Pain care

Pain Management & Prolotherapy

Evidence-informed naturopathic care for joint, tendon, and ligament pain—focused on restoring function, improving stability, and supporting long-term healing.

Doctor examining a patient’s knee during an appointment
Overview

A clear plan for pain

Pain is rarely just a symptom—it’s often a signal of irritation, inflammation, instability, or overuse. We combine assessment, targeted therapies, and supportive lifestyle strategies to help you move with more confidence.

Pain management

A whole-person approach to reduce pain drivers, improve mobility, and support recovery—using nutrition, lifestyle, and evidence-informed therapies.


Prolotherapy

Regenerative injection therapy designed to support joint stability and reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain by stimulating the body’s healing response.


Root-cause assessment

We look at biomechanics, training load, inflammation, sleep, stress, and nutrition to identify what’s keeping pain stuck.


Integrated care

When appropriate, we coordinate with imaging, rehab, and your broader healthcare team to keep your plan safe and effective.

Conditions we commonly treat

Physical therapy electrostimulation being applied during treatment

Joint pain & instability

Knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and small joint pain—especially when symptoms flare with activity or feel unstable.

Tendon & ligament pain

Chronic tendinopathies and sprains/strains where healing has stalled or keeps recurring.

Back & neck pain

Mechanical pain patterns, stiffness, and recurring flare-ups—supporting function and resilience over time.

What to expect

Your visit, step by step

We’ll meet you where you are and build a plan that fits your goals, comfort level, and timeline.

1) Assessment

History, movement and joint assessment, and a review of contributing factors (training load, posture, inflammation, sleep, and stress).


2) Personalized plan

A clear plan may include prolotherapy, nutrition and supplement support, lifestyle strategies, and home care to improve stability and recovery.


3) Treatment & follow-up

We track progress and adjust as you improve—so you’re not stuck in a one-size-fits-all approach.


4) Long-term prevention

Strength, mobility, and habit support to reduce flare-ups and help you stay active.

Prolotherapy FAQs

Common questions about safety, timing, and results.

What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is an injection-based therapy used to support the body’s natural healing response in irritated or weakened connective tissue.

What conditions respond best?

It’s commonly used for chronic joint pain, ligament laxity/instability, and certain tendon issues—especially when symptoms have persisted despite rest or rehab.

Does it hurt?

Most people describe brief discomfort during the injection and mild soreness afterward. We’ll review what to expect and how to stay comfortable.

How many sessions will I need?

Plans vary by area and severity. Many patients require a series of treatments spaced over weeks to months, with reassessment along the way.

Is there downtime?

You may have temporary soreness and are typically advised to modify activity for a short period. We’ll provide clear aftercare guidance based on your case.

Can I combine this with other care?

Yes. Prolotherapy often works best alongside a supportive plan (rehab exercises, nutrition, sleep, and stress support). We can coordinate with your existing providers when needed.

© 2026 Dr. Ryan Nakama ND