Prolotherapy in Calgary AB – Frequently Asked Questions

Prolotherapy, short for “proliferative therapy,” is a non-surgical injection treatment used to relieve pain and promote healing of injured ligaments, tendons, and joints. It works by injecting a natural irritant—hypertonic dextrose (sugar) solution—to the affected tissues to stimulate the body’s healing response.  

When the dextrose solution is injected, it causes mild localized inflammation, which signals the body to send repair cells (growth factors and immune cells) to the site. This initiates your body's acute phase reaction (natural healing mechanism). Over time, this helps to strengthen weakened connective tissue, improve joint stability, and reduce pain. 

• Chronic joint pain (knees, shoulders, ankles, elbows, etc.) 
• Osteoarthritis – particularly of the knees, shoulder, thumb, lumbar facets, ankles 
• Tendon and ligament injuries – including rotator cuff tears, ankle sprains, tennis elbow, among some common injuries 
• Lower back pain
• Sports injuries 
• Whiplash 
• TMJ dysfunction 
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint instability 
• Click here to learn more about what conditions are best treated with prolotherapy

Yes. Our Calgary-based clinic offers comprehensive Prolotherapy treatments provided by our experienced naturopathic doctor, Dr. Scott Dainty, with advanced training in regenerative injection therapies.  

Yes. Prolotherapy is considered a safe and minimally invasive procedure when performed by a qualified provider. Since prolotherapy uses is a natural substance, and the body initiates its own innate healing process, side effects are generally mild and short-lived. Though, Dr. Scott Dainty will go through the breadth of expected side effects and potential site-specific anatomical concerns for your prolotherapy treatment.  

Patients may experience discomfort during and shortly after the injection. Some swelling or soreness in the treated area is normal and expected, but typically subsides within 1-3 days in most patients. An anesthetic, procaine or lidocaine, is included in the solution which helps with the initial discomfort from the treatment, and lasts about 30 minutes after the treatment. 

The number of sessions depends on the severity and location of the condition. Most patients require 4 to 6 treatments, spaced out initially about 4 weeks apart. Your practitioner will tailor a plan to your specific needs and timeline.  

Some patients notice improvement after just one or two sessions, while others may see gradual relief over 3-4 treatments. Long-term benefits typically occur as the tissue rebuilds and strengthens, as tissue healing is a long term solution. 

Most patients return to normal daily activities within one to three days. You may be advised to avoid certain types of exercise or high-load activity for a short period following each session. An exercise plan will be advised on a case-by-case basis following each session.  

Prolotherapy is not covered by Alberta Health Care but may be reimbursed under extended health benefit plans. We recommend checking with your insurance provider regarding your "naturopath" coverage. 

• Have joint pain that hasn’t responded to conventional treatments 
• Prefer a non-surgical, drug-free approach to healing 
• Want to speed up recovery of acute or chronic injuries
• Can commit to multiple sessions 

Yes. Alternatives may include physiotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, acupuncture, chiropractic care, or surgical options. We often discuss these with patients to determine the best fit. Committing to multiple treatment modalities at the same time typically improves recovery time. 

We combine medical expertise with a patient-first approach. Dr. Scott Dainty has years of experience in prolotherapy injections, and has helped thousands of patients recover from injuries and pain. He is committed to helping you heal and recover safely and effectively by staying up to date on the latest research in regenerative therapies. Working in a multidisciplinary clinic with on-site access to chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, and psychology care, this allows a multi-pronged approach for best patient outcomes.  

Booking is simple. You can call our clinic, book online, or visit us in person. During your first visit, Dr. Scott Dainty will assess your condition and determine if Prolotherapy is right for you. 

We’re here to help. Contact us anytime or schedule a consultation to learn more about how Prolotherapy can support your healing journey.