Knees are one of the most common areas to be treated with Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy. Along with the ankles and hips, they help to support the pelvis and spine during walking movements. Because of this, any change in the health of the knees can cause problems in other areas of the body.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Your Knee Isn’t Getting Better with Other Treatments
- Knee Symptoms
- Common Knee Conditions Treated
- Common Causes of Knee Pain
- Treatments: Prolotherapy & Prolozone Therapy
- Research & Evidence
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Contact ProHealth Clinic
- Author Bio
Knee pain is one of the most common complaints seen at ProHealth Clinic, with knees being a frequent target for both Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy. Alongside the ankles and hips, your knees play a crucial role in supporting the pelvis and spine during movement. Any change in knee health can impact your entire body.
Many people experience knee pain at some point in their lives, which can significantly affect daily activities and overall quality of life.
This guide covers:
- Why your knee pain may persist despite other treatments
- Key knee pain symptoms
- Common knee conditions Prolotherapy can help
- Causes of knee pain
- Latest research and evidence
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Understanding Knee Pain
Knee pain is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages and activity levels. The knee joint is a complex structure made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, all working together to support movement and stability. When any part of this system is damaged or inflamed—whether from injuries, arthritis, or overuse—it can lead to significant discomfort and limit your ability to move freely. Understanding the root cause of your knee pain is essential to finding the right treatment and easing knee pain effectively. Sometimes, knee pain is a symptom of a specific condition like osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis affecting the knee, or rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that targets the joint. Whether your pain is acute or has become a chronic issue, recognizing the underlying problem is the first step toward relief and improved joint health.
Why Your Knee Isn’t Getting Better with Other Treatments
Knees bear a significant portion of your body weight and require strong muscles and ligaments for stability. Unlike muscles, ligaments have a poor blood supply, making them prone to weakness over time—especially after injuries or with age. Over the years, natural wear of the ligaments further increases the risk of instability and subsequent injury. This weakness can lead to subtle instability, often unnoticed until an injury occurs, such as a meniscus tear from a minor misstep.
Traditional treatments may not address this underlying instability, which can raise the risk of future injuries. Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy work by strengthening and stabilizing the ligaments, targeting the root cause of knee pain.
Knee Symptoms
- Pain: Dull or sharp, often worsened by activity; some conditions can make it especially painful to move or bear weight.
- Feel pain: People may feel pain in different parts of the knee depending on the underlying condition, such as patellofemoral pain, meniscal tears, or osteoarthritis.
- Locking: Difficulty moving after rest
- Clicking: Audible or palpable inside or outside the joint
- Grinding: Common in osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Weakness: Trouble bearing weight or moving the knee
- Stiffness: Due to muscle tension or joint inflammation
Diagnosing Joint Pain
Accurately diagnosing joint pain, especially knee pain, is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. When you visit a doctor for knee pain, they will start by reviewing your medical history and asking detailed questions about your symptoms—such as when the pain started, how severe it is, and what activities make it better or worse. A thorough physical examination of the knee and surrounding joints helps identify areas of tenderness, swelling, or instability. To get a clearer picture, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans, which can reveal issues such as cartilage loss, ligament injuries, or signs of arthritis. In some cases, a joint aspiration may be performed, where a small amount of fluid is removed from the knee joint to check for infection or inflammation. This comprehensive approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to address the specific cause of your knee pain, leading to better outcomes and lasting relief.
Common Knee Conditions Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy Can Help
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage wears down between joint surfaces, causing bones to rub and resulting in pain and inflammation. Cartilage also provides stability, so its loss can make the knee unstable. Knee pain caused by cartilage loss can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Certain treatments, such as prolotherapy, can help relieve knee pain caused by osteoarthritis by promoting cartilage growth and strengthening surrounding structures. Healthcare providers often recommend physical therapy to help manage pain caused by these conditions.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks cartilage cells, leading to joint degradation. Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy can help reduce inflammation and support joint healing, often combined with dietary advice. During an arthritis flare, it is important to modify activities and follow medical advice to prevent further joint damage.
Meniscus Tear
Meniscus tears often result from twisting injuries and are frequently due to a minor injury. Due to poor blood supply, meniscus tissue heals slowly. Prolotherapy injections stimulate the healing process by encouraging the body’s natural repair mechanisms.
