Prolotherapy vs. Cortisone Injections: What’s Right for You in Calgary AB
If you’re living with joint pain or soft tissue injuries in Calgary, chances are you’ve heard of cortisone injections—a common quick-fix solution. But there’s also a natural alternative gaining popularity: Prolotherapy.
Both treatments are injectable and aim to reduce pain, but they work very differently. At our Calgary AB chiropractic clinic, we believe in empowering you with options that fit your health goals—not just your symptoms.
Here’s a breakdown to help you make an informed decision.
What Is Cortisone?
Cortisone (or corticosteroid) injections are anti-inflammatory drugs injected directly into painful areas. They’re commonly used for:
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Joint inflammation
They reduce pain by decreasing inflammation and may be an option in some scenarios when you need quick pain relief, but they do not heal injuries and may lead to worsening of tissue damage.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy (short for “proliferation therapy”) is a regenerative treatment that uses a dextrose-based solution to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. Instead of suppressing inflammation, it encourages controlled inflammation to repair damaged tissue.
Prolotherapy is used for:
- Chronic joint pain
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Joint instability
- Early-stage osteoarthritis
It’s less about short-term relief, and more about long-term healing.
Prolotherapy vs. Cortisone: Key Differences in Calgary AB
| Mechanism | Stimulates natural tissue repair | Suppresses inflammation and pain |
| Goal | Heal and strengthen damaged tissue | Reduce pain and swelling temporarily |
| Onset of Relief | Gradual (days to weeks) | Fast (within 1–3 days) |
| Duration of Results | Long-term (as tissue heals and stabilizes) | Short-term (weeks to a few months) |
| Tissue Health Impact | Strengthens tissue over time | May weaken tissue or cartilage with repeated use |
| Side Effects | Minimal (mild soreness after injection) | Potential tissue thinning, tendon rupture risk |
| Best For | Active individuals seeking long-term improvement | Quick symptom relief before an event or travel |
| Availability in Calgary | Offered at specialized regenerative clinics | Widely available in primary care and pain clinics |
Which One Is Right for You?
Here in Calgary, we serve a wide range of patients—outdoor enthusiasts, office workers, tradespeople, and retirees. Choosing between cortisone and Prolotherapy depends on your condition, goals, and how you want to heal.
You might benefit from Prolotherapy if:
- You’re dealing with joint or ligament instability
- You’ve had repeated injuries in the same area
- You want to avoid surgery and support natural healing
- Cortisone hasn’t provided lasting relief
You might consider Cortisone if:
- You need immediate pain relief for a flare-up
- You’re managing severe inflammation in the short term
- You have a specific event (like travel or surgery prep) coming up
Why More Calgarians Are Choosing Prolotherapy
Our patients are often looking for more than a band-aid fix. With Prolotherapy, you’re treating the root cause—not just temporarily reducing the symptoms. Whether you're returning to hiking trails, the rink, or just aiming to walk comfortably again, this regenerative option may be the better long-term solution.
Talk to a Calgary Expert in Prolotherapy
Every patient is different—and we’ll help you weigh your options. During your assessment, we’ll go over your history, current pain, and treatment goals, then offer honest recommendations (even if that means cortisone is the better fit for you).
Book Your Consultation Today
Let’s talk about what’s right for you. Our Calgary-based clinic is here to support your journey to long-term relief, naturally and safely.
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Chiropractic Center for Health
768-500 Country Hills Blvd NE
Calgary, AB T3K 4Y7