Due to the many myths surrounding prolotherapy, many patients are afraid to undergo the procedure for one reason or another. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the common fears patients have about prolotherapy injections and why the procedure is nothing to fear.
Many patients assume that prolotherapy is a relatively new procedure, and experimental in nature. However, even though prolotherapy is classified as a “regenerative medicine” technique, the procedure has been around for decades and its effectiveness has been backed by many studies.
While there is typically some mild irritation or swelling in the injection area, prolotherapy is a relatively painless procedure – especially when compared to surgery.
Some patients are concerned about regenerative medicine treatments that use stem cells. It’s true that some regenerative treatments, like PRP injections, utilize cellular medicine, prolotherapy does not fall under this category. A prolotherapy shot consists of dextrose, glycerine, and other anesthetic components. There are no stem cells involved.
This could not be further from the truth. In order to legally administer prolotherapy injections, your provider must be a licensed medical professional trained in regenerative medicine and prolotherapy. If your prolotherapy provider does not meet these criteria, discontinue treatment and find a physician who does.
The pain medicine physicians at Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN are experienced with prolotherapy injections and other regenerative medicine techniques. Our doctors have been treating Minnesotans in pain for over twenty years. Our providers will fully examine your condition, walk you through your treatment options, and let you know if you are a good candidate for prolotherapy. Contact our clinic today to set up your appointment with one of our skilled Minnesota pain doctors.