Prolotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Prolotherapy?
​Prolotherapy, also known as proliferative therapy, is a regenerative treatment method that aims to repair and strengthen injured ligaments, tendons, and joints by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. It involves the injection of a dextrose solution or other irritant solution into the injured area. The history of prolotherapy dates back to the 1930s. Dr. Earl Gedney, an osteopathic surgeon as well as Dr. Hackett and Dr. Hemwall, both surgeons, who contributed to it’s development and use. Its roots, however, can be traced to earlier practices focused on inducing healing by creating inflammation.
2. What conditions does prolotherapy treat?
Prolotherapy is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
-
Chronic ligament and tendon injuries, such as partial rotator cuff tears and laxity of the shoulder joint
-
Joint pain and instability
-
Back and neck pain
-
Osteoarthritis, such as osteoarthritis of the knees, shoulders and hands
-
Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow
-
Plantar fasciitis
-
Partial tendon and ligament tears
3. Is prolotherapy safe?
​Prolotherapy is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and experienced physician. Risks and complications are rare but can include infection, allergic reactions, bleeding, and pain at the injection site. Prolotherapy contains the same risks as other similar injections.
4. Is prolotherapy painful?
Patients may experience pain during and after the injections, but the level of discomfort varies. The pain typically lasts a short period and can be managed with non-anti-inflammatory pain medications or other remedies as advised by the treating physician. This is usually temporary and resolves quickly.
5. What can I expect from the injections?
During the procedure, an irritant solution is injected into the target area. The treatment may cause some discomfort and localized swelling, which are normal responses indicating the initiation of the healing process. Some people do have a pronounced inflammatory response that can last up to a week. Most people have some discomfort for the first day after the injections. This should resolve over time.
6. How should I prepare for the injections?
Preparation guidelines may include:
-
Avoiding anti-inflammatory medications for about 4 days before before and 10 days after treatment
-
Staying hydrated
-
Eating a light meal before the procedure
-
Organizing a ride home if needed or if you’re unsure about the immediate effects post-procedure
7. How long will the effects of the injections last?
​The effects of prolotherapy vary among individuals. Some may experience relief after only a few treatments, while others may require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. Most people do have at least some benefit from the first injection. The improvements can be long-lasting, but this depends on the severity of the condition, the body's response to the treatment, and ongoing care and rehabilitation. We aim to see 80% improvement after a series of injections.
8. What are the side effects of the injections?
Common side effects include temporary pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and stiffness in the treated area.Rare complications may involve infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
9. How many injections will I need?
The number of injections depends on the condition being treated, its severity, and your response to the therapy. Generally, a series of 3-6 treatments are administered at intervals of 3-6 weeks. Most people do have some benefit from the initial injection. After a series of injections we hope that you have long term relief and that you will only need follow up treatments on occasion.
10. What results should I expect from prolotherapy?
​The benefits of prolotherapy can include a reduction in pain, improved joint function, and increased stability in the affected area. The goal of this kind of treatment is to provide long-lasting pain relief by stimulating the body's natural healing processes to repair and strengthen injured or weakened ligaments and tendons. The outcomes of prolotherapy can vary depending on the individual, the severity of the condition, and the area being treated. We hope to achieve 80% improvement in pain with treatment.
11. What should I do if I have pain after the injections?
​Pain after the injections can be managed with recommended practices such as applying ice or heat, resting the affected area, and taking prescribed pain-relief medications that do not interfere with the healing process.
12. If I am a candidate for surgery, can I still have prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy can be a viable option for those considering surgery, especially if the goal is to delay or avoid surgery. It may help improve joint stability and reduce pain. You can discuss this with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action based on your specific condition and overall health.
13. When should I consider prolotherapy?
Consider prolotherapy if you have chronic musculoskeletal pain that has not responded well to conventional treatments like physical therapy, medication, or corticosteroid injections. Using prolotherapy earlier, before there is significant degeneration leads to improved results. Prolotherapy cannot correct significant deformity. Surgery may be indicated depending on your medical condition. Treatment with prolotherapy will not intefere with surgery. This should be discussed with your doctor.
13. Who cannot have prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is not recommended for individuals with:
-
Known allergies to the injection solution
-
At the site of active infections
-
History of surgery with hardware. Prolotherapy cannot be done over surgical hardware​
Proceed with caution:​
-
Certain autoimmune diseases (patient-specific considerations required). Most of the time those with autoimmunue disease can proceed with prolotherapy, as long as their symptoms are under good control.
-
Cancer, particularly near the area being treated