Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is an effective non-surgical treatment option for musculoskeletal injuries when indicated. It is safe, simple, cost effective, elegant and effective (supported by research and clinical outcomes).

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a regenerative injection therapy (RIT) used to strengthen joints weakened or damaged by over-use or chronic injury. It is a non-surgical intervention for the treatment of chronic pain.

Prolotherapy is also known as Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT), “Prolo”, and non-surgical ligament reconstruction. “Prolo” is short for proliferation. The term “prolotherapy” is based on the “proliferative” effects of the injected solution on injured tissue.

Prolotherapy stimulates the body’s innate healing response to strengthen and repair injured and painful joints and connective tissue.

Prolotherapy introduces small amounts of an irritant solution (dextrose) to the site of painful and injured ligaments, tendons and joints during several treatment sessions to promote growth of normal cells and tissues, reducing pain and improving normal function and mobility.

How does Prolotherapy work?

Prolotherapy works by exactly the same process the human body naturally uses to heal, the process called inflammation. This is done by injection of a proliferant (a mild irritant solution) to the injury site, causing an inflammatory response, “turning on” the body’s natural healing process.

The mild inflammatory response, created by the injection technique, encourages growth of new, normal ligament or tendon fibers, resulting in a thickening and strengthening of the weakened structure. Additional treatments repeat this process, allowing a gradual buildup of tissue to restore strength to the area.

The effects of prolotherapy can improve joint stability, biomechanics, function and decrease pain.

What solution is injected?

Prolotherapy solutions contain natural substances that stimulate the healing response, as well as local anesthetics to reduce the pain of the injection. Dr. Moss’s prolotherapy solution contains 12-25%  dextrose with 1% procaine, a local anesthetic.

What conditions can benefit from Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is indicated to repair soft tissue/joint injuries or ligamentous laxity. Prolotherapy can shorten rehabilitation time, prevent surgery and enhance post-surgical healing. These are  conditions where prolotherapy has been used to reduce pain and improve function:

  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Back pain; Neck pain
  • Osteoarthritis; Degenerative joint conditions
  • Chronic joint dislocation
  • Hip, knee, ankle and foot pain
  • Elbow tendonitis 
  • Partially torn ligament, tendon or cartilage
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand pain
  • Sports injuries
  • Sprains and strains

Is Prolotherapy right for me?

Through a comprehensive patient history, physical exam, and study of indicated imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan), Dr. Moss evaluates whether you are a good candidate for prolotherapy. Success depends on factors that include injury history, overall health and ability to heal, and any underlying nutritional or other deficiencies that may impede the healing process. In appropriate patients, prolotherapy has a high success rate.

How long is a course of Prolotherapy treatment?

The average treatment trial is a course of 3-6 treatments, at intervals of every 2-6 weeks depending on the severity of the condition and a patient’s healing ability. Occasionally a patient may require more than six treatments as well as other therapies to achieve the desired health goals.

For more information about Prolotherapy:

Ready to move on from your pain limitations & regain your mobility?

Still Have Questions?

Please send us a message if you have questions about possibly becoming a patient or about our therapeutic services.  We are here to help!