Typically, three to six injections at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks are required. Prolotherapy has been around since at least the 1950s, but early reports of adverse reactions limited its acceptance. Recently, it has experienced a rise in popularity, especially among patients and physicians interested in alternative medicine. It is safe and often effective in patients with chronic soft tissue pain, but it does not work for everyone. Prolotherapy should be performed only by physicians with expertise in this method.
Several organizations provide training and education for interested physicians.
This is an interesting topic and treatment option for some very difficult pain problems. I expect to see more about prolotherapy in the literature in the future. Kenneth R. Britton, DO Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis Reference US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research. Curbside Consults brings the consultant to you. Send us your question.