Why Prolotherapy?
Because you love being active.
Because you want to train as hard as you need to, without pain.
Because you don’t want to take time away from your sport.
Because surgery is not a viable option.
Because you want a safe and effective treatment, that does not require a lifetime reliance on the doctor performing it.
What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy, used to treat pain and injuries. It is a natural and safe treatment that works primarily by stimulating your body’s built-in healing mechanisms. Our bodies have the ability to heal, but often there are too many factors getting in the way of this. Prolotherapy is essentially the “nudge” needed to get the ball rolling when it comes to repairing and regrowing strong, healthy tissue. Strong tissues re-establishes proper joint function, reducing and potentially eliminating pain.
Biochemistry
The mix of solutions in prolotherapy injections works many different ways. Classically, prolotherapy solution includes dextrose (D-glucose) and a local anesthetic (procaine or lidocaine). Depending on the patient and the injury, varying amounts of these two agents are used. Other additives may include AMP (adenosine monophosphate-5) and methylcobalamin (vitamin B12).
Dextrose creates a hyperosmotic gradient, an “irritation” that signals immune cells to travel to the area being injected and jump-start the healing cascade. Dextrose performs a number of other favourable actions, including binding to the TrpV1 receptors on nerves, and providing part of the actual building blocks of connective tissues.
Conditions that can be treated favourably with Prolotherapy:
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Acute joint injuries
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Chronic joint pain
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Labral tears
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Rotator cuff injuries/tears
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Arthritis
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Torn meniscus
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Sprained ankles
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Low back pain
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Herniated discs (not severe)
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Sacroiliac joint pain
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Degenerative joint and disc disease
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Tennis/golfer’s elbow
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Unstable joints (ligament laxity)
Does Prolotherapy hurt?
Although everyone's pain tolerance varies greatly, most patients would rate the pain to be about a 3 to 4 out of 10 for pain, with 10 being very painful.
How many Prolotherapy treatments do I need?
Generally, we recommend a series of 4 to 6 initial Prolotherapy injection treatments at 2-week intervals to achieve baseline joint health, then one treatment every 3 to 6 months subsequently for maintenanance. All treatment plans are based on individual needs and will be discussed between you and your Naturopathic Doctor.
What are the side effects of Prolotherapy?
Because this is an all-natural injection containing nutrients such as dextrose, the chances of reaction to the solution is very low. However, on rare cases, patients may have a hypersensitivity reaction with hives, itchiness and swelling; in which case taking a Benadryl will help. Some less common side effects are fainting (due to not eating prior to visit), pain at injection site, infection, bruising, and possible healing reactions where you feel worse before you feel better.
How much does Prolotherapy cost?
Please book the appropriate visit for the number of joints you need treated as duration and cost of treatment varies with the number of joints being treated. All patients new to Prolotherapy will require a 30-minute Naturopathic Initial visit consultation for a full diagnostic work up and screening by our Naturopathic doctors prior to receiving any treatments.
***IMPORTANT: Please make sure you have a light snack or a meal prior to your appointment for proper blood sugar control and reducing possibilities of fainting.
Initial Prolotherapy Visit 1 Joint (45 minutes) - $250 ($230 visit fee, $20 supplies fee)
Follow-up Prolotherapy Visit 1 Joint (30 minutes) - $200 ($180 visit fee, $20 supplies fee
Initial Prolotherapy Visit 2 Joints (60 minutes) - $300 ($270 visit fee, $30 supplies fee)
Follow-up Prolotherapy Visit 2 Joints (45 minutes) - $250 ($220 visit fee, $30 supplies fee)
Please note, supplies fee are an out-of-pocket fee that is not eligible for insurance coverage.
As the level of insurance coverage varies from company to company, treatments may or may not be covered. Please check with your insurance provider prior to booking.