Prolotherapy (proliferative therapy) uses natural dextrose solutions to stimulate your body's own healing response. By triggering a controlled inflammatory reaction, prolotherapy recruits growth factors and healing cells to repair damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints.
A time-tested approach for chronic pain, joint instability, and soft tissue injuries that haven't responded to other treatments.
Uses dextrose (sugar water) to trigger healing
3-6 sessions for progressive strengthening
Used for decades with published research support
Affordable option for chronic conditions
Prolotherapy works by harnessing your body's natural healing mechanisms. When a concentrated dextrose solution is injected into damaged or weakened tissue, it creates a mild irritation that triggers an inflammatory response.
This controlled inflammation signals your body to send healing cells, growth factors, and new collagen to the area — essentially restarting the healing process in tissues that have stopped healing on their own.
Over a series of treatments, this process progressively strengthens ligaments, tendons, and joint structures, leading to improved stability and reduced pain.
Dextrose solution creates mild tissue irritation at the injection site.
Your body responds by sending healing cells and growth factors to the area.
New collagen is laid down, strengthening weakened ligaments and tendons.
Each treatment session builds on the last for cumulative improvement.
Prolotherapy is particularly effective for chronic pain from ligament and tendon injuries
Loose or hypermobile joints from ligament laxity, including chronic ankle sprains and knee instability.
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, and other stubborn tendon conditions.
Facet joint pain, sacroiliac dysfunction, and chronic low back pain from ligament weakness.
Knee, hip, and hand arthritis — research shows improvement in pain and function.
Chronic heel pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatments.
Partial tears and chronic shoulder pain from weakened tendons.
A straightforward office procedure with minimal downtime
Dr. Buchheit examines the area and uses ultrasound to identify damaged structures.
The treatment area is cleaned and may be numbed with local anesthetic for comfort.
Dextrose solution is precisely injected into the damaged ligaments, tendons, or joint.
Brief observation, then you're on your way. Expect some soreness for 24-72 hours.
Unlike single-treatment procedures, prolotherapy works best as a series. Most patients receive 3-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Each session builds on the previous one, progressively strengthening the treated tissues.
Some patients notice improvement after the first few sessions, while others see gradual progress throughout the series. The total number of treatments depends on your specific condition and response.
View our complete preparation guide including medication guidelines and what to expect after each session.
Cortisone suppresses inflammation for temporary relief but can weaken tissues over time. Prolotherapy stimulates actual tissue repair and strengthening.
Both are regenerative, but PRP uses concentrated platelets while prolotherapy uses dextrose. PRP may be more potent; prolotherapy is more affordable. They can be combined.
Surgery requires significant downtime and carries risks. Prolotherapy is minimally invasive with no surgical recovery. Many patients avoid surgery entirely.
Some discomfort during injections is expected, but we use techniques to minimize pain. More importantly, temporary soreness and stiffness for 24-72 hours after treatment is normal and actually indicates the therapy is working. This post-treatment discomfort typically resolves and is followed by progressive improvement.
Most conditions require 3-6 treatment sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Some patients need more sessions depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition. We'll develop a treatment plan based on your specific situation and adjust based on your response.
Some patients notice improvement after the first 2-3 sessions, while others experience gradual progress throughout the series. Full benefits typically develop over several months as the strengthened tissues mature. Patience is important — prolotherapy works by stimulating real tissue repair.
Prolotherapy is typically not covered by insurance. However, it's one of our most affordable treatments, and many patients find it cost-effective compared to ongoing medications, repeated cortisone injections, or surgery. We provide transparent pricing and can give you a statement for your records.
Yes! Prolotherapy combines well with other regenerative therapies. We sometimes use it with PRP for enhanced healing, or with nerve hydrodissection for complex cases. Physical therapy between sessions can also improve outcomes. We'll recommend the best approach for your condition.
Find out if prolotherapy can help your chronic pain. Schedule a consultation to discuss your options.
