What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection treatment that promotes long-term pain relief by stimulating the body’s natural ability to repair itself. Research shows >80% of patients treated with prolotherapy report a good or excellent result. Prolotherapy is considered a viable alternative to surgery, as an option to pain medications and anti-inflammatory injections such as cortisone and other steroidal injections in instances of joint instability and osteoarthritis. Prolotherapy is considered a safe, affordable option that allows the patient to keep working and/or training during treatment.
How Does Prolotherapy Work?
A solution of concentrated dextrose and local anesthetic (steroids are not used) is injected into the affected ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules. This solution acts not as a nutrient, but by stimulating the body’s natural ability to repair these tissues, encouraging growth of new ligament or tendon fibers
Multiple treatments encourage additional tissue growth to restore and strengthen the affected area
An individual plan is devised with prolotherapy treatments scheduled every two to six weeks until the healing is complete, and you can return to normal activities without pain. The total appointment time takes approximately 30 minutes, including preparation, treatment and recovery time. Performed in a medical office, prolotherapy relieves pain without the risks of surgery, without general anesthesia or hospital stays, and without a prolonged recovery period. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.
What Does Prolotherapy Treat?
Chronic musculoskeletal conditions are the main targets of prolotherapy, such as:
Am I A Candidate for Prolotherapy?
Candidates for prolotherapy typically include patients with back or joint pain who
- Take prescription pain medication (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or oral steroids) for ligament, tendon, or joint problems.
- Have ligament, tendon, or joint pain or weakness/instability lasting over 6 weeks.
- Get only temporary relief from chiropractic manipulation or physical therapy.
- Have had surgery with no back pain relief.
- Experience joint pain that is worse with exercise and better with rest.
