One-in-five Canadians suffer from joint pain, with millions struggling every day to manage the pain, discomfort and loss of function from arthritis, sports injuries and other joint issues. Indeed, many find it a challenge even with regular visits to their chiropractor, physiotherapist, or massage therapist, or with conventional anti-inflammatory medications. This is where Advanced Injection Therapies such as prolotherapy can help. These therapies can address a wide range of concerns, from a recently sprained ankle to degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee.
Dr. Boudreau is BC-certified in Advanced Injection Therapies (part A), with training and certification in the following therapies:
- Prolotherapy
- Trigger Point Injections
- Neural therapy
- Biotherapy
- Mesotherapy
- Perineural Subcutaneous Injection
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy
(Note: Dr. Boudreau does not currently provide PRP treatments.)
Some of the conditions that typically see the greatest benefits include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lateral epicondylitis ("tennis elbow")
- Medial epicondylitis ("golfer's elbow")
- Acute and chronic joint pain, often stemming from tendon or ligament injuries (for example, MCL/ACL sprains, strains and tears of the knee)
- Muscular tension or discomfort
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Bursitis
- Headache
Dr. Boudreau, ND focuses his treatments on the following areas:
- Hips
- Knees
- Ankles & Feet
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Wrists & Hands
For maximum benefit, treatments are often combined with other supportive therapies including: nutritional counselling, natural supplements, acupuncture, and gentle, non-invasive techniques such as Reiki.
What is prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy involves the injection of a dextrose solution into an injured or painful joint. Once inside the joint, the solution actually generates an inflammatory response. This inflammation increases blood circulation to the area, and triggers the release of a number of beneficial processes, including collagen production, and tissue repair. This can result in significant decreases in pain, improved joint function, range of motion, strength and mobility, and decreased risk of re-injuring the area.
How many treatments are needed?
Prolotherapy, like all natural modalities, provides patients with an individualized treatment plan with varied frequencies and durations of therapy. However, prolotherapy sessions are most often scheduled every 2-4 weeks. Once sustained improvement is seen, the treatments continue at further intervals, ideally until the joint issue is resolved. Occasionally, subsequent maintenance injections may be required.
Does it hurt?
There is the possibility of a small amount of discomfort during treatments, as the injections are often administered to areas already experiencing pain. This is party due to the fact that treatments are aimed at increasing blood flow to the problem area and generating an inflammatory response. However, any discomfort typically dissipates quickly. Following the treatment, there may also be a period of muscular tightness or a typically dull ache, which may resolve within a few hours. To minimize the risk of discomfort, the smallest diameter (highest gauge) needles possible are used, and the dextrose solution is also commonly mixed with a mild analgesic (pain-relieving) agent, such as procaine.
Is it covered by my insurance?
Patients with extended health benefits that include naturopathic services should be eligible for partial or full reimbursement for their visits (depending upon amount of coverage, etc).
To learn more about Advanced Injection Therapies, please contact Dr. Boudreau.