What is prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a non-surgical regenerative injection treatment for damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints. A physician injects dextrose (a form of sugar) combined with a local anesthetic - directly into the weakened or torn connective tissue. This injection triggers the body's own healing response, stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen and start repairing the damaged tissue.

Unlike cortisone injections, which reduce inflammation temporarily but can weaken tissue over time - and carry the risk of tendon rupture with repeated use - prolotherapy addresses the underlying structural damage. The result is a stronger, more stable joint and lasting relief from chronic pain. That is because your body - with the help of prolotherapy - reduces the inflammation. It is inflammation that causes pain regardless of whether it is acute or chronic pain.

Prolotherapy is effective for most joints in the body, including knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, elbows, and the spine. It is particularly well-suited for partially torn ligaments, tendons, joint instability, and chronic pain that has not responded to physical therapy, medication, or cortisone.