Everything You Need to Know About Prolotherapy: Why It’s Beneficial, Side Effects & Cost

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy that harnesses a person’s own innate ability to heal. A combination of dextrose (sugar-water) and local anesthetic is injected right into the damaged tissue, which stimulates healing and the production of new, healthy tissue. Prolotherapy increases joint stability, ultimately improving function and decreasing pain.

Anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery and other traditional approaches often fail to stabilize the joint and relieve pain permanently, which makes prolotherapy an excellent alternative option since it addresses the root cause of the issue. Prolotherapy has the unique ability to directly address the cause of instability and repair the weakened sites, resulting in permanent stabilization of the joint. When injected precisely into the site of pain or injury, these techniques create a mild, controlled inflammation that stimulates the body to lay down new tendon or ligament fibres, resulting in a strengthening of the weakened structure. When the joint becomes stronger, pain is relieved.

Why Is It Beneficial?

Prolotherapy improves the strength of the joint which will help with stability and improve overall movement and function of the back and joints, thus decreasing or fully removing any pain you may be experiencing as well.

Prolotherapy is an all-natural, permanent treatment, as it relies on the body repairing itself to reduce pain. In contrast, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications only provide temporary relief. Similarly, surgical options do not always work to stabilize a joint fully.

For these reasons, our SW Calgary patients find many benefits to using prolotherapy treatments

What Are The Side Effects?

There have been few reported side effects from prolotherapy. In rare cases, the worst side effect is an infection at the site of injection. A potential infection will show through fever and pain, and it is usually easy to treat with antibiotics.

Another side effect may be temporary swelling or pain where the injection occurred. Immediately following the procedure, the affected joint may feel worse before beginning to feel better.

For our patients in SW Calgary, we recommend prolotherapy in SW Calgary because the risk of side effects is significantly lower with a high rate of success in reducing their pain and increasing joint mobility

How Much Does Prolotherapy Cost?

The cost of prolotherapy in SW Calgary depends on the clinic where you receive treatment and if it is from a medical doctor or a naturopathic doctor. It will also depend on the number of times you require injections and any follow up care required. Contact your healthcare clinic today to inquire further about pricing and what treatment will look like for you.

As you can see, prolotherapy has a ton of benefits to ease the pain and discomfort felt when joints are not moving well. There are minimal potential side effects, with very low risk factors. This minimally invasive procedure can offer a much better experience for many patients, with more permanent pain relief and results.