Non-Surgical Tendon and Ligament Care Near You
Prompt Your Body’s Own Repair Response With Prolotherapy Injections
Some tendon, ligament, and joint pain lingers long after the first flare. A sore shoulder, an achy knee, or a back that never quite settles can wear you down. Prolotherapy is a non-surgical option for that kind of pain. It’s an injection of a concentrated dextrose, or sugar, solution into a tendon, ligament, or joint. The goal is to prompt your body’s own repair response in an area that hasn’t healed well. It’s often considered for problems such as osteoarthritis and arthritis, sprains and strains, and sports injuries.
At DiCesare Orthopedic Medicine in Greensburg, Dr. Jacob DiCesare offers prolotherapy as part of a personalized plan. He has taught physicians from around the world in ultrasound and prolotherapy through the American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine.
To see whether prolotherapy fits your pain, request an appointment online. Our front desk is also at (724) 261-4080 if you’d like to ask questions first. Same-day and same-week appointments are available.
See What Research Says About Prolotherapy
How Prolotherapy Works and Who It May Help
Who May Be a Good Candidate for Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is most often considered for long-lasting tendon, ligament, and joint pain. It tends to come up when rest and other care haven’t done enough. Research on prolotherapy is still developing, and it doesn’t work the same way for every condition. That’s why we start with an exam instead of a set plan. We look at what’s behind your pain, such as arthritis, an old sprain, or overuse.
Tell us about any medicines, allergies, or health conditions, since they can affect whether an injection is a good idea. If another option fits your pain better, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, we’ll tell you plainly. If an injury needs surgery, we’ll refer you to an orthopedic surgeon.
It’s often considered for lasting pain in the:
- Back
- Knees
- Hips
- Shoulders
What Happens During a Prolotherapy Visit
Your visit starts with an exam and a talk about your pain. We go over your medical history, past injuries, lifestyle, and goals. It helps to bring a list of your medicines and past treatments. If prolotherapy fits, the dextrose solution is injected into the tendon, ligament, or joint that’s causing your pain. This solution is sometimes called a proliferant, which means it’s meant to prompt new tissue growth. Before any injection, we confirm the exact spot to treat using your exam and, when it helps, ultrasound.
Our team can use musculoskeletal ultrasound to guide the injection. That lets us see the area as we work. We’ll explain how many injections make sense for you. Ask about anything that’s unclear, from what goes into the injection to what you may feel afterward.
It’s normal to feel anxious about injections, and it’s fine to say so before we begin. Dr. DiCesare listens to your concerns and takes the time to talk you through what’s happening. A patient described an injection visit this way:
“I was so terrified today of the injection and Dr. DiCesare was the most wonderful Dr. today. I will always go back to him.”
Cost and Coverage Questions
Coverage for prolotherapy depends on your plan and the treatment. We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Your deductible and the details of your visit also shape what you pay. Our team can talk through what to expect before your first injection. For cost questions, call our front desk at (724) 261-4080, or see the plans we work with on our Insurance and Billing page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prolotherapy safe?
Research on the side effects of prolotherapy is limited. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs evidence review(opens in a new tab)(opens in a new tab) found that safety evidence is generally lacking and rated its certainty as very low. Tell us about any allergies and medicines before your visit. We’ll explain what to watch for afterward.
How is prolotherapy different from PRP therapy?
Prolotherapy uses a concentrated dextrose, or sugar, solution. PRP therapy uses platelets taken from your own blood. Both are non-surgical injections meant to support the body’s healing. They work in different ways, and one may suit your pain better than the other. An exam helps us sort that out.
How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?
There isn’t one number that fits everyone. It depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it, and what you’ve already tried. After your exam, we’ll talk through what’s reasonable for you.
What if I’m nervous about getting injections?
It’s common to feel nervous about injections, and you’re welcome to tell us. Dr. Jacob DiCesare listens to your concerns, explains what he’s doing, and talks you through each step. He also uses musculoskeletal ultrasound to guide joint injections, which lets him see the tendon, ligament, or joint in real time and place the needle with care.
How do I schedule prolotherapy near me?
Request an appointment through our website when you’re ready to talk about prolotherapy, or call our front desk at (724) 261-4080. Same-day and same-week visits are available.
Schedule Your Prolotherapy Consultation
Expertise You Can Trust, Compassion You Deserve