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Prolotherapy Specialist

Larisa N. Likver, MD -  - Pain Management Physician

Larisa N. Likver, MD

Pain Management Physician located in New York, NY & Brooklyn, NY

As a leading physiatrist in New York City, Dr. Likver provides comprehensive prolotherapy to her patients, which helps reduce pain and restore function. Prolotherapy is an advanced technique that uses injections of special solutions aimed at stimulating the body's natural healing response. 

Prolotherapy Q&A

Prolotherapy of a Joint (ultrasound guided)

Duration - 45 min to 90 min

Prolotherapy (Non-Surgical Reconstruction of Tendons and Ligaments) is an injection procedure that stimulates the body’s genetically programmed self-healing processes to repair painful joint and joint- support structures (capsule, tendons, ligaments, etc.). When ligaments or tendons are injured, they become a significant source of pain. Also the joint they support destabilizes, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis and pain.

It is important to treat the root cause of the pain instead of masking it with pain medication or cortisone shots.

Efficacy of prolotherapy is about 80-85%. This means up to 80% of orthopedic surgeries like joint replacement, back surgery etc. could be avoidable.

What is prolotherapy?

Also called reconstructive injection therapy or proliferative therapy, prolotherapy uses a series of injections of special solutions designed to help promote natural healing after disease or injury and to strengthen joints and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons. Prolotherapy solutions can be customized for each patient based on the patient's specific needs and medical profile.

How does prolotherapy help manage musculoskeletal injuries and conditions?

Prolotherapy works by creating areas of “controlled damage” in joints and soft tissues so the body's healing processes are triggered and new, healthy tissue is formed. New tissue formation works not only by replacing injured or damaged tissues but also by strengthening surrounding tissues so the injured area gets the support it needs for proper healing and restoration of strength.

What are the clinical applications of prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy can be used in many areas of the body, including:

  • knees, hips, and ankles

  • shoulders, elbows, wrists

  • back and neck

  • jaws (temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ)

What happens during prolotherapy treatment?

Injections of prolotherapy solutions are made directly in the treatment area so anesthetics and other agents can work to reduce symptoms and stimulate healing where it's needed most. As with other injections, you may feel some stinging or burning while the injections are being administered, as well as mild swelling or tenderness for a brief period of time afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used as needed if you find these effects uncomfortable. Though many patients can experience benefits after a single treatment, most will benefit from a series of treatments performed over a period of several weeks to help promote healing and strengthen weakened tissues.

Am I a good candidate for prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy can be an ideal choice for many patients, but it's not for everyone. Before undergoing treatment, you'll have a comprehensive exam to ensure prolotherapy is a good option for your needs.

 

Insurance Providers Accepted

If you don't see your insurance listed, don't worry! Please call or email as this list can change and we accept many insurances out of network.

1199SEIU
AARP
Medicare
Oxford (UnitedHealthcare)
Tricare
UnitedHealthcare
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