Prolotherapy is an injection therapy used for certain joint, tendon, ligament, and soft tissue concerns. It is sometimes discussed when pain is ongoing and the affected area needs more support than rest, footwear changes, bracing, therapy, or activity modification alone.

This treatment usually involves injecting a solution, often dextrose-based, into or around the irritated tissue. The goal is to create a controlled local response that may support the body's natural repair process.

At DeNova Health, prolotherapy is considered on a case-by-case basis. The focus is on matching the treatment to the right diagnosis, the right tissue, and the patient's overall care plan.

What It May Help With

Prolotherapy may be discussed for certain chronic or recurring musculoskeletal concerns where soft tissue support and stability are part of the problem.

It may be considered for:

• Ligament-related pain: May be discussed when a ligament has been strained and the area continues to feel painful or unstable.
• Tendon irritation: May be considered for select tendon concerns that are not settling with conservative care.
• Joint discomfort: May be discussed when joint pain is connected to soft tissue strain or reduced support around the joint.
• Recurring sprains or instability: May be considered when an area feels weak, loose, or prone to re-injury.
• Soft tissue pain with activity: May be discussed when walking, work, sport, or exercise continues to aggravate the area.

When This Treatment May Be Considered

This treatment may be considered when:

1. Pain keeps returning: Symptoms improve for a short time but come back with movement, loading, or activity.
2. The area feels unstable: A joint or soft tissue area feels weak, loose, or less supported than it should.
3. Conservative care has not been enough: Rest, footwear changes, bracing, orthotics, or therapy have not fully settled the problem.
4. A specific tissue can be targeted: The painful area can be assessed and matched to a clear treatment plan.
5. You are trying to avoid more invasive options: Prolotherapy may be discussed before considering surgical or more advanced treatment pathways.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Your visit starts with a clinical assessment. DeNova Health will review your symptoms, how long the pain has been present, what makes it worse, and which treatments you have already tried.

If prolotherapy is appropriate, the clinician will explain the injection process, the goal of treatment, and possible side effects. The area will be cleaned and prepared before the injection is performed.

The injection itself is usually brief, although more than one injection point may be used depending on the area being treated. You may feel pressure, a pinch, or temporary discomfort during the procedure.

Aftercare and Recovery

Aftercare may include:

• Short-term soreness: The treated area may feel tender, achy, or irritated after the injection.
• Activity guidance: You may be asked to avoid heavy loading, intense exercise, or repetitive strain for a period of time.
• Gradual return to movement: Your clinician may guide you on when to resume walking, work, therapy, sport, or exercise.
• Supportive treatment: Bracing, orthotics, footwear changes, or exercise training may still be part of your care plan.
• Follow-up visits: Some prolotherapy plans may involve more than one session, depending on the condition and response. Published clinical descriptions often note multiple sessions spaced weeks apart, though protocols vary.

Possible Side Effects and Limitations

Possible side effects may include:

• Temporary pain flare-up: The treated area may feel more sore or irritated for a short time.
• Swelling or stiffness: Mild swelling, stiffness, or pressure may occur around the injection area.
• Bruising: Some bruising may happen near the injection site.
• Tenderness with activity: The area may feel sensitive while it settles after treatment.
• Variable results: Some patients respond well, while others may need additional treatment, therapy, bracing, reassessment, or referral.

Prolotherapy is not a guaranteed fix. Evidence is mixed and can vary depending on the condition being treated, the injection method, and the patient's overall health and activity demands.

Book a Prolotherapy Consultation

If ongoing tendon, ligament, joint, or soft tissue pain is affecting your movement, DeNova Health can assess whether prolotherapy may be an appropriate option.

Book an appointment to review your symptoms, discuss your treatment choices, and create a care plan focused on comfort, support, and better daily function.