In order to receive the full benefit of prolotherapy follow this list of recommended aftercare instructions:
ACTIVITY
– It is important to move the area once the anesthetic wears off. Easy range of motion movements and gentle stretching is advised in the first 4 days after the injection. DO NOT IMMOBILIZE the area with a sling or restrictive bandage. Non-painful exercise and movement as well as stretching are important for the healing process and allows new collagen to form for tendon/ligament rebuilding.
– Move and exercise the treated joint as much as possible throughout the post-prolotherapy healing phase, however, limit the degree of range of motion and strength exercising to a tolerable level BEFORE it becomes painful.
– The first 4 days post prolotherapy are the most important so avoid excessive joint stress or you may negate the benefits of the procedure. The next 10 days should be a gradual return to 60-75% of activity levels using pain to indicate your limits.
ICE/HEAT
– At any time during prolotherapy treatment DO NOT APPLY ICE as it is anti-inflammatory and will work against the healing process.
– The application of local (e.g. heating pad) or diffuse (e.g. sauna, hot tub) to the area are appropriate for the first three days after therapy but only for short periods (less than 10 min) at a time. After the first three days, heat may be applied as needed if it provides comfort.
– Laser treatments are recommended 2x/week post therapy if needed ($60 per treatment)
MEDICATIONS
– For pain relief DO NOT use any Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or steroidal drugs of any kind (prescribed, over-the-counter, oral or injection) for 1 week prior to therapy and 4 weeks post-therapy. These drugs will interfere with the procedure and you will not get the proper healing that is desired.
– NON-STEROIDAL DRUGS INCLUDE:
o Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA): Anacin, Ascriptin, Aspirin, Bayer, Bufferin, Excedrin.
o Propionic acid derivatives: Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Motrin IB, Naproxen etc.
o Acetic acid derivatives: Indomethacin (Indocin), Diclofenac (Voltaren) etc.
o Selective COX-2 inhibitors (Coxibs): Celebrex, Celecoxib etc.
o Medical Marijuana also has anti-inflammatory properties and is to be avoided.
o Topical Creams: many over the counter topical pain creams and gels contain these same drugs to avoid. Read the label carefully and if unsure check with the pharmacist about whether the ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties.
– STEROIDAL DRUGS INCLUDE:
o Corticosteroids: hydrocortisone, prednisone, cortisone injections, etc.
– If you are uncertain if your medication is anti-inflammatory, check with your pharmacist or prescribing physician.
– For the relief of pain, only non-anti-inflammatory drugs are acceptable. These include:
o Over-the-counter drugs such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or
o Prescribed Class II medications, such as codeine (e.g., Tylenol 3) or hydrocodone*(e.g., Lorcet or Vicodin) or oxycodone* (e.g., Percocet). *not recommended due to addictive properties
SUPPLEMENTS
– Natural anti-inflammatories should NOT be taken 3 to 4 days prior to and one week post injection therapy. These include:
o Fish Oil (or any other Omega 3’s) – Flaxseed oil, Hempseed oil, Camelina oil, etc.
o Bromelain and other Proteolytic enzymes
o Curcumin / Turmeric or drinking Golden milk
o MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
o Quercetin
o DMSO
NUTRITIONAL ADVICE
– Protein: Make sure you are getting adequate protein intake as muscles and ligaments are made of protein. Chicken, beef, turkey, fish, beans, legumes and nuts all provide good sources of protein. If adequate protein levels are not reached due to vegetarian/vegan diet, food sensitivities or poor eating habits, protein powders are a good alternative.
o Protein intake = 0.8-1.0g/kg of body weight a day (average activity level).
– Recommended supplements during the course of treatment:
o Vitamin C is a good supplement as it is important for the process of laying down new collagen and healing connective tissue injury. 2-4 grams daily in divided doses (i.e. 1000mg every 2 hours). Diarrhea is a common side effect to too much vitamin C, but this can be remedied by reducing the dose.
o Collagen – 6000mg of collagen per day is required for joint regeneration.
o SinewGen – Anti-inflammatory and Joint Regeneration Formula that contains collagen, one scoop per day mixed in food, water or juice.
EMERGENCIES
Prior to receiving prolotherapy, you were advised of the potential risks. Following treatment and after leaving the clinic, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, rash, or any other kind of acute-onset medical emergency (ie collapse), go immediately to the emergency room or dial 911 for emergency medical assistance. After receiving emergency treatment, call the clinic (587-521-3595) as soon as possible so we can attend to your care.
We look forward to seeing you again for your next treatment which you can schedule online or by calling 587-521-3595