jrm: which one did you buy? i tried one and found it didn't help much. maybe i can try getting the one you have had success with.

Hains / Mark

How does one find a competent prolotherapy provider? I can't seem to find anyone in my area that does it. Also, how does one know that the provider is competent enough to stick needles in your neck?

Thanks

Great question. Due diligence is essential when seeking alternative methods. I don't have a direct answer to your question. However, my suggestion would be to create your own provider selection criteria that includes , travel costs and provider credibility. Since you'll need to travel, try to select a city that has multiple providers with some sort of track record. I would then call the office of each provider and ask for credentials pertaining to prolotherapy, and eliminate any provider without accredited training. I wouldn't let anyone stick a needle in my neck who wasn't directly trained on the exact method. Fortunately prolotherapy and other deep needling techniques are fairly common, so creating your own selection process shouldn't require too much re-inventing of the wheel.

Hope this helps your cause.

Hains

If injections are a concern, you might look into low level laser. Some chiros have them, or perhaps a pro sports related clinic.
(also called cold or soft laser)

I had very good results with it for neck pain, shoulder, elbow, wrist, low back..it will work for trigger points also.