WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PROLOTHERAPY?
Prolotherapy injections can be painful. Following the injections you may have pain in the area for anywhere from one day to two weeks. This is because of the inflammation that is induced by prolotherapy. You will be given painkillers specifically to deal with the problem, and you can use Tylenol (acetaminophen). You must not take any anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or other NSAIDs. These would prevent the inflammation process which helps heal the ligaments and tendons. Occasionally the needle punctures a blood vessel, which causes bruising, or a nerve, which can send a brief, burning sensation down the limb, or, very rarely, the lung (when the chest area is injected). This may cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Call Dr. Bertrand or your doctor if this happens. Do not use prolotherapy if you are allergic to corn or to local anesthetic. If a joint is injected, there is a 1/10,000 chance of infection. If you experience increased pain in the joint, swelling, redness or heat, see Dr. Bertrand or your doctor as soon as possible. Prolotherapy does not work for everyone. Some people need as many as five treatments prior to experiencing results, and may need as many as 12 prolotherapy sessions.