Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy, or proliferative therapy, is an outpatient treatment that can provide patients long-term pain relief compared to the temporary relief steroid injections provide. It requires no surgery, anesthesia or extended recovery.

Prolotherapy Benefits

Prolotherapy can relieve low back pain and treat injured muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments in the knees, hips and shoulders. Patients with chronic conditions like arthritis may also benefit.

Prolotherapy Stimulates New Growth

Specialists at University of Maryland Orthopaedics inject a mixture of dextrose (sugar), saline (salt water) and lidocaine (numbing medication) into a damaged joint or the surrounding tissue. The solution stimulates new collagen tissue growth that relieves pain and improves function.

Prolotherapy Procedure

Prolotherapy is an outpatient procedure done in your doctor's office that takes about 30 minutes. Your doctor may use X-ray or ultrasound images to ensure the injection is at the right location. Patients usually receive 4 to 15 shots per session over the course of 3 to 6 months, depending on their condition.

Some soreness may occur after the procedure, but many patients return to work or their regular activities on the same day. While one treatment may provide significant benefits, the procedure can be repeated if necessary.

Make an Appointment

To learn if prolotherapy is right for you, make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Call 410-448-6400.