Prolotherapy is an injection-based procedure used for treating chronic musculoskeletal injuries. It involves injecting a natural irritant, such as a dextrose solution in the soft tissue of the affected site.  This irritant stimulates the body’s healing response to strengthen the damaged ligaments.  Over time, this helps to stabilize the area, and hence improving or eliminating pain levels.

As a non-invasive procedure, prolotherapy is extremely effective for treating recurring joint and muscle injuries. This includes the lower back, shoulders, knees, elbows, and hips.The reduction in pain observed by patients after the procedure is what makes prolotherapy a popular option.

If you’re scheduling a prolotherapy session here’s how you can prepare for it:

Avoid Pain Medications

Anti-inflammatory medications are usually discontinued a few days prior to the prolotherapy appointment. Since they meddle with the procedure’s effectiveness and can interfere with  the healing process, you’ll be asked to stop taking them. These may include medicines such as Advil, Celebrex and Motrin.

In addition to these, narcotic medications are to be discontinued while you prepare for your session. Vicodin and Morphine are examples of these. However, make sure you consult your physician first if you’ve been using these medications for  a long time.

Bring Test Results

Did you get an MRI,  X-ray or any other imaging done? Are there any current and relevant lab reports that you obtained prior to your appointment? Are you on prescription medication  for a particular condition? Make sure you bring all your test results and prescriptions with you to your appointment.

Eat Before You Arrive

You don’t want to go to your prolotherapy appointment on an empty stomach! Whatever time of the day your session is scheduled for, make sure you eat beforehand. Your meal should ideally include a good portion of protein and vitamin C.

Medical Examination

While this will be done once you’re at the clinic, it doesn’t hurt to know what you may be subjected to before your session. Once you arrive for your appointment, a staff member will conduct a routine medical examination. This includes taking note of your blood pressure, pulse, temperature and weight.

They’ll brief you  about the upcoming procedure and answer any  questions and concerns that you might have. This’ll be the final step of preparation before your treatment begins.

Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute clinics offer prolotherapy for chronic musculoskeletal injuries.Located in Thornhill, St. Claire, Sheppard, and greater Toronto, we offer a myriad of sports medicine services. These include active release techniques, concussion programs, and sports podiatry among others.

Call at 1-844-223-7364 to get in touch with our team and learn more about our services.