Prolotherapy asks for extra care, because the published evidence is mixed. A well done visit says so openly.

If you are weighing prolotherapy in Nutley, bring the questions below to the visit. The American Academy of Pain Medicine is a place to read about the field beforehand.

What it is and what is known

Wikipedia describes prolotherapy as the injection of an irritant solution into a joint space, weakened ligament, or tendon insertion to relieve pain. Wikipedia also reports that a 2015 review found no evidence that prolotherapy is safe or effective for Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciosis, and Osgood–Schlatter disease. A thorough provider mentions both points.

A checklist to carry

• Is the treatment described in plain words, with its limits?
• Does the provider say what evidence supports it for your problem?
• Were other options named, such as physical therapy?
• Is there a goal and a review date?

The shortcut to question

The common shortcut is confidence without evidence. A provider speaks as if results are certain. Ask what the sources say about your exact condition. A careful answer includes what is not known.

Comparing it with a familiar option

Many people have heard of cortisone shots. Ask how this option differs and why it was suggested for you.

A closing question

Before booking, ask one thing. What does the evidence say for my problem, and what will we do if this does not help?