By Venturis Clinic
After a dextrose prolotherapy visit, most people want to know what is normal and what is not. Here is a general guide. Your clinician’s instructions always take priority.
The first day or two
Soreness, stiffness, or a feeling of fullness at the injection site is commonly reported and often settles within a few days. Some people notice mild bruising or swelling. Ask your clinic whether ice, heat, or particular over-the-counter pain relievers are preferred, because some clinicians ask patients to avoid anti-inflammatory medicines for a period.
Activity
Many people return to light daily activity quickly, but hard training or heavy loading of the treated joint is often limited for a time. Ask for specific guidance for your joint and sport.
Over the following weeks
Treatment is usually a series of visits, so recovery is part of an ongoing plan. Progress is judged over weeks, and responses vary. See How Many Prolotherapy Sessions Do People Usually Have?
When to call the clinic
- Fever, spreading redness, or increasing warmth at the site
- Severe or worsening pain
- Numbness, weakness, or anything that feels wrong
Learn more by joint
Read about the knee, the shoulder, or low back and SI joint, or visit our prolotherapy page.
This article is for education only and is not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Talk with a qualified clinician about whether any therapy is appropriate for you. Some therapies discussed are considered investigational and are not FDA-approved to treat disease. Individual experiences vary.
