Prolotherapy FAQs

Prolozone therapy is an enhanced form of prolotherapy that combines the traditional prolotherapy solution with medical-grade ozone gas. The ozone improves oxygen utilization in the damaged tissues and has additional anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Many patients find prolozone provides faster results and more complete healing than traditional prolotherapy alone. Dr. Stallone will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your specific condition.

Most patients describe the injections as mildly uncomfortable but very tolerable. The discomfort is brief and typically feels like a slight pinch or pressure. A local anesthetic can be used to numb the skin if desired.

After treatment, you may experience some soreness, stiffness, or mild swelling in the treated area for 2-4 days. This is actually a good sign - it indicates that the healing response has been activated. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can be used if needed (avoid anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen as they can interfere with the healing process).

The number of treatments varies depending on the severity and duration of your condition, your overall health, and how well you respond to treatment. Most patients require 3-6 treatment sessions spaced 2-4 weeks apart.

Some patients experience significant improvement after just one or two treatments, while chronic or severe conditions may require additional sessions. Dr. Stallone will evaluate your progress at each visit and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Once optimal results are achieved, some patients benefit from periodic maintenance treatments (every 6-12 months) to maintain joint health.

Results from prolotherapy develop gradually as your body generates new tissue. Most patients begin to notice improvement within 2-6 weeks after their first treatment. The healing process continues over several months.

It's important to understand that prolotherapy promotes actual tissue repair, not just symptom relief. This means results tend to be long-lasting or permanent, unlike treatments that merely mask pain temporarily.

Prolotherapy has an excellent safety record spanning over 80 years of clinical use. The solutions used are natural substances (primarily dextrose) that the body readily processes. Because no drugs or foreign substances are used, systemic side effects are extremely rare.

Potential risks are minimal and similar to any injection procedure: temporary soreness, minor bruising, or very rarely, infection. Dr. Stallone uses strict sterile technique to minimize any risks.

Prolotherapy is far safer than long-term use of pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs, and carries none of the risks associated with surgery.

Prolotherapy is effective for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions involving damaged or weakened ligaments, tendons, and joint structures, including:

• Chronic back and neck pain
• Knee pain and osteoarthritis
• Hip pain and degeneration
• Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff, labrum)
• Tennis and golfer's elbow
• Ankle sprains and instability
• Plantar fasciitis
• TMJ dysfunction
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Whiplash injuries

During your consultation, Dr. Stallone will evaluate whether prolotherapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

Many patients have successfully avoided surgery through prolotherapy treatment. By strengthening damaged ligaments and tendons and promoting joint regeneration, prolotherapy can often restore function and eliminate pain without the risks, costs, and recovery time associated with surgery.

That said, prolotherapy is not appropriate for all conditions. Some situations do require surgical intervention. Dr. Stallone will provide an honest assessment of whether prolotherapy is likely to help your specific condition or whether you should consider other options.

Most insurance plans do not cover prolotherapy, as it is considered an alternative or complementary treatment. However, many patients find the cost worthwhile considering:

• The treatment addresses the root cause rather than just masking symptoms
• Results are typically long-lasting or permanent
• It can prevent the need for more expensive surgery
• There's no ongoing cost for medications

We offer various payment options to make treatment accessible. Please contact our office to discuss costs and payment plans.

Before treatment:

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for 1 week before treatment as they can interfere with the healing response
• Stay well-hydrated
• Eat a normal meal before your appointment

After treatment:

• Continue to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 1-2 weeks
• You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) for any discomfort
• Apply ice if there is significant swelling
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks
• Light activity and gentle movement are encouraged

Dr. Stallone will provide detailed pre- and post-treatment instructions specific to your situation.

Cortisone (steroid) injections and prolotherapy work in completely opposite ways:

Cortisone injections:

• Suppress inflammation and mask pain temporarily
• Effects typically last weeks to months
• Can actually weaken tendons and cartilage with repeated use
• Limited to 3-4 injections per year in the same area

Prolotherapy:

• Stimulates tissue repair and strengthening
• Results are typically permanent
• Makes tendons and ligaments stronger
• No limit on number of treatments

While cortisone can provide temporary relief, prolotherapy offers the potential for lasting healing by addressing the structural problem rather than just the symptoms.