Joint pain messing with your day-to-day? Whether it’s an old sports injury or chronic joint discomfort, prolotherapy might be just what you need to get back in action. This regenerative injection therapy doesn’t just mask the pain — it helps your body repair itself.
What’s Prolotherapy All About?
Think of prolotherapy as a wake-up call for your body. It involves injecting a solution (usually dextrose) into joints, tendons, or ligaments to trigger your body’s natural repair process. The goal? Less pain. More stability. Stronger, healthier joints.
Power Combos: Prolotherapy Meets PRP & SportVis
PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Dealing with knee pain from osteoarthritis? Prolotherapy and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) could be your dynamic duo.
- Why PRP Works: Your own platelets packed with growth factors are injected into the joint, helping reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Better Together: Combine PRP with prolotherapy for next-level results — think faster healing and enhanced pain relief.
- Pro Tip: PRP has shown promising outcomes in slowing the progression of knee OA, improving function, and reducing pain.
ACL Recovery Boost
Got an ACL injury but not ready for surgery? Prolotherapy might be the middle ground.
- Strengthen & Repair: Prolotherapy helps beef up surrounding tissues, supporting recovery by strengthening ligament structures.
- Post-Surgery Perks: Even after ACL reconstruction, prolotherapy can help stabilize and strengthen the joint.
- Preventative Care: Early regenerative therapies like PRP and prolotherapy can help prevent further knee damage and enhance recovery.
SportVis for Stubborn Injuries
Tennis elbow? Recurring ankle sprains? These injuries can stick around like bad habits.
- SportVis Magic: This hyaluronic acid-based injection cushions and protects soft tissue.
- Prolotherapy Synergy: Double down with SportVis and prolotherapy for pain relief and faster recovery.
Why Prolotherapy Stands Out
- Less Pain, More Game: Encourages natural healing without surgery.
- Joint Stability: Reinforces ligaments for stronger joints.
- Minimal Downtime: Low risk and quick recovery.
- Customizable: Pairs well with PRP, SportVis, and other treatments.
What to Expect
It’s pretty straightforward. A skilled Naturopathic practitioner injects the solution into the problem area. Pro tip: Ultrasound guidance (like Dr. Saffari uses) makes sure those injections hit just the right spot. Fewer pokes. More precision.
Possible Prolotherapy Side Effects
Prolotherapy and PRP are generally safe, but like any treatment, they come with potential side effects. These might include:
- Temporary Pain: Mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site.
- Stiffness: Some patients experience temporary joint stiffness.
- Bruising: Occasional minor bruising at the injection site.
- Inflammation: This is often a normal part of the healing process.
Your practitioner will provide aftercare guidance to help minimize discomfort and optimize recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients begin noticing improvements within a few weeks. However, full healing may take several months, depending on the severity of the condition.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies depending on individual needs. Some patients require 3-6 sessions for optimal results.
Is prolotherapy painful?
Most patients report mild discomfort during the injection process, which typically subsides quickly.
Is there downtime after the treatment?
There’s usually minimal downtime. Many patients can return to daily activities within 24-48 hours.
Who shouldn’t get prolotherapy?
Individuals with uncontrolled health conditions, active infections, or certain bleeding disorders should consult their healthcare provider before pursuing prolotherapy.
Is Prolotherapy for You?
Not sure? That’s what consultations are for. If joint pain’s been slowing you down, it might be worth a shot — literally. Bonus: Dr. Saffari offers complimentary joint scanning sessions to help assess what’s best for your situation.
Book your complimentary joint scan with Dr. Saffari here: BOOK ONLINE. Or contact the clinic during opening hours at 604-251-3456 or info@mintintegrative.com.
Don’t let joint pain win. Take control, level up your joint health.