Prolotherapy Research

Prolotherapy Definition: Injection to stimulate healing of soft tissue. 

Types of Prolotherapy:  Enthesofascial, myofascial and neurofascial (See recent talk  for explanation)

Site Administrator: K. Dean Reeves, M.D., AAPM&R, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Kansas.   DeanReevesMD@gmail.com  (913) 362 1600

WHAT TO EXPECT POST TREATMENT WITHOUT SEDATION  (See next section for additional concerns post sedation) 

  1. Post Treatment Lightheadedness with Tendency to Fall: After treatment and especially after getting up from laying down after a nap lightheadedness can come on quickly. You need to be prepared to sit down and then lay down quickly it that happens.  This is more common after sedation.  See next section for additional directions. 
  2. Stiffness and Soreness: You can expect to be stiff and sore post treatment. This could last from 3 to 10 days.  
  3. Pain Medication Options: For pain please try extra strength Tylenol or the pain medication that you will be given at the time you are seen.  Limit Tylenol to 3 grams per day. (6 tablets of extra strength) and don't forget that the pain medication received from our office will have Tylenol as well.   Taking  anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen(motrin/Advil), or naprosyn (Alleve) or others is not recommended.  However, if they help pain considerably and prevent taking of narcotic mediation, they can be taken but shoulder still be avoided for at least two days before and two days after treatment. 
  4. Eating:  You may eat after treatment if you are able to sit for ½ hour without nausea or significant light-headedness. 
  5. Numbness:  You may notice some numbness post treatment. This is common after nerve blocks and not uncommon as a sensation after injection of ligaments and tendons.  If there is weakness that does not resolve in several days or if burning pain is noted that does not resolve in several days, please contact our office. If allowed to continue burning pain can make all nerves in the area more sensitive.   Therefore you may be given a prescription for medication specifically to combat burning pain.  

 

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  1. Bruising:  Bruising is quite common; do not be alarmed by it. Bruising is good for us, as it contains growth factors.  
  1. Itching:  If you notice itching, over the counter Benadryl or Diphenhydramine is helpful. These medications can make you drowsier so driving may be affected. If itching is persistent, please call the office.  
  1. Exercising:  Exercising is encouraged, but please do not over do. Pay attention to what your body tells you. If it hurts, take a break! Do not push yourself just because you feel better. You may pay for it later! Use either ice or heat to help calm pain or spasms.  
  2. General Precautions:  Further injuries will make healing more difficult.  We notice some common sources of falls in those with significant chronic pain and stairs are a common source of falls. Thus, for any of our patients with significant pain we recommend the following:    When going up or down stairs, DO NOT alternate. Take one step at a time. Always hold on to at least one handrail when using stairs, and  watch for obstructions on steps, and do not carry things in both hands.  
  3. Feeling better or worse:  Sometimes breaking a  pain cycle can help quickly, especially if you feel supported by the fluid of injection. Therefore you may feel better after the post injection soreness wears off.  However, many nerves are not going to quit firing until the ligaments and tendons become strong enough that the nerves are taken off stretch and that takes time.  In this office we attempt to avoid missing anything during a treatment session so that 6 weeks after the 2nd treatment is usually enough time to determine benefit. 

 

 

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ALSO: For Those Receiving Substantial Treatment Accompanied by the Need for Conscious Sedation:   

Some patients, especially those with low blood pressure already, can have a tendency to lower blood pressure after treatment with sedation.   This can be noted for 30 minutes to 24 hours after treatment.  Therefore special precautions are recommended to avoid lightheaded-related falls.

 

  1. Fluids:  Have water, juice, milk, soda, etc. close by you so you can remain hydrated. 8 ounces every 30 minutes is recommended. 
  2. Lie down but move legs:  Lie down in bed, your favorite recliner, or couch. Remember to move your legs every 15-20 minutes by pulling your toes up and then pointing them down several times to keep your vein circulation moving.  
  3. Special caution to bathroom:  When you use the bathroom the 1st time or two, be especially cautious for light-headedness and we suggest that you have someone with you. Get up slowly; stand for a few seconds before walking.  
  4. Lie down, don't sit, if lightheaded:  If you notice any light-headedness at all, kneel down immediately and then lie down.  
  5. Tighten stomach: If you are still having light-headedness, tighten your stomach when moving about. 
  6. Do not stand still:  Do not stand in one place without moving as that causes blood to pool in your legs. 
  7. Limit time up to 1 minute if lightheaded:  Being up and down quickly is important keep moving and tighten stomach when you are up, remembering to get down quickly if that is not enough to prevent symptoms.  
  8. Identify symptoms of low blood pressure:  Remember that feeling hot, light headed, or nauseous are signs that your blood pressure is low.

   

 

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PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US WITH ANY QUESTIONS

(913)362-1600