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 1. What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a highly effective method of treating chronic ligament and tendon weakness. In Prolotherapy, the weakened areas are injected with a proliferant solution that directly stimulates the growth of healthy, strong tissues. The healing process can be expected to take about four to six weeks after the initial treatment. As the tendons and ligaments grow stronger and more capable of doing their tasks, the pain is alleviated.
2. I’ve heard of cortisone injections, is this the same thing?
We do not use cortisone with any of our patients. Long term studies have shown that cortisone injections actually weaken tissue, Prolotherapy solutions, called proliferants, cause the ligaments and tendons to be strengthened.
3. Will this treatment work for migraines?
Migraine headaches are often caused by ligament injuries to the neck. This same injury can also be the cause of other symptoms including pain reaching almost any part of the head and neck, visual blurring, dizziness, ringing in the ears, loss of balance, and other symptoms. A physiatrist can accurately determine whether these symptoms are caused by ligament injury and other factors. Migraines caused by ligament injury can be effectively treated with Prolotherapy. We will also address any other hormonal or nutritional factors that may be contributing to the migraines as well.
4. What about "sciatica" pain?
The most common cause of pain radiating down the legs is not "sciatica" or sciatic nerve injury, but a weakness or injury to the ligaments that support the pelvic joint. This radiating or "referred" pain can be effectively treated by Prolotherapy
5. How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies with each patient. Many of our patients have reported partial or complete relief of pain after only one session. Patients with a healthy immune system generally require fewer treatments. The average person requires 4 to 6 treatment sessions given at 4 to 6 week intervals. We also encourage our patients to do everything that they can to heal, including eating a healthy diet, taking nutritional supplements, getting enough sleep, not smoking, exercising, and keeping stress at a minimum.
6. Is Prolotherapy safe?
Prolotherapy is an extremely safe procedure. The risks are far less than taking aspirin or motrin for a lifetime to temporarily alleviate chronic pain. There is, of course, at least a slight risk involved in any medical procedure. In Prolotherapy, the risks and side effects will vary depending on the area being treated, and doctor Hauser will discuss these possibilities fully with the patients during the pre-treatment consultation.
7. Will my insurance cover this?
Insurance coverage of Prolotherapy varies widely depending on your carrier, the area being treated, and your specific diagnosis. Our current patient feedback indicates that most insurance carriers are providing at least partial coverage. Caring Medical is considered an “out-of-network” provider, but you may wish to use FSA or HSA funds/credit card to pay for your treatment. We will provide you with an Itemized Receipt for you to file with your PPO insurance plan for potential reimbursement. Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare do not cover Prolotherapy, and our services may NOT be billed to these insurance plans. When evaluating whether to pursue getting Prolotherapy at Caring Medical, please realize that it is often less expensive to pay out-of-pocket for Prolotherapy, compared to paying co-pays (sometimes upwards of 30-50%) of very expensive surgeries, hospitalizations, and resultant rehabilitation.
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