Traditional and complementary medicine · Treatment guide
Prolotherapy
What is prolotherapy? Diagnosis and suitability before injection, the limits of the evidence, possible risks, and assessment alongside rehabilitation.
Updated: · General information
Prolotherapy: what approach is taken?
Prolotherapy is an injection-based approach carried out mostly with dextrose-containing solutions. It is not regarded as the same procedure as PRP or ozone treatment. The decision to use it rests on the diagnosis, previous treatments and the evidence available for the method in the relevant condition. The number of sessions and the outcome vary from person to person; it cannot be said that the tissue will definitely regenerate or that the need for surgery will be removed.
Areas of assessment and treatment
- Chronic tendon and ligament complaints
- Frozen shoulder, tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Hip and knee osteoarthritis and meniscal lesions
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and heel spur
- An individually tailored session plan following specialist assessment
Diagnosis and choice of method
Prolotherapy generally refers to the application of solutions such as dextrose to particular tissues. It is not the same procedure as PRP or ozone. The source of a ligament or tendon complaint must be identified, and the benefits and risks of different injections discussed separately. Neither tissue regeneration nor the definite avoidance of surgery can be guaranteed.
How is the outcome assessed?
Goals are set in advance in terms of pain, everyday loading and function. Aftercare and the return to exercise are explained. Rather than recommending the same number of sessions for everyone, the response is reassessed. A marked increase in pain, signs of infection or any other unexpected symptoms should be reported to the physician.
What is assessed at the first consultation?
Your medical history, your current symptoms, the medicines you take and your needs in daily life are all discussed. You may share any previous investigations you have. Suitable options are considered together after the physician’s assessment.
Your questions
Patient information
Is prolotherapy necessary in every tendon problem?
No. Exercise appropriate to the diagnosis, load management and other options are assessed together; the level of evidence for the method can vary with the condition.
Is it the same as PRP?
No. PRP uses plasma prepared from the person’s own blood. The differences in product and procedure should not be overlooked.
