• Neuroprolotherapy
• Prolotherapy
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Neuroprolotherapy is used for persistent muscle stiffness, migraines, chronic pain, headaches, feeling discomfort in an area and needing to constantly massage or stretch. Dr. Tan injects a 5% dextrose (sugar) solution just beneath the skin, following the pathway of the nerves. It is the inflammation of the superficial nerves that causes chronic tightness or pain. This treatment is very effective for plantar fasciitis, chronic migraines and headaches, trigeminal neuralgia.

Neuroprolotherapy can be used to treat acute migraines and headaches. This type of injection therapy is used as a diagnostic as well as treatment. If there is pain resolution after the treatment, then we know its the correct treatment for that condition.

For injuries involving tendons and ligaments, particularly those that result in joint instability, Dr. Tan uses prolotherapy. In cases of strain or sprain, tendons and ligaments become overstretched, leading to pain and instability. A solution of 12.5% dextrose mixed with lidocaine is injected into the areas where tendons or ligaments insert into the bone. This technique creates localized inflammation, which activates the body’s immune response to repair and strengthen the area. Dr. Tan describes it as “spot welding” for the tendons and ligaments, and it is particularly effective in treating conditions like weak ankles from repeated sprains, knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, hand and ankle pain, herniated disks, reduced disk space causing radiating pain, bone on bone pain.

For more severe joint instability or when a stronger treatment is needed, Dr. Tan uses PRP therapy. She draws the patient’s blood, spins it down to concentrate the platelets, and injects them into the affected areas. PRP is a more potent option compared to dextrose-based prolotherapy and is often used as an alternative to joint replacement surgery.