syringe.
Usually, an area will need one to two syringes per treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients see improvement after one to two treatments. Your doctor will let you know if additional prolotherapy treatments are needed.

I am scheduled for a prolotherapy appointment at Loehr Health.
Do you have a copy of the flyer with directions to follow BEFORE my prolotherapy treatment?

Please click HERE for a printable version of important guidelines from your doctor to follow after your prolotherapy injection.

I’ve received a prolotherapy injection at Loehr Health.
Do you have a copy of the flyer with directions to follow AFTER my prolotherapy treatment?