Prolotherapy is an injection-based treatment for chronic muscle and joint pain centered on treating ligament weakness that can lead to joint instability. During the procedure, a doctor injects a natural irritant solution—most commonly a dextrose (sugar) solution—into the specific site of a weak or damaged ligament or tendon. The term “prolo” is short for proliferation, because the treatment is designed to make new, healthy tissue grow.
The concept behind prolotherapy is that when a ligament is injured and the healing process has stopped, leaving behind a weak and damaged ligament, injections of dextrose, acting as an irritant can signal a new immune respone in teh form of renewed inflammation. This controlled inflammation brings increased blood flow and healing cells to the area. These cells, called fibroblasts, are responsible for producing collagen—the strong, fibrous protein that makes up ligaments. The new collagen helps repair and thicken the ligament, making it stronger and more stable.
Which Ligament Injuries Can Prolotherapy Treat?
- Knee Ligament Injuries
- Ankle and Foot Injuries
- Shoulder and Elbow Injuries
- Spine and Neck Injuries
To learn more about prolotherapy
Is Prolotherapy Right for You?
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
You might be a good candidate for prolotherapy if you’re dealing with chronic pain from weakened or injured ligaments and tendons. This treatment is designed to strengthen these tissues and improve joint stability. It’s often considered for conditions that haven’t responded well to other conservative treatments.
You could be a good fit if you experience:
- Long-lasting lower back pain
- Arthritis in your knees, hips, or fingers
- Degenerative disc disease
- Recurring sports injuries, sprains, or strains
- Joints that feel loose or unstable
- Injuries to tendons or ligaments in the shoulder, elbow, or ankle
How is Prolotherapy different from a cortisone shot? A cortisone shot works by reducing inflammation to provide temporary pain relief, but it doesn’t address the underlying weakness in the ligament. Prolotherapy does the opposite; it creates a mild, controlled inflammation to signal your body to rebuild and strengthen the injured tissue. While cortisone can sometimes weaken tissues over time, Prolotherapy aims to make them stronger for lasting stability.
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Like any procedure involving an injection, Prolotherapy has some potential side effects, though most are mild and temporary. There is a very small risk of infection, bleeding, or nerve irritation. During your consultation, we’ll go over your medical history to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible for you and discuss exactly what to expect during your recovery.