Prolotherapy, short for “proliferative therapy,” is a cutting edge, injection therapy technique used for chronic myofascial pain, back pain, osteoarthritis, and sports injuries. It’s origins date back as far as 500 BC, in Roman times, but modern techniques gained popularity in the 1950s with George Hackett, M.D. and Gustav Hemwall.

It involves repeated injections of a dextrose-based solution into joints, tendons, or ligaments, in order to provoke a healing response in the tissue.Other growth stimulating substances can also be used, such as Platelet Rich Plasma (“PRP”), vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, among others.

Generally speaking, prolotherapy is particularly useful for areas with chronically loose or lax ligaments, which lead to instability and poor wearing of the joints and tendons. Muscles often tighten to overcompensate for joint instability. So paradoxically, someone who feels “inflexible” might actually have joints that are “too loose.”

Many problems can be addressed in 4 visits or less, but some problems, especially those involving multiple areas, could take longer. Visits are usually spaced 3-6 weeks apart.

Prolotherapy tends to work so quickly, however, that if significant progress has not been made in 2 visits, likely it is

• NOT the right therapy,
• the wrong area has been treated, or
• a stronger solution is needed.

Quick course corrections can be made, to get you feeling better faster.