Here’s what you should know about the efficacy and risks of prolotherapy.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is an alternative medicine injection of dextrose meant to treat osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
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Three to four shots are administered every month for a series of several months.
Patients may also choose to get shots as needed for flare-ups or acute problems.
Conditions Treated
The purpose of prolotherapy is to promote the regeneration of damaged tissues.
It is thought that injecting dextrose kills off cells and localized trauma occurs.
Inflammation follows as the body responds to heal the damaged area.
Then, matrix and bone remodeling occur, leaving the injection site in better shape than before treatment.
Support for prolotherapy is primarily anecdotal, with patients reporting improved symptoms after treatment.
It is possible that the placebo effect is at play for many of the positive reactions to prolotherapy treatment.
Placebo effects can be profound, especially with something slightly invasive, like an injection.
That is not to diminish the potential benefit of prolotherapy for osteoarthritis patients dealing with chronic pain.
Osteoarthritis can have a significant impact on the quality of life.
Swelling, stiffness, or allergic reactions are unlikely but possible.
When additional components are included in the prolotherapy solution, the potential for negative side effects goes up.
Individual injections can be $150 or more.
you’re free to also ask your provider about no-interest payment plans to help finance prolotherapy treatments.
Where Is Prolotherapy Provided?
You’re most likely to find it in orthopedic practices and sports medicine clinics.
If you see a rheumatologist for the management of osteoarthritis, they probably would not recommend prolotherapy.
If you choose to try prolotherapy, do your research to find a reputable provider.
You’ll want to be sure the clinic is using safe and sterile practices.
Always let your healthcare provider know about any alternative medicine treatments that you’re doing.
However, prolotherapy has the potential to make patients feel better and is generally a low-risk procedure.
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