Prolotherapy

It is important that a trained clinician performs an assessment, as conservative therapies should be considered first. The more information we have when you visit, the better judgement we can make about your treatment.

The injections consist of a mixture of a local anaesthetic and Dextrose. The Dextrose solution is a strong enough concentration to irritate the injected tissue to stimulate mild inflammation in the area, which is the first part of the healing process.

Prolotherapy injections are administered by our team of specially trained Medical Doctors and Nurse Practitioners, under ultrasound guidance.

The most common risks when puncturing skin, namely infection and bleeding, are very rare due to the small diameter of the needle that we use.

It is possible to enter the spinal canal, but this is rare, as injections directly over the middle of the spine are no longer used. If this happens, it may result in an intense headache for 2 – 4 days when upright. Laying flat alleviates the headache.

The other risk of consequence is the possibility of puncturing a lung, when injecting the upper part of your back. This is rare.

A very small percentage of the population is allergic to local anesthetic agents. If you think you are, please let your practitioner know.

An even smaller percentage of people are allergic to sugar, which is the source of medical Dextrose. Some people have expressed a concern about becoming too tight after the injections. This is not possible.

The injections are uncomfortable, but the local anaesthetic removes the pain quickly. In spite of this, or if you are having many levels injected, you may feel unable to tolerate the pain. If so, we will discuss alternatives.

Most patients in Calgary are able to drive themselves to and from the treatment and are able to return to work afterwards. Out of town patients should have a driver for their first treatment so they are able to change position as needed for the long drive home.

Most patients will feel stiff for a day or two afterwards. Changing position regularly, gentle activity, stretching, and heat are all that is usually required. If you are too stiff a muscle relaxant such as Robaxacet or pain medication such as Tylenol can be used. Please do not use anti-inflammatory painkillers (Advil, Ibuprofen, ASA, Celebrex etc).

Most men require three to six treatments. Women usually require six to nine treatments. Treatments are done weekly, biweekly, or monthly. You can expect to see improvement from the injections one to two months after the last injection.

It is very important to see your physiotherapist two to seven days after prolotherapy. This is to check joint mobility and settle any muscle spasm. Physiotherapy is also important one to two months after the last injection when the ligaments are tightening. At that time you will get longer lasting relief from the prolotherapy and be ready to start increasing your stretching and strengthening program.

At present, Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of prolotherapy. Please contact the clinic for our current rates. The fee varies depending on the number of areas treated. The fee will cover the cost of the procedure and materials used. Insurance plans vary, but as evidence and clinical success increases, more and more insurance companies will reimburse for the treatment. There is a fee to replace lost receipts. Payment must be made at the beginning of each office visit. We do not direct bill your insurance company, nor does WCB pay for prolotherapy.