When injected near injured tissue, Prolotherapy which is a hypertonic Dextrose solution, is thought to irritate tissues causing an inflammatory healing response.
As a result, growth factors are released from adjacent tissue to potentially stimulate blood vessel formation. These vessels bring nutrients, oxygen and collagen building blocks to further facilitate healing of damaged tissue. Growth factors also help to recruit fibroblasts which are the cells responsible for collagen production. Collagen is the main component of most healing tissues so the more collagen that is produced, the more efficient the healing will be.
Prolotherapy is a therapeutic technique developed by George Hackett, MD and Gustav Hemwall, MD in the 1950’s. The term “prolo” is in reference to the “proliferative” phase of healing. It is in this phase that collagen production is amplified to stimulate healing of various tissue types (i.e. tendon, ligament, fascia, bone, etc). Prolotherapy utilizes 50% Dextrose solution usually diluted with saline and/or Lidocaine to a concentration of 12-15%.
Greater collagen density equates to increased ligament size and mass leading to healing and repair of articular cartilage. A Prolotherapy injection is generally administered into the area of injury with ultrasound guidance for precise placement. Typically, a prolotherapy injection results in 3-7 days of increased mild-moderate pain.
A mild pain medication (e.g. Tylenol, Ultram) may be necessary to manage the 3-7 days of soreness. NO ice or NSAIDs are recommended for 2 weeks following the procedure to allow for full healing effects. Light physical activity to tolerance is encouraged in days following injection. It usually requires 2-3 injections spaced approximately 3 weeks for most conditions. Physical therapy is often employed to encourage mobility as soon as one week following an injection.
Prolotherapy is no longer used widely since Stem Cells or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is considered more effective. This is likely due to more limited release of growth factors in Prolotherapy versus Stem Cells or PRP. In addition, Prolotherapy is less technically demanding and less expensive than Stem Cell or Platelet Rich Plasma injections.
Prolotherapy’s main value is in adding stability to unstable joints. It is often very effective for strengthening outer ankle ligaments to reduce chronic ankle sprains. It is used to stabilize Cuboid Syndrome (i.e. dislocating or subluxing cuboid bone in the foot after ligament injury). It is still employed for use in healing injured or torn tendons, sprained or torn ligaments, tendinopathy including tendinosis, enthesopathies, and even Plantar Fasciitis.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended to replace the care or advice given by your physician. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. For more information see our Medical Disclaimer.
