Prolotherapy is the injection of an “irritant solution” into an area where connective tissue has been weakened, is unstable or has been damaged by an injury or through strain. It is a natural approach in which injections are given into the specific problem area. Injections stimulate cell signals that activate the immune system to naturally repair the joint or ligament. Prolotherapy is used to treat pain by promoting healing and permanently stabilizing joints by targeting the actual cause of the damage. The injections are commonly used for tendon and ligament instability and joint problems.
Different irritant solutions are used, including dextrose, lidocaine or glycerine. Prolotherapy treatment sessions are generally given every 2-6 weeks over the course of several months. Many patients receive treatment at less frequent intervals until treatments are rarely required, if at all.
Indications for prolotherapy may include lower back pain, knee osteoarthritis, shoulder dislocation, costochondritis lateral epicondylitis, and plantar fasciitis.
Patients receive a treatment every 3-5 weeks and up to 12 treatments depending on the severity of the problem. Consult with your doctor for a more specific treatment plan.