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Prolotherapy: A Precise and Effective Regenerative Solution for Chronic Pain and Injury Recovery
Interview with Dr. Kevin O’Donnell | Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics
Prolotherapy is a safe, minimally invasive treatment for pain affecting the bones, muscles, and connective tissues. At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC, which serves the Denver metropolitan area, sports medicine specialist Kevin O’Donnell, DO, and the team use prolotherapy to treat arthritis, tendinitis, lower back pain, and more. Call Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC to schedule a prolotherapy consultation, or book your appointment online today.
What types of injuries or conditions are most commonly treated with Prolotherapy at Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics?
At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics, Prolotherapy is used to address a variety of conditions. These include soft tissue injuries like rotator cuff tears or tennis elbow, ligament injuries such as ankle sprains or knee sprains, and degenerative joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Prolotherapy is a versatile, safe, and effective treatment option for these issues.
Which musculoskeletal problems can prolotherapy treat?
Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics LLC uses prolotherapy to treat various musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Degenerative disc disease
- Achilles tendinitis
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Meniscus injuries
- Foot and ankle pain
- Elbow pain
- Ligament injuries
Can Prolotherapy be used to treat elbow injuries such as tennis elbow or ligament strains, and how effective is it for those?
Yes, Prolotherapy is effective for treating conditions like tennis elbow and ligament strains. It works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process. The treatment involves an injection of a dextrose solution, which acts as an irritant to create a minor acute injury. This stimulates the body’s healing response, allowing targeted repair of the affected area.
Is Prolotherapy a good option for ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, and how does it compare to other regenerative treatments?
Prolotherapy can be a great option for mild cases of ankle sprains and plantar fasciitis. It is often the first regenerative injection introduced in treatments and can require three or more sessions to achieve full results. Compared to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy, Prolotherapy is considered less potent. For severe cases, more advanced treatments like PRP or stem cell therapy may be recommended.
What happens during prolotherapy treatment?
Prolotherapy typically takes 30 minutes or less. Your provider fills several syringes with dextrose and uses ultrasound imaging to guide the needle to a specific spot, such as a swollen joint, inflamed tendon, or damaged ligament. Once the needle is in place, they inject the dextrose beneath your skin, irritating the treatment site and promoting healing. The number of injections you receive depends on the severity of your pain and the underlying cause. However, most people get three to six.
What does the treatment timeline for Prolotherapy look like, and how does it affect the cost?
The treatment timeline typically involves multiple injections over several sessions. If a condition is likely to require more than three Prolotherapy sessions, PRP may be a more cost-effective and efficient option. Prolotherapy is also used diagnostically during the initial treatment to assess patient and tissue response to injectables. Using ultrasound guidance, the extent of the injury is evaluated to determine if Prolotherapy alone will suffice or if other treatments are needed.
What is the cost of Prolotherapy, and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of Prolotherapy depends on the number and type of structures being treated. For example, a comprehensive knee injection will cost more than treating a single tendon, such as for tennis elbow. While the injections themselves are not covered by insurance, the initial assessment—including diagnosis and discussion of treatment options—is typically covered. Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics plans to begin accepting insurance for assessments in the near future.
What is the recovery time after Prolotherapy treatment?
Usually after prolotherapy, you can return to work, school, and other activities immediately. You might experience mild redness, bruising, and swelling at the injection site, but these symptoms should resolve within a day or two. Complete recovery time varies by individual, but most patients experience some lingering discomfort for 1 to 3 days. In some cases, it may last up to 4 or 5 days. During your assessment we’ll discuss your lifestyle and plans to get back to your life after your treatments. You will have a complete post-treatment after care protocol.
What makes Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics' approach to Prolotherapy different from other practices in Colorado?
Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics sets itself apart by utilizing ultrasound guidance for all Prolotherapy injections. This ensures precise targeting of injured structures, leading to more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Unlike traditional palpation-guided methods, ultrasound allows the provider to see exactly which areas need attention, improving both the diagnostic and therapeutic process.
Key Takeaways About Prolotherapy Treatments
- Cost: Prolotherapy is priced based on the number and complexity of structures treated, with initial assessments typically covered by insurance.
- Recovery: Most patients experience mild discomfort for 1 to 3 days, with minimal disruption to daily activities.
- Patient Experience: Prolotherapy involves ultrasound-guided injections for precise targeting, ensuring an effective and accurate treatment process.
- Effectiveness: Ideal for mild to moderate injuries, Prolotherapy is less potent than PRP or stem cell therapy but can serve as a cost-effective starting point.
Am I a candidate for prolotherapy?
Before recommending prolotherapy, your specialist reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam. Tell them if you take any medications or regularly undergo pain management treatments. Certain drugs and procedures can affect prolotherapy’s efficacy, so they must be aware.
Book Your Assessment Today
Ready to explore how Prolotherapy can help you? Schedule an initial assessment with Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics today. Your visit will include a comprehensive evaluation and ultrasound imaging to diagnose your condition and determine the best course of action. Don’t wait to start your journey toward healing—contact us now to book your appointment.