Prolotherapy is an injection treatment designed to stimulate healing of chronic ligament and tendon weakness. The painful weakened areas are injected with a proliferate, which is a solution that directly stimulates the growth of healthy, strong tissues. The healing process can be expected to take about four to six weeks after the initial treatment. As the tendons and ligaments grow stronger and more capable of doing their tasks, the pain is alleviated.

Prolotherapy is done effectively to thousands of patients routinely to help chronic pain. George S Hackett, MD developed the technique in its current form in 1939, but treatments to promote normal healing of injuries and wounds date back to the days of Hippocrates.

Prolotherapy is an extremely safe procedure. The risks are far less than taking aspirin or Motrin for a lifetime to temporarily alleviate chronic pain. There is, of course, at least a slight risk involved in any medical/surgical procedure. In Prolotherapy, the risks and side effects will vary depending on the area being treated and the doctor will discuss these possibilities fully with the patient during pre-treatment consultation.

The solution injected includes a combination of anesthetic and Dextrose or sugar water. The anesthetic agent effects the "trigger" of the pain cycle and the Dextrose strengthens the "weld" of ligaments and tendons to bone.

Headaches caused by tendon or ligament weakness from injuries to the neck can be effectively treated with Prolotherapy. Chronic or recurrent knee pain and tendonitis can be effectively treated with Prolotherapy to strengthen the weld of the tendon and ligament attachments to bone.