From the Research
Prolotherapy is a beneficial treatment option for chronic musculoskeletal conditions, particularly for conditions involving ligament or tendon laxity, as it promotes tissue healing and reduces pain by stimulating a controlled inflammatory response. The procedure involves injecting an irritant solution, typically containing dextrose, into damaged ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules. According to the most recent and highest quality study 1, prolotherapy is beneficial in a variety of different musculoskeletal conditions, including lateral epicondylosis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, osteoarthritis, low back pain, sacroiliac joint pain, and TMJ laxity.
Key Points to Consider
- Prolotherapy works by stimulating growth factors that may strengthen attachments and reduce pain 1
- A typical treatment protocol consists of 3-6 injection sessions spaced 3-6 weeks apart, with patients often experiencing gradual improvement after each session
- The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting using a small-gauge needle, with the physician targeting specific pain generators identified through careful physical examination
- While mild post-injection soreness for 2-3 days is common, patients can usually resume normal activities within 24 hours, though they should avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 48-72 hours after treatment as these may interfere with the therapeutic inflammatory response
Conditions That Can Be Treated with Prolotherapy
- Chronic low back pain
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Lateral epicondylosis
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Achilles tendinopathy
- TMJ laxity
Evidence Supporting Prolotherapy
- A systematic review of prolotherapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain found that prolotherapy is efficacious for many musculoskeletal conditions 2
- A narrative review of prolotherapy found that it may be associated with symptom improvement in mild to moderate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and overuse tendinopathy 3
- A clinical review of prolotherapy found that it is a promising option for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when other standard treatments have proved ineffective 4