Prolotherapy for Chronic Joint and Tendon Pain
Struggling with chronic joint or ligament pain that just won’t heal? Prolotherapy (short for proliferation therapy) is a regenerative injection treatment used to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. It is commonly used for chronic musculoskeletal pain, ligament laxity, and tendinopathy when traditional treatments haven’t worked.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution (usually dextrose or lidocaine) into injured or weakened connective tissue such as ligaments, tendons, or joint capsules. The injection triggers a controlled inflammatory response, which stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms to:
- Strengthen ligaments and tendons
- Promote collagen production
- Improve joint stability and function
- It is a non-surgical and minimally invasive option for chronic pain.
How does Prolotherapy work?
Unlike cortisone, which suppresses inflammation, prolotherapy encourages a mild, localized inflammatory response. This kickstarts tissue repair in areas that have been slow to heal or have degenerative changes. This is a great option for patients seeking a natural healing option with fewer side effects.
When Is Prolotherapy Helpful?
- When ligaments or tendons are loose, weakened, or painful
- After repeated sprains or microtrauma
- When corticosteroids or surgery are not desired
Prolotherapy is commonly used in cases of chronic soft tissue or joint instability including:
- Low back pain due to ligament laxity
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Knee pain (including mild arthritis, ligament sprains, patellar tendinopathy)
- Shoulder instability or rotator cuff tendinosis
- Tennis elbow / Golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis)
- Ankle sprains and instability
- Neck pain from facet joint or ligament strain
It is especially useful in hypermobile or athletic patients with joint instability.
For more information, click here to see the Prolotherapy Injection Information Sheet.
Available at UBC Sport and Exercise Medicine, Vancouver
Prolotherapy is available at our Vancouver clinic as part of our regenerative medicine services. All injections are ultrasound-guided for safety and precision.
Prolotherapy is not covered by MSP but may be eligible under extended health benefits or health spending accounts.
To find out if you’re a candidate, book a consultation with our team through a doctor’s referral.