COMMON QUESTIONS REGARDING REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS
WHY HAVEN’T I HEARD OF REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS BEFORE?
Answer: Chronic pain is not well understood and regenerative medicine is not taught in most medical schools. Unless a doctor has taken the extra training required to be an effective Regenerative Medicine doctor they may not be aware of the beneficial effects of regenerative joint injections. Furthermore, one procedure may take up to an hour and many clinics cannot afford to take this amount of time for one patient. Also, many doctors and patients want a “quick fix” as provided with medications. Lastly, most insurance companies consider regenerative medicine “investigational” and “alternative”, and usually is not covered.
WHAT SIDE EFFECTS CAN I EXPECT?
Answer: Side effects of regenerative joint injections may include temporary soreness, stiffness and occasional bruising in the injection site. Non-inflammatory, over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol may be taken or prescription non-inflammatory medication can be provided, as needed.
DOES REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS HURT?
Answer: Dependent upon each patient and their individual condition, the amount of discomfort varies. Prolotherapy injections include lidocaine, an anesthetic, to reduce pain with each injection.
CAN REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS CURE ALL PAIN?
Answer: Of course not. No single treatment is capable of treating all pain conditions and regenerative joint injections are not an overnight cure. Regenerative joint injections can be enhanced when combined with exercise, restricting activities and balancing hormones.
IS THIS THE SAME AS CORTISONE INJECTIONS?
Answer: NO, NO NO. Cortisone is a steroid and stops the inflammatory process and prevents tissue healing. Cortisone is not part of the regenerative joint injection procedure. For more information read Prolotherapy VS Cortisone.
WHAT REGENERATIVE JOINT PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED?
Answer: The type of regenerative joint procedure utilized is made on a case by case basis with each patient. Dependent upon the severity of the patient’s condition, more than one type of regenerative medicine procedure is utilized during each office visit.
ARE REGENERATIVE JOINT INJECTIONS SAFE?
Answer: Yes, regenerative joint injections are very safe when performed by a trained regenerative joint doctor. Sterile procedures are always practiced and each patient’s condition is unique and individualized.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
Answer:The number of treatments will depend upon the severity of the problem and their unique condition. Dependent upon the type of regenerative joint injection, 3-6 treatments are normally required, with some needing more and some needing less treatments. Initially, treatments are normally given every 1-2 weeks apart.