Frequently Asked Questions

What do I bring on my first visit?

Please bring the following:

• Loose clothing as well as shorts if we will be examining the lower back &/or lower extremities
• Any reports of MRI’s, CT scans, x-rays, & ultrasounds, etc.
• Any relevant blood work

Our doctors will meet with you for 1/2 hour, where they will discuss your injuries and/or pain in detail. A physical examination will follow during this first visit. All of your questions about suggested courses of treatment will be answered in detail along with possible risks of treatment.

On a case-by-case basis, our doctors will decide whether you will need to be sent to have a current set of x-rays taken or whether therapy can commence on this first visit.

How will I feel following the injections?

Most patients experience heaviness in the tissue that was injected. This typically lasts from 2 hours to 2 days. Usually within the first 24-48 hours, there is improvement in either range of motion, pain or both.

The degree and length of improvement will typically begin to subside before the next injection, however we expect that the period of time of increased activity and reduced pain will increase with subsequent injections.

What are the best things to do following injections?

Drink at least 2 liters of water following all injection therapies. Dehydration is the number one reason for post-injection discomfort.

Have soft tissue therapy (graston, ART, physical therapy, etc.) as soon as possible following the injection treatment. The gains made from soft tissue treatment immediately after injections seem to be very accelerated.

Ice for 20 minutes following the injection therapy.

How many injuries can I get treated in one session?

We are generally limited to one area per session so that we can stay within the safe range of local anesthetic that the body can process at one time.

What are the contraindications for injection therapies?

ABSOLUTE

• Cancer

• Pregnancy

• Airline travel the same day

• Allergy to one of the ingredients:  such as Dextrose – derived from corn or Procaine – a short acting anesthetic

RELATIVE

These conditions may require more sessions due to their association with reduced immune system function – please discuss these in detail with our doctors.

• Smokers

• Patients with diabetes

• Patients taking daily NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

• Patients taking immune suppressant drugs (prednisone, imuran, methotrexate, etc.)

• Patients with hormone deficiencies