Pain Killers – NSAIDS like Diclofenac/Aceclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen sodium, etc. should be stopped for 5-7 days before your Prolotherapy treatment.

These medications undermine your body’s attempts to heal injured structures and will reduce the gains made from Prolotherapy injections:

  • If you are on prescription blood thinners. (i.e.: Low dose Aspirin, Warfarin or Plavix). We may ask you to stop these for a period of time before treatment if your physician approves. If this is not possible, we may modify the treatment.
  • Inform the doctor if you got any medication allergies.
  • Notify us if you have been told to take antibiotics before procedures. (If you have a heart murmur, heart valve, heart valve disease, knee or hip replacement, or internal prosthetic of any kind).
  • Pregnancy is something we should know about. It may affect how we treat and when we treat.
  • There are no restrictions on food or drink before your procedure unless you are receiving oral sedation. Keep yourself hydrated before the procedure. Ideal liquids: Water, juice, milk, protein shakes, etc.

Vitamin C 1000 mg twice per day for 48 hours before and 14 days after prolotherapy treatment. Zinc 30 mg per day for 3 days before and 2 weeks after injections. Change does to every other day should a metallic taste develop or stop it entirely if side effects occur that are intolerable for either.

Based on the number of treatable areas and their depth, we decide how to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

Some patients prefer to take Preventive Pain medications (Non-NSAIDS- like Acetaminophen and Tramadol) and or Antianxiety medications such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) 1 hour before injections. These medications require a prescription.

Bring pain medications (non-NSAID) with you so post-injection pain management can be clarified.

  • Do not drive if you are receiving sedation. So we suggest you consider having a driver other than yourself.
  • If you have a long ride home, consider frequent stops on the way home to maintain flexibility and reduce swelling/pain.
  • Supplements in addition to eating a balanced diet are very important for optimal response to Prolotherapy. We strongly recommend them a few days before and after the treatment.
  • Smoking cessation (quitting) permanently and at once is strongly recommended as smoking decreases the effectiveness of the injection healing, potentially increases the number of injections, and could make the entire procedure unsuccessful.
  • Avoid alcohol, which inhibits and depresses the cells needed for tissue repair.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing like sweatpants or shorts.
  • It is best to use the restroom facilities before entering the procedure room, as the treatment is meticulous and can last a while.

The areas to treat will be marked with a marker. Prior to your departure, these marks will be lightened, but there may be some marks that remain for a few days.