Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is a regenerative treatment method that aims at restoring weakened, abraded, or damaged tendons, ligaments and joints are injected with proliferative and irritant solutions. The method initially relies on the revitalizing effect of proliferative solutions on cells and tissues as well as the irritating qualities of irritants. Once applied, these solutions trigger the naturally embedded healing mechanism of the body to become more active and reduce joint, tendon, ligament and muscle pain.

When to Apply Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy can be administered for the following conditions:

• Arthritis
• Meniscus
• Tendinitis (tendon inflammation) and ligamentitis (ligament inflammation) pain
• Swelling and pain in muscles and tendons
• Neck, back and lower back pain
• Headache
• Cervical and spinal disk hernia
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Avascular necrosis (bone infarction)
• Frozen shoulder
• Shoulder impingement
• Jogger’s heel (Plantar fasciitis)
• Scoliosis
• Persistent pain after spraining the ankle
• Morton’s neuroma

Prolotherapy: Application

Applying prolotherapy is no different than other proliferative and irritant solution applications for other conditions. The solution containing restorative substances is injected into the suffering. In addition, the tip of the needle is also used as a scalpel to restore the damaged section during the process.

How Many Prolotherapy Sessions Are Needed?

In average, 3 sessions should be adequate in prolotherapy. However, the number of sessions depends completely on the patient’s needs. Other factors like age, weight, habits, accompanying diseases, history and stage of relevant diseases may lead the surgeon to consider to increase the number of sessions. For instance, while some cases necessitate 6-8 sessions, a single session may suffice for others.

How Long Does a Prolotherapy Session Take?

A standard prolotherapy session lasts for 5-10 minutes although the overall process (preparing solutions, patient etc.) may take about 30 minutes. Sessions are repeated every 3-4 weeks. The length of intervals varies according to patient and severity of the condition. Whether the sessions should be more frequent or not is a decision that needs to be made by the physician.

Does Prolotherapy Cause Pain?

Prolotherapy is performed with a needle. There may be a small, stinging pain during the insertion of the needle. Sensation of pain and patient’s reaction is entirely related to the pain threshold of individuals. So much so that, prolotherapy may not be the ideal treatment modality for patients who have a fear of needles.

Is Prolotherapy the Ultimate Solution?

No treatment method may be the solution in medicine. There is no guarantee that ailment will heal even after surgery. Still, prolotherapy has proven itself to be a successful method in many cases. Besides, prolotherapy is a natural, harmless, permanent and effective non-surgical method with only a few, if any, side effects. We believe that there is no harm to give prolotherapy a go before undergoing surgery, which always poses a certain level of risk of complications.

Is Prolotherapy a Risky Intervention? Are There Any Side Effects?

There are only a few side effects we can associate with prolotherapy. The most serious risk is infection. Infection happens only one in a thousand and a proper sterilization process substantially decreases the risk. Other, yet more common side effects are pain, bruising, swelling or stiffness at the injection area as well as flu or headaches. It should be noted that these are all normal and expected situations.