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Prolotherapy

Regenerative therapy that triggers natural healing by inducing controlled inflammation in damaged connective tissues through injection.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp department. Book Appointment →

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy (proliferative therapy) injects hypertonic dextrose or other irritant solutions into damaged or weakened connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage) to induce controlled inflammation and activate the natural healing process.

Used since the 1930s, the method is particularly applied for chronic musculoskeletal pain, ligament laxity and osteoarthritis.

Mechanistically, the controlled inflammatory response after injection increases fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, thereby strengthening tissues.

Symptoms

Chronic ligament and tendon injuries
Osteoarthritis and joint cartilage damage
Chronic low-back and neck pain
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy

Risk Factors

Transient increase in pain at the injection site (24-72 hours)
Risk of infection (minimized with sterile technique)
Nerve or vascular injury (rare in experienced hands)
Bleeding risk in patients on anticoagulants
Allergy to local anesthetic
Transient glycemic effect from dextrose injection in diabetics

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Failure of conservative therapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain over 3 months
  • Joint instability due to ligament laxity
  • Severe pain lasting more than 72 hours after injection
  • Signs of infection at the injection site

Treatment Methods

01
Identification of injection points by palpation of the painful area
02
Periarticular injection of 12.5-25% dextrose solution
03
Ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guided injection (for deep structures)
04
3-6 sessions at intervals of 3-6 weeks
05
Avoidance of NSAIDs after injection
06
Concurrent exercise and physical therapy program

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.