Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy, short for proliferation therapy is a type of injection using dextrose solution. Dextrose solution is injected into the ligament or tendon, causing an increase in blood supply and overall flow of nutrients to stimulate tissue repair. The dextrose solution causes a localized inflammation in these areas, leading to an increase in blood supply and flow of nutrients. This in turn, initiates the tissue to repair itself. This may result in as much as 30-40 percent strengthening of the connective tissue.
This treatment is beneficial in certain types of musculoskeletal pain including sports injuries, whiplash injuries, chronic tendonitis, and injured tendons.
Response to this treatment is variable and may require several treatments. The average number of treatments is around four to six, but some patients may require over 10 at times. A trained physician should evaluate you to see if you are a candidate for prolotherapy. After initiating treatment, your practitioner can provide you with a better estimate.
