Neural Prolotherapy

What is Neural Prolotherapy?

Neural Prolotherapy (also known as Perineurial Injection Treatment) is a therapy in which low concentrations dextrose (sugar) are injected around nerves to provide pain relief.

History of Neural Prolotherapy

In traditional Prolotherapy, high concentrations of an inflammatory agent (sometimes dextrose) are injected into and around ligaments and tendons to strengthen them. Not too many years ago, Dr John Lyftogt from New Zealand tried injecting much lower concentrations of dextrose around peripheral nerves. He was astonished to find that it stopped pain instantly without numbing the area. Since then, he has been all over the world demonstrating his astonishing treatment therapies.

How Does It Work?

Pain tends to be transferred along the smallest of the nerve fibers (the "C" fibers) which tend to reside just under the skin. Injecting low concentrations of dextrose can instantly calm down these fibers, stopping pain in its tracks. Interestingly, it does not actually numb anything (people still have full sensation in the area). With the pain fibers calmed down, the area can have more normal blood flow allowing for increased healing.

What Can I Expect?

With neural prolotherapy, low dose dextrose is injected using a very small needle to just underneath the skin. Very often it immediately stops the pain underneath, but patients often complain of the "poke pain". If the patient can tell the difference between the "poke pain" and the previous pain, they often exclaim "the pain is gone!" If they can't tell they difference, they complain of the "poke pain" for a short time afterwards.

Very commonly people are completely pain free after a treatment session, and have full range of motion of areas they haven't been able to fully move in a long time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How long does the pain relief last?
Pain relief typically lasts between 4 hours and 4 days ( we're more fond of the 4 days), after which it may come back - although the area is typically less painful than before.
2Does this just stop pain or does it actually heal me?
Both. Pain relief is often instant, and with repeated injections people often become completely better. We suspect that stopping the pain allows for better blood flow to the area providing true healing.
3I'm a diabetic. Will this increase my blood sugar?
The concentration of dextrose is very low, and it's typically going into the subcutaneous area (just under the skin) so blood sugars are not usually significantly affected.
4How many visits?
Each patient is different, but typically 6-10 visits will significantly help or heal the pain.
5Does this work on everyone?
As with anything, there is no 100% guarantee. We have had the occasional patient it did not work well for, but most patients tolerate it just fine and do very well.