Prolotherapy (regenerative injection therapy) is a non-surgical treatment for pain caused by weak or damaged ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules. It is most commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions of the spine, shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, ankle and foot.

Prolotherapy involves the injection of concentrated sugar solution (Dextrose) and local anesthetic at myoligamentous and capsular injury sites. The procedure stimulates the release of tissue growth factors and initiates the regeneration of healthy tissues. This response is similar to the growth of muscles with exercise and the thickening of skin when exposed to repetitive stress. By strengthening and tightening fibrous connective tissues, prolotherapy can help to reduce pain and improve joint function. Common diagnoses treated with prolotherapy include whiplash, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, facet syndrome, rotator cuff sprain, knee sprains, arthritis, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. These chronic conditions often occur in the presence of repetitive micro-trauma with insufficient time for recovery, metabolic and hormonal abnormalities, tissue hypoxia, and the overuse of steroids / NSAIDS.

At Natural Health Works, PC, Dr. Joanne Gordon gently performs prolotherapy with the patient seated or lying comfortably.  Treatments are scheduled every two to six weeks until the injured tissues are repaired and the patient returns to normal activities without pain. The number of treatment sessions is dependent on the severity and location of the injury. After the procedure, most patients experience only mild temporary swelling and stiffness and they may resume their pre-procedure level of activity. It is recommended that NSAIDS not be taken after the procedure and that the patient’s nutritional status be maximized in order to promote the body’s healing response. After a series of prolotherapy injections, many patients have a complete and permanent improvement in symptoms.

Recently published research and case studies have supported the clinical application of prolotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions unresponsive to traditional treatments. Textbook materials include: 1.) Pain Management (American Academy of Pain Management) Chap. 33, Pain Management with Regenerative Injection Therapy. 2.) Low Back Pain (American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians) Chap. 35, Regenerative Injection Therapy. 3.) Ligament and Tendon Relaxation Treated by Prolotherapy.