Prolotherapy, also called the proliferative therapy, is an injection-based therapy type used in chronic musculoskeletal system disorders. This therapy includes repetitive injections of an irritant solution to a portion of the joint, for example in the medial side of the joint, in a supporting tendon or ligament. The injected solution will initiate an intentional inflammation process. This way, blood circulation in the tissue that has been functionally weakened or has lost its function. Various cells will migrate to the injection site, and the process of repair will be initiated.
In prolotherapy, a liquid mixture will be injected in the injured or not functioning joint, cartilage, ligament or tendon to put these tissues into a restructuring and self-repair process. Prolotherapy is applied by injecting a natural irritant into the soft tissue of the injured joint. Injection of the irritant will initiate the repair response of the body.
Prolotherapy is completed within 30 minutes or even a shorter period including the pre-procedural preparations. Injection is administered to the affected areas after administration of local anesthesia. After the treatment, patient will rest with the application of heating packages on the injection sites for 10 to 15 minutes. Patient can go home after heat application.
Mild swelling and hardness right after the procedure is a common condition. However, these recover rapidly, and most of the individuals can continue with their normal activities on the same day or one day later. In some other patients however, bruising, discomfort, swelling and hardness can last for a week.
Prolotherapy is mostly used to treat injured joints or ligaments. It is most commonly used in the back. Furthermore, prolotherapy can be used to treat knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints and ligaments.
Risks of the prolotherapy is considerably lower than the risks of surgical treatments. Prolotherapy does not require general anesthesia or hospital stay. Recovery period is much shorter, and possibility of infections is also significantly lower.