Prolotherapy is a non-surgical medical procedure involving the injection of joints, tendons, and ligaments. The term prolotherapy comes from the word proliferate, meaning to reproduce, or regenerate. These injections of sterile natural medicines cause increased blood flow to the area and stimulate the patient’s immune system, resulting in repair of damaged tissues. Ligaments and tendons become strengthened and cartilage in joints is regenerated.

Virtually any tendon, joint, or ligament can benefit from prolotherapy. Conditions commonly treated are arthritis, tendonitis, back pain, TMJ syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, sprains, strains, chondromalacia, torn meniscus, and plantar fasciitis. Patients are commonly able to utilize prolotherapy rather than undergoing surgery.

There is substantial evidence which indicates that loosened or damaged connective tissue is the cause of much musculoskeletal pain. When the sugar-based “proliferent” is injected, it causes a slight irritation in that tissue, causing the immune system to clean up debris in the area, and produce new cartilage. Generally the therapy is given in a series, usually two to four weeks between procedures, so that the body has a chance to build up new cartilage.

Benefits of prolotherapy may include increased strength, stability, and range of motion, as well as a decrease in pain. Most patients experience some relief after the first or second treatment. While at least two treatments can be expected for cure, some patients require up to ten. Depending upon the condition, additional nutrients may be added to the solution, such as Vitamin B12, glucosamine sulfate, and MSM.