{"id":216520,"date":"2024-05-21T06:26:56","date_gmt":"2024-05-21T10:26:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentumhealth.ca\/prolotherapy\/"},"modified":"2026-04-01T09:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T09:53:13","slug":"prolotherapy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/momentumhealth.ca\/evidence-sport-and-spinal\/how-we-treat\/treatments\/prolotherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Prolotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What is Prolotherapy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prolotherapy, or proliferation therapy, is the injection of a solution to stimulate the growth of new cells to heal painful areas. Ligaments are the most common sites for injection although muscles and tendons can also be treated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ligaments contain many nerve endings, and surround our joints to connect bone to bone. Over time, ligaments can become slack from natural posture, daily activities or be injured by trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n

Will I benefit from this treatment?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

What do the injections consist of?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Who provides the injections?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

Prolotherapy injections are administered by our team of specially trained Medical Doctors and Nurse Practitioners.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Are there any risks?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 4 days when upright. Laying flat alleviates the headache.<\/p>\n

The other risk of consequence is the possibility of puncturing a lung, when injecting the upper part of your back. This is rare.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Is this painful?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

How Many Injections Will I Need?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

What Follow Up Treatments Are Needed?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Is there a cost?<\/h6><\/span><\/div>

At present, Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of prolotherapy. Please ask your physiotherapist about the current fee or contact the office. 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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

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If you’ve tried physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage and rest and your pain keeps returning, prolotherapy may help address the underlying instability causing your symptoms<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“It is an absolute privilege to work with patients who have often had a difficult pain journey. Hearing their stories, clarifying their pain sources, and addressing some of the root causes, are but some of the rewarding moments I share with patients everyday. I am thankful to be part of their rehabilitation team.”
– Eric Lavoie, NP (F\/AA), CROMIC (P\/S)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Download Referral Form<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Other Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Prolotherapy-momentum-health-calgary-ab\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Stay as active as possible without aggravating your condition. Break up tasks that bother you into shorter pieces e.g. vacuum one room at a time instead of doing the whole house at once. Walking every day is usually safe. For those who cannot tolerate walking, swimming or buoyant activity is a good way to stay active without irritating your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleep disturbance is common with chronic pain. Watch for signs of depression such as mood changes, decreased energy, appetite changes, decreased memory and concentration, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. Discuss these symptoms with your doctor as soon as they are apparent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti-inflammatory medications will block some of the effect of prolotherapy and should be avoided for at least two weeks after your treatment (six weeks is better). Tylenol, muscle relaxants and prescriptions for other health conditions can be continued under guidance of a physician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress or other stimulants such as cold medications can cause muscle tightening. Try to avoid these or consider relaxation training for stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure if prolotherapy is right for you?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Call Evidence North<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Call Evidence South<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Appointments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Please have your referring health care provider (physiotherapist, chiropractor, doctor etc) send a referral<\/a> to Evidence Sport and Spine. Our staff will contact you for booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your first appointment will be a consultation. At that visit, we will review your condition, perform a physical examination, and discuss a treatment plan. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and bring any previously completed copies of any X-ray or MRI reports and bring these to the first appointment.<\/strong> If you are late, we may not be able to fit you in, regardless of the distance you have travelled. There is a fee for not attending your scheduled appointment, or cancellation with less than 3 business days prior notice.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What should I wear and bring with me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the affected area. This will also be more comfortable afterward. There is often some pinpoint bleeding after the injections which could stain your clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For additional sources of information, see www.prolotherapy.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prolotherapy is most often used for chronic musculoskeletal injuries where ligaments, tendons, or joint structures have not fully healed with time and rehabilitation. By stimulating the body\u2019s natural repair response, prolotherapy can help strengthen connective tissue and improve joint stability reducing overall pain burden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions that may benefit from prolotherapy include:<\/p>\n\n\n