Prolotherapy is an alternative for many patients who have tried traditional forms of pain management without finding complete relief. The procedure is emerging as an attractive, complementary option as it is a non-invasive treatment that can help promote long-term healing.

With a success rate of over 80%, prolotherapy is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those seeking relief from chronic musculoskeletal pain, low back and neck pain, and injured muscles and joints. Read on to learn more about this treatment that stimulates the body's natural healing process.

What Is Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is an injection-based treatment that stimulates the natural healing process of soft tissues that have been damaged. Although corticosteroid injections continue to be one of the most commonly used treatments to reduce pain, prolotherapy has been deemed as very effective and often provided long lasting pain relief with minimum side-effects.

This injection treatment is deemed as an alternative treatment, which means it is not regulated by the FDA. Studies have found that it can benefit people dealing with pain but without any conclusive results.

How Prolotherapy Works

During a prolotherapy treatment, a solution of dextrose—a type of sugar—and water are injected near or into the joint that has been damaged or injured and it is causing pain. This triggers a response from the body's immune system, causing an inflammatory reaction that encourages the production of new tissue.

Over time, this treatment aims to stimulate a natural healing response creating new tissue that fills in the gaps left by damaged tissue, leading to a strengthened and more functional area.

What Injuries Can Be Treated?

A prolotherapy injection by itself may not be helpful for chronic pain, but with its unique ability to target specific injuries and promote natural healing, can relieve different types of pain and injuries. Here are some of the types of pain that this procedure can treat

Low Back Pain

Typically patients experience pain or other issues in the lower regions of the spine as a result of the joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons having been damaged or degenerated.

Sports Injuries

Individuals who are very active, particularly athletes, can benefit from this procedure as it specifically targets injuries that occur repeatedly or struggle to heal properly. Whether it's a strained ligament, a torn anterior cruciate ligament, or an injury of the shoulder joint, prolotherapy can help stimulate the healing process and enhance the stability of the affected area.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis, a common condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage, can cause significant pain and restrict mobility. Prolotherapy offers a promising approach to alleviate symptoms and promote joint health.

Prolotherapy can stimulate collagen production and strengthen the surrounding tissues, improving joint function, reducing pain, and slowing down the progression of knee osteoarthritis.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Prolotherapy is usually used for people dealing with musculoskeletal pain for more than three months. It can effectively treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including groin and knee injuries, back pain, foot and ankle pain, and more.

How Long Does Prolotherapy Treatment Last?

The duration of prolotherapy treatment can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the pain or injury. Typically, the treatment period lasts between 2–4 weeks and may involve a series of 2–5 monthly sessions to target one or more areas.

What Are Prolotherapy Risks?

Prolotherapy does not appear to have greater risks than other common injection treatments. Some of the side effects that patients might experience are:

• Infection
• Lightheadedness
• Allergic reactions
• Nerve damage

Studies have proved prolotherapy safe when performed by experienced practitioners.

Although Prolotherapy is not regulated by FDA, the US federal agency reckon dextrose as extremely safe and approved it for intravenous treatment of hypoglycemia and for caloric supplementation.

If you are looking to complement your pain management with other emerging alternatives such as prolotherapy, contact our specialists. At Arkansas Spine and Pain, our experts will make sure to find the cause of your neck, upper body or back pain and work with you to create a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual condition. The treatment could include a combination of rest, exercise, rehabilitation, and medication. Our focus is on providing you with compassionate, patient-focused healing. We know that life begins where pain ends. We want you to enjoy your life to the fullest. Contact us today!