Prolotherapy Joint Injections
Our Naturopathic Medical Doctor performs Prolotherapy regenerative joint injections. Prolotherapy is a non-surgical approach to regenerate and strengthen damaged joints, tendons and ligaments. The treatment causes new, healthy tissue to grow or “proliferate”, hence the term, Prolotherapy.
Prolotherapy consists of injections of a Dextrose and Procaine solution. Dextrose is a sugar which acts as a fuel to provide the tissues energy to heal. Procaine is a painkiller to decrease soreness from the injection, and also helps to decrease scar tissue and adhesions. The Dextrose and Procaine solution is injected into and around the injured joints, tendons, and ligaments to create a healing response.
Prolotherapy treatments are typically performed every 4 weeks and typically require 3-6 sessions to stimulate growth factors and the natural healing process. Patients start to notice a reduction in pain as their tissues begin to strengthen. A majority of patients report a reduction in pain after their first Prolotherapy injection, but the healing process continues for 3-6 months after their last set of injections.
Prolotherapy vs. PRP & Stem Cell Fluid Joint Injections
Prolotherapy joint injections are not as effective as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) joint injections or amniotic stem cell fluid joint injections. However, PRP and stem cell fluid joint injections are more expensive due to the process needed to collect platelets and amniotic stem cell fluid for this use. Prolotherapy is a less expensive way to perform regenerative joint therapy that still gets great results.
Prolotherapy vs. Cortisone Injections
The difference between Prolotherapy and cortisone injections is that cortisone is designed to stop inflammation (which it does well), but it doesn’t get to the root of the problem and so pain and inflammation often return. Not only do they return, but you can only have so many cortisone injections before it starts to cause damage to the joint. Prolotherapy gets to the root of the problem, healing the joint to create lasting pain relief.
