Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy in Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, & Peoria

Prolotherapy is an injection of irritant solutions into damaged tissue to promote healing, decrease pain, and increase function. It is a natural, non-surgical method of treating pain caused by weakened ligaments or injured tendons around joints. It causes a mild injury and initiates your body’s natural healing cascade to grow new tissue in the injected areas, thus strengthening and stabilizing the joints.

What solution is used for prolotherapy?

Dr. Tima Le uses a solution that consists of lidocaine (an anesthetic), saline, and dextrose (an osmotic agent that is water-soluble and safe). Osmotic agents causes cells to lose water and lyse, leading to inflammation an initiation of the healing response. Please notify Dr. Le if you have any allergies to corn (of which dextrose is derived from). If so, Dr. Le may use other solutions for prolotherapy.

How should I prepare for prolotherapy?

Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for two weeks prior to the injection. These medications include (but are not limited to) Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn, Iodine, Meloxicam, Relafen, Nebumetone, Celebrex, Etodolac, Asprin (Salsalate). If you have any questions regarding medications you are taking, please contact Dr. Le. In addition, please make sure you are well-hydrated prior to the injections.

What should I do after prolotherapy?

It is normal to feel sore for several days after prolotherapy. For the first 48 hours you should rest the area. After the 48 hours, begin light stretching exercises and, if tolerable, you may being to resume your normal daily activities including strength training. Avoid anti-inflammatories (i.e. Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen, Celebrex, Etodolac, Mobic, Diclofenac, and Aspirin) during the recovery period. If you need to use pain medications, please use Tylenol/Acetaminophen or opioid pain medications prescribed by your physician. In addition, please avoid ice however if you need to use ice, please apply no more than 5 minutes twice a day. You may start using heat after the initial soreness has subsided; however only apply no more than 20 minutes four times a day.

How much does prolotherapy cost?

Prolotherapy is considered investigational by all insurance companies and therefore not covered by insurance. Prolotherapy prices range from $500 to $775.

Your insurance company will not be billed.

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