Prolotherapy is an injection-based treatment used for chronic pain related to weakened or injured ligaments and tendons. It involves injecting a natural irritant solution, most commonly a dextrose (sugar) solution, into the damaged area. The goal is to trigger a mild healing response that may help strengthen the tissue and reduce pain over time.
Ligaments and tendons have a limited blood supply, so they often heal slowly after an injury or years of strain. When they stay loose or weak, the joints they support can become unstable and painful.
Prolotherapy injections introduce a solution that causes a controlled, local inflammatory response. That response is intended to encourage the body to lay down new tissue in the treated area. Treatment usually involves a series of injections spaced several weeks apart
Both are regenerative injection treatments. Prolotherapy uses an irritant solution such as dextrose, while PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood. Your provider can explain which option may fit your condition.
Evidence for prolotherapy varies by condition. Your provider may discuss prolotherapy for joint pain and soft-tissue problems such as:
Learn about Knee Pain
such as tennis elbow
Learn about Elbow Pain
Learn about Shoulder Pain
Learn about Hip Pain
Learn about Hand and Wrist Pain
related to ligament laxity, in selected cases (prolotherapy for back pain)
Prolotherapy may be an option if:
It may not be appropriate if you have an infection, certain allergies or conditions that impair healing. Your provider will decide after an evaluation.
Your provider examines the area to locate the painful ligaments or tendons. You may be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory medications around treatment, since the goal is to encourage inflammation.
The skin is cleaned and may be numbed. Your provider injects the solution at several points where the ligaments or tendons attach to bone, sometimes with ultrasound guidance.
It’s normal to feel stiffness and soreness for a few days as the healing response begins. Most people return to daily activities quickly.
Prolotherapy works gradually. Improvement, if it occurs, typically builds over several treatment sessions. Your provider may combine it with physical therapy to rebuild strength and stability. Results vary, and not everyone responds.
Common side effects include temporary pain, stiffness, swelling and bruising at the injection sites. Infection and nerve irritation are uncommon. Your provider will review the risks for the area being treated.
Call our office if you notice redness, warmth or drainage at an injection site, a fever, pain or swelling that keeps getting worse, or new numbness or weakness.
Seek emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Prolotherapy is often not covered by insurance. Our team can explain costs before you start treatment.
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Many people receive a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will recommend a plan based on your condition and response.
You may feel pressure and stinging during the injections and soreness for a few days afterward. Numbing medication can help.
When performed by a trained provider, prolotherapy has a low rate of serious complications. Like any injection, it carries some risk, which your provider will explain.
A cortisone shot reduces inflammation. Prolotherapy intentionally triggers a short-term inflammatory response to encourage tissue repair.
Schedule an evaluation at our Rego Park, Queens office to discuss whether prolotherapy fits your condition.
