One of the most divisive up-coming functional medicine options out there to relieve pain and inflammation is Platelet Rich Plasma, or better known as PRP.

The process involves platelets, which are blood cells that can help wounds to heal quicker, being extracted from a small sample of blood through a centrifuge (a device that spins at high speed separating the platelets from the blood). The platelets are then injected into the pain area of the patient’s body.

While the process sounds amazing, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the positives and negatives of PRP in Calgary.

The Pros Of Platelet Rich Plasma Injections in Calgary

It can help you with an array of medical conditions, including chronic tendon injuries, acute muscle and ligament injuries, arthritis, surgery recovery and bone fractures.  

— PRP is known for being “autologous”  – meaning it comes from the patient’s body – so it is a natural injection.

— Due to PRP using your blood and cells, it works faster to treat injuries and help your body recover from any inflammation.

— The Platelet Rich Plasma injections can take less than an hour. You will be in and out of your appointment in no time.

— The injection does not weaken your body as cortisone does; it strengthens them.

The Cons of Platelet Rich Plasma Injections in Calgary

The procedure itself can be quite expensive for many people, and there are no guarantees yet that insurance companies will cover the injections.

— Due to the minimal published research of the procedure (it is still new), there is some scepticism that there could be long-term side-effects that no one knows yet.

— There will be some pain in the injected areas for several days. There is a set recovery process when it comes to PRP injections.

These are the pros and cons that come with getting PRP injections in Calgary. If you would like more hands-on information on PRP or other non-invasive injections such as Prolotherapy in Calgary, speak to a specialist today.

Calgary Integrative Medicine provides long-term, sustainable health solutions. We aim for the root cause when treating symptoms and our methods are known to improve quality of life. From pain management to anti-aging and chronic illness treatment, at Calgary Integrative Medicine, we want to get you on the road to healing and recovery. Give us a call at (403) 202-7272 or send an email to info@calgarymed.ca.


If you are fighting chronic pain and inflammation, you might be sick of continually taking prescription tablets and seeing no results. It could be time to look to natural methods, such as acupuncture. If you are wondering how this can help, take a read below.

Acupuncture Will Releases The Body’s Natural Pain Killers

When you visit a PRP specialist in Calgary, they will go through bit by bit breakdown of their acupuncture process. In basic terms, it involves needles piercing your skin, and releasing natural pain killers in your body. It works like this: a needle is poked through your skin, sending waves to the nervous system, which passes it onto the brain. The brain will then release chemicals such as endorphins, adenosine and oxytocin, which are considered ‘natural’ pain killers. These natural repellants will fight back against the inflammation in your body better than most drugs.  

Acupuncture Will Relax The Body

One of the most significant benefits of getting acupuncture in Calgary is that it breaks down the tense muscles and relaxes the body. While that might not seem directly connected to inflammation, one of the core reasons why people suffer from pain is because they do not rest and relax. The tension of stress continues to build up the pain and inflammation. Acupuncture can relieve that by relaxing the muscles and the body. It will also make your sleep easier, and better, ensuring that you get more time to recover.

Acupuncture Calms The Mind

They always say: ‘it’s in your head’. Well, with acupuncture, it can be. An effective way of battling against inflammation and pain is with your attitude and approach. The more positive you are, the better you can handle it. Acupuncture will not only help your body, but it will be great for your mind as well. With a calming mind, you will be able to handle the pain better and can manage it more comfortably going forward. You can learn more about the details  of how it helps your mind by visiting an acupuncturist in Calgary.

Calgary Integrative Medicine provides long-term, sustainable health solutions. We aim for the root cause when treating symptoms and our methods are known to improve quality of life. From pain management to anti-aging and chronic illness treatment, at Calgary Integrative Medicine, we want to get you on the road to healing and recovery. Give us a call at (403) 202-7272 or send an email to info@calgarymed.ca.

If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to reduce pain, you may want to consider prolotherapy treatments in Calgary. There are few risks associated with the procedure, and the success rate is quite high. However, there are some things you should know before beginning the process.

What is Prolotherapy?

Simply stated, prolotherapy involves the injection of a dextrose solution into the soft tissue of an injured join or another affected area. The procedure is non-surgical and natural, as it works to stimulate your body’s healing response.

How Does Prolotherapy Work?

The injection of the dextrose solution works to trigger or activate a healing response from your body. Over time, the body will work to repair and strengthen weakened joints and damaged ligaments. In some cases, multiple injections over multiple sessions are required to achieve the desired response and overall effect.

What Should I Expect From Prolotherapy?

As with most functional medicine procedures, the process begins with an initial consult and assessment. Physicians will perform tests and analyze your circumstances to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for prolotherapy in Calgary. Once the results are conclusive, you can begin treatments and start your journey towards a better, pain-free life.

How to Prepare For Prolotherapy Treatments

Leading up to an appointment for prolotherapy injections, you should stop the use of any over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. On the day of, be sure to eat well and ensure your meals are rich in protein. Once at the clinic, the doctor will sterilize the area and apply a local anesthetic to numb the pain. The number of prolotherapy shots you receive depends on the type of injury or treatment that is necessary.

What are the Benefits of Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy has been proven to be an effective form of pain relief for a number of patients. The improved joint strength reduces pain and improves overall stability over time. Prolotherapy, like other functional medicine treatments including PRP, acupuncture and massage therapy, is a natural method. However, the overarching benefit of prolotherapy is that it is permanent. Prolotherapy is beneficial for individuals with back pain and is also common for knees, hip, and shoulder injuries.

Calgary Integrative Medicine provides long-term, sustainable health solutions. We aim for the root cause when treating symptoms and our methods are known to improve quality of life. From pain management to anti-aging and chronic illness treatment, at Calgary Integrative Medicine, we want to get you on the road to healing and recovery. Give us a call at (403) 202-7272 or send an email to info@calgarymed.ca.