Prolotherapy Repairs at the Cellular Level
Prolotherapy Works to Trigger the Body’s Natural Healing Response
Prolotherapy is a non-surgical regenerative injection therapy designed to stimulate the body’s own repair mechanisms at the cellular level. It is used to treat chronic joint pain, ligament and tendon injuries, arthritis, and joint or spine instability by strengthening weakened connective tissue rather than masking symptoms.
Prolotherapy works by injecting a precisely targeted solution into areas where ligaments, tendons, or joint-supporting tissues have become damaged or functionally insufficient. This solution creates a controlled inflammatory response, which activates the body’s natural healing cascade. In response, the body increases blood flow, recruits healing cells, and stimulates fibroblast activity—leading to the production of new collagen and stronger connective tissue over time.
As damaged tissue repairs and stabilizes, joints regain support, abnormal movement is reduced, and pain often diminishes naturally. Because prolotherapy addresses the root cause of instability or degeneration, it is frequently used either in conjunction with conventional treatments or as an alternative to invasive surgical procedures.
Resources:
For more information on the latest in Prolotherapy, check out the Journal of Prolotherapy, and this link to an article on Stem Cell Therapies.
Conditions Most Effectively Treated by Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is particularly effective for musculoskeletal conditions involving ligament laxity, tendon injury, or joint degeneration. Common conditions treated by prolotherapy
Top Prolotherapy FAQs
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How does prolotherapy work?
Prolotherapy stimulates healing by triggering a localized inflammatory response that activates the body’s natural repair process. This response leads to increased collagen production and tissue regeneration, resulting in stronger ligaments and tendons that better support joints.
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How many treatments are needed?
Most patients require a series of injections, commonly spaced two to four weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the severity of tissue damage, the area being treated, and the individual healing response.
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What are the types of prolotherapy?
Treatment may include dextrose prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or other regenerative injections, depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s goals. The specific approach is determined after a thorough evaluation.
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Is prolotherapy a good alternative to surgery?
In many cases, prolotherapy may reduce or eliminate the need for surgery by improving joint stability and function. It may also be used alongside other medical treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Types of Prolotherapy Offered at CIM
Our Bend clinic offers several advanced forms of prolotherapy and regenerative injections, selected based on your diagnosis and treatment goals:
Dextrose Prolotherapy
A traditional and well‑studied form of prolotherapy using a natural sugar solution to stimulate ligament and tendon repair.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to accelerate healing. At CIM, we utilize advanced processing techniques to achieve higher platelet concentrations than standard commercial kits, often resulting in fewer treatments and improved outcomes.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy (ADSC)
This advanced regenerative therapy uses cells derived from the patient’s own adipose (fat) tissue, processed in a controlled environment and injected into targeted areas to support tissue regeneration and repair.
Precision Diagnosis with Ultrasound‑Guided Injections for Prolotherapy Treatments
Dr. Flattery incorporates diagnostic ultrasound into prolotherapy and regenerative injection treatments, allowing him to:
- Visually identify damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints
- Pinpoint areas of degeneration or instability
- Guide injections with exceptional accuracy
This technology enhances treatment precision and improves clinical outcomes for conditions such as rotator cuff injuries, knee pain, joint instability, and osteoarthritis.
Additional Prolotherapy FAQs
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Is prolotherapy painful?
Discomfort during treatment is typically mild to moderate and short-lived. Most patients tolerate the injections well.
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Are the injections guided for accuracy?
Ultrasound guidance may be used to precisely target injured or degenerated tissue, improving treatment accuracy and outcomes.
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Can prolotherapy be combined with other therapies?
Yes. Prolotherapy is often integrated with other regenerative or supportive therapies to optimize healing and recovery.
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How long does it take to see results?
Some patients notice improvement within weeks, while others experience gradual improvement over several months as tissue repair progresses.
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Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy may be appropriate for individuals with chronic joint pain, ligament or tendon injuries, arthritis, or instability who have not achieved lasting relief from conventional treatments.
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Work directly with Bend’s Regenerative Medicine physician specialist
Dr. Payson Flattery evaluates each case personally and recommends treatment plans aligned with orthopedic need, functional goals, and clinical safety.