Regenerative Medicine in Tucson

PRP • Prolotherapy • Trigger Point Injections • Acupuncture Injection Therapy

Helping active adults recover from pain and stay active without unnecessary surgery.

We combine orthopedic acupuncture, injection therapies, and advanced regenerative treatments to address the root cause of your pain and support long-term healing.

Josh Whiteley, RN, L.Ac. performing a trigger point injection on a patient’s elbow in Tucson.

What is Regenerative Medicine?


Regenerative medicine focuses on helping your body heal itself. Rather than simply masking pain, we use treatments that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and restore normal function — so you can get back to the activities you love.

If you’ve been dealing with chronic tendon pain, arthritis, recurring sprains, or stubborn muscle pain that hasn’t responded to traditional treatment, regenerative medicine may help. At Common Roots Acupuncture, we offer PRP, prolotherapy, trigger point injections, and acupuncture injection therapy, selecting the treatment that best matches your diagnosis and goals.

Unlike conventional approaches that often focus only on symptom reduction, our treatments are integrated with orthopedic assessment, acupuncture, dry needling, movement analysis, and rehabilitative recommendations to address underlying contributors to pain and dysfunction.

Regenerative medicine is about choosing the right treatment for the right injury. PRP, prolotherapy, trigger point injections, and acupuncture injection therapy each have different strengths. Our job is to identify what’s actually causing your pain and recommend treatment that gives you the best chance of meaningful, long-term recovery.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?


Every injury is different. Your treatment plan is customized after a comprehensive evaluation.

Acupuncture & Dry Needling

Restore movement naturally

The foundation of care using acupuncture, electroacupuncture, dry needling, and movement assessment to reduce pain and improve function.

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Trigger Point Injections

Release stubborn muscle pain

Targeted injections for persistent trigger points and myofascial pain that haven’t fully responded to conservative care.

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Prolotherapy

Strengthen injured tissues

Stimulates the body’s healing response for chronic tendon, ligament, and joint problems caused by injury or overuse.

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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Advanced regenerative medicine

Harnesses your body’s own platelets to support healing in chronic injuries and degenerative conditions.

Ask About PRP →

Josh Whiteley, RN, L.Ac. preparing a trigger point injection at Common Roots Acupuncture in Tucson

Conditions We Treat


Rotator Cuff Pain

Shoulder pain and weakness related to muscle and tendon irritation or injury.

Neck & Shoulder Pain

Persistent muscle tension, trigger points, and restricted motion.

Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow

Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow from forearm overuse.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nerve compression in the wrist causing numbness, tingling, and hand weakness.

Trigger Finger

Finger locking or catching due to tendon sheath inflammation.

TMJ Dysfunction

Jaw pain, clenching, headaches, and facial muscle tension.

Knee Arthritis

Age-related change, repetitive injury, and poor weight loading.

Hip & SI Joint Pain

SI joint irritation, bursitis, and IT band pain.

Low Back Pain

Chronic and recurring back pain driven by muscle, joint, and ligament irritation.

Plantar Fasciitis

Heel pain caused by irritation of the plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot.

Achilles & Ankle Pain

Chronic sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and tendinosis.

Sports Injuries

Overuse and training-related injuries in active adults.

Why Common Roots?


As a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) and Registered Nurse (RN), treatment is guided by both modern orthopedic assessment and traditional Chinese medicine.

16+ Years of Experience

Extensive training and clinical experience in orthopedic acupuncture and regenerative therapies.

Evidence-Informed Care

We combine time-tested traditional medicine with the latest clinical research and modern techniques.

Root Cause Focused

We don’t just treat symptoms — we find and address the underlying cause of your pain.

Advanced Technology

Ultrasound-guided injections for greater accuracy, safety, and better outcomes.

Integrated Approach

Acupuncture, injection therapies, movement, and lifestyle guidance all working together for long-term results.

Benefits of Regenerative Therapies

✔  Targeted Pain Relief

Delivers treatment directly into tight muscles and irritated tissue to quickly reduce pain and improve mobility.

✔  Improved Muscle Function

Releases trigger points and restores normal movement patterns that contribute to chronic pain.

✔  Reduced Inflammation

Uses solutions that calm irritated tissue without the potential downsides of repeated steroid use.

✔  Conservative Alternative to Surgery

Helps you return to activity sooner while supporting long-term healing.

✔  Integrative Approach

Combined with acupuncture, movement assessment, and functional care to address the root cause.

Patient receiving a trigger point injection in the neck at Common Roots Acupuncture in Tucson

What is Acupuncture Injection Therapy?

Acupuncture Injection Therapy (AIT) is a broader approach that uses small amounts of selected substances at acupuncture points, trigger points, or other targeted tissues. Depending on the problem being treated, care may instead involve dry needling, trigger point injections, prolotherapy, PRP, or a combination of approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions


Do these injections hurt?

Most patients feel a brief pinch and mild pressure during the injection, similar to a routine shot. Any soreness afterward is usually mild and resolves within a day or two, and can be managed with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.

Are trigger point injections safe?

Yes. When performed by a trained provider, they are considered very safe with minimal side effects.

How many treatments will I need?

This varies by condition and severity. Many patients see improvement within 1-3 sessions, though chronic or long-standing injuries may need a longer course of care. Your treatment plan is built around your specific evaluation.

How are these different from cortisone injections?

Cortisone suppresses inflammation aggressively but may weaken tissue over time. Trigger point and regenerative injections focus on relieving pain while supporting healing.

Does insurance cover these treatments?

Coverage varies by insurer and treatment type. Acupuncture is covered by some plans; prolotherapy and PRP are typically considered elective and are not covered by insurance. We can help you understand your options during your consultation.

Can acupuncture and prolotherapy be combined?

Yes. Many patients benefit from combining both — acupuncture helps manage pain and improve movement, while prolotherapy targets the structural healing of tendons and ligaments. Your treatment plan may include both depending on your needs.

Who is not a candidate for prolotherapy or PRP?

These treatments aren’t appropriate for everyone, including people with active infections, certain bleeding disorders, or specific medical conditions. A comprehensive evaluation will determine if you’re a good candidate.

How long is the recovery time?

Most patients return to light activity within a day or two. More strenuous activity is typically paused for a short period to allow tissue to respond to treatment — your provider will give you a specific timeline based on your treatment.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let’s create a personalized plan to get you back to doing what you love.

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