Prolotherapy is the injection of injured joints tissue, ligaments, and tendons with short-acting anesthetics (lidocaine/procaine) and regenerative solutions including dextrose, antioxidants, and/or amino acids that stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, increasing local collagen production.
Prolotherapy is a great treatment for acute injuries to tissues that are otherwise strong and healthy but are taking a long time to heal. It is a safe, natural, effective alternative to cortisone injections and surgery, and uses the body’s natural healing ability to relieve acute and chronic pain, strengthen injured tissue, and restore function in the joint.
Treatments needed: 3–6 sessions to fully resolve injury and restore optimal function, depending on the extent of injury or degeneration. Patients should expect 24–48 hours of downtime following each appointment. Walking and normal activity will likely be fine, but we recommend avoiding heavy lifting, running, and other strenuous activity.
Prolotherapy is a great alternative to cortisone injections, because it stimulates the regeneration of treated tissues. In contrast, cortisone PREVENTS regeneration by inhibiting collagen synthesis.
Conditions That Respond Well to Prolotherapy:
- Minor ACL/MCL/LCL tears/sprains
- Minor Meniscus injuries
- Frozen shoulder/adhesive capsulitis – in addition to naturopathic therapies to balance inflammation and hormone balance, which are often the root cause of this condition.
- Tendonitis
- Sprains
For those considering PRP therapy, Dr. Storm may recommend 1–2 Prolotherapy sessions before graduating to PRP in individuals with a history of chronic illness or inflammation, to calm the joint before injecting PRP.
Ready to stop struggling with chronic joint pain, or to return to the activities that you love?
to schedule a free 15 minute consult with Dr. Storm to discuss whether prolotherapy may be right for you.
