Regenerative Medicine | Prolotherapy | PRP | Sports & Chronic Pain Care

Dr. Mark Wheaton discovered Prolotherapy in 1996 while searching for a natural, long-term solution to chronic pain, both for his patients and for himself. After years of competitive athletics, Dr. Wheaton experienced firsthand the frustration of lingering injuries that conventional treatments failed to resolve. Prolotherapy proved to be the missing answer, restoring function and relieving pain in a way that aligned with his belief in the body’s ability to heal.

That personal experience shaped his medical philosophy and deepened his empathy for patients living with chronic pain. A serious back injury sustained during his college years playing tennis at the University of Minnesota gave Dr. Wheaton a unique understanding of the physical and emotional toll that unresolved pain can take. His journey ultimately led him to dedicate his career to helping others find lasting relief.

Dr. Wheaton received extensive, in-depth training in Prolotherapy from 1996 to 1998, mastering the well-known Hackett Hemwall method. Early in his training, leaders in the field predicted that Prolotherapy would become the cornerstone of his practice, and they were right. He later spent a decade volunteering alongside Dr. Ross Hauser of Caring Medical at the Beulah Land Natural Medicine Clinic, where patients traveled from across the country for regenerative care. These years of hands-on experience solidified his expertise and confidence as a Prolotherapist.

Today, Dr. Wheaton’s practice is fully devoted to regenerative medicine, including Prolotherapy, which stimulates tissue repair with natural solutions, and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses the body’s own healing components. He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, from chronic connective tissue injuries and ligament instability to arthritis and joint pain throughout the body. His outcomes speak for themselves, with more than 90 percent of patients experiencing good to excellent long-term improvement.

What truly sets Dr. Wheaton apart is his approach to patient care. He is known for spending generous, unrushed, face-to-face time with each patient, carefully listening, accurately diagnosing the problem, and clearly explaining all treatment options. Every patient receives his full attention and an individualized care plan, ensuring the best possible path to recovery.

Dr. Wheaton is board certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), also known as Physiatry. Physiatrists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions and chronic pain without surgery, focusing on restoring function and improving quality of life. The vast majority of orthopedic and musculoskeletal problems do not require surgery, and Dr. Wheaton’s expertise lies in addressing these conditions through advanced non-surgical techniques.

Physiatrists evaluate and manage a broad range of conditions, from sports injuries and joint pain to complex neurological and rehabilitation needs. Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI imaging are often used to guide precise treatment decisions. Treatment plans may include physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, regenerative injections, manual therapy, medications, orthotics, and activity modification, always tailored to the individual.

With over 27 years of clinical experience, Dr. Wheaton has earned a reputation for combining the best of modern medicine with natural, regenerative approaches. In addition to Prolotherapy and PRP, he is skilled in techniques such as neural therapy and trigger point therapy to help control pain and restore normal movement.

Dr. Wheaton believes that informed patients heal better. He prioritizes education, ensuring patients fully understand their condition, the healing process, and their treatment options. His goal is not only to relieve pain, but to empower patients to return to active, fulfilling lives with confidence.

Dr. Wheaton lives in the Deephaven area with his wife, Gina, two sons, and their 12-year-old Labrador, Misty. He has deep family roots in the Minnetonka area and remains close to his mother, Mary Jane, and his siblings. He is also grateful for the example set by his late father, Bruce, whose dedication and sacrifices continue to shape his values and approach to life.

The Wheaton family values a simple, healthy lifestyle and is committed to growing in their faith.