Prolotherapy

What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is an injection used to help relieve pain in injured ligaments or tendons. The pain must be present for 6 months or longer.

Most insurance plans do not cover prolotherapy. Please contact your insurance carrier to see if it is a covered.

How is it done?

A solution of dextrose, xylocaine & water is used for the injection. You may need more than one injection if the injured area is large.

Future office visits are required if you need more than one set of injections. Healing can take 6-8 weeks.

What should I expect?

Before you come in take Tylenol® about 1-2 hours before your injection. Check with your primary doctor for the amount you should take. 

Do not use aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen or Aleve®.

If you are having an injection in or around your neck you will need someone to drive you home.

Before the Injection

• You will change into shorts or a tank top. This is so we can access the injured area. Please feel free to bring your own shorts or tank top to wear.

• We will clean the area with an antiseptic cleanser.

After the Injection

• We will cover the injection area to prevent drainage.

• You may remove the dressing later in the evening.

• You may shower after the dressing is removed.

• You may notice some pain after the injection. The pain may last 2-4 days. It will go away with time. 

• You may take Tylenol® to help with the pain.

• You should be doing regular gentle stretching to prevent stiffness.

  • Do not do anything that you could not do before the injection.

  • Do not do anything that caused pain before the injection.

  • Do not over stretch.

When to Call

Call with any signs of infection:

• Fever greater than 100.4° F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.

• Increased redness, swelling around the site.

• Any drainage from the site.

Phone Numbers

During business hours: (608) 265-3207

After hours, nights and weekends call (608) 262-2122 or, if you live out of the area, call: (800) 323-8942, ask for the rehab doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.

If you are a patient receiving care at UnityPoint – Meriter, Swedish American or a health system outside of UW Health, please use the phone numbers provided in your discharge instructions for any questions or concerns.