Ligament or Tendon Tears
Like the meniscus, ligaments and tendons have limited blood flow. Prolotherapy can help repair these structures by stimulating collagen production and tissue regeneration.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the knee’s bursa, often after a fall. The ozone in Prolozone Therapy helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.
For severe cases where conservative treatments are not effective, surgical options may be considered. Some procedures, such as knee arthroscopy, involve small incisions to repair internal structures. In cases of advanced joint damage or severe arthritis, a total knee replacement may be necessary to restore function and relieve pain.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
Trauma
Sports injuries and falls are common causes of knee trauma, leading to tears in internal or superficial knee structures. Pain caused by direct impact or twisting injuries is a frequent reason for knee pain caused by trauma.
Misalignment
- Foot: Weak foot ligaments can cause arch collapse, altering knee alignment and leading to “knock knee.” The heel and feet play a crucial role in supporting proper knee alignment. Prolotherapy can also help strengthen the foot arch.
- Pelvis: Pelvic misalignment can cause leg length differences, leading to uneven weight distribution and knee injury. Specific exercises, such as lifting one leg while lying down, can help strengthen supporting muscles and correct this.
- Knee Cap: Imbalances in quadriceps muscles can pull the kneecap out of alignment (“patella mal-tracking”). Massage and stretching can help.
Previous Injuries
Old injuries can cause scar tissue, weakness, and altered knee biomechanics. Previous injuries can lead to ongoing issues in the affected knee. A thorough assessment can identify and address these issues.
Physical Therapy for Relief
Physical therapy is a cornerstone in the treatment of knee pain, offering a non-invasive way to relieve pain and restore function. Working with a physical therapist, you’ll receive a personalized exercise program designed to strengthen the thigh muscles and other supporting muscles around the knee. These targeted exercises help stabilize the knee joint, reduce discomfort, and improve your ability to perform normal activities. Physical therapy may also include treatments like heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or manual techniques such as massage and joint mobilization to address stiffness and promote healing. The goal is to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries, so you can return to your daily routine with confidence and comfort.
Stretching Exercises for Improved Mobility
Incorporating stretching exercises into your knee pain treatment plan can make a significant difference in your mobility and overall joint health. Regular stretching helps reduce stiffness in the knee joint and improves flexibility, making it easier to move without pain. Key stretches include the hamstring stretch, quadriceps stretch, and calf stretch. To perform these exercises, slowly lift your leg and hold the stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, focusing on gentle, controlled movements. Avoid bouncing or forcing the joint beyond a comfortable range of motion, and remember to breathe deeply throughout each stretch. These stretching exercises can be adapted to your individual needs and can be done at home or as part of a physical therapy program. By making stretching a regular part of your routine, you can help relieve knee pain, support joint function, and enhance your overall mobility.
Treatments: Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has gained recognition for its clinically proven ability to treat knee pain. Research shows its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.[1]
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles, stimulating the production of collagen cells—essential for knee repair. By addressing the root cause of knee pain, Prolotherapy offers a long-term solution, helping prevent symptoms from returning.
A healthcare professional may recommend physical therapy alongside Prolotherapy to strengthen muscles, improve joint stability, and achieve optimal results.
Research & Evidence
- Prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review
- Prolotherapy in knee osteoarthritis: Clinical outcomes
- Effectiveness of prolotherapy in treating knee osteoarthritis
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prolotherapy work for knee pain?
Prolotherapy stimulates the body’s natural healing response by injecting a regenerative solution into weakened ligaments and tendons, promoting collagen production and tissue repair.
Is Prolotherapy safe?
Yes, Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. Side effects are rare and typically mild, such as temporary soreness or swelling.
How many treatments will I need?
Most patients require 3-6 sessions, spaced a few weeks apart. The exact number depends on the severity and duration of your knee pain.
What is the difference between Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy?
Prolotherapy uses a regenerative solution to stimulate healing, while Prolozone Therapy adds medical ozone to further reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery.
Can Prolotherapy help with knee osteoarthritis?
Yes, research shows Prolotherapy can reduce pain, improve function, and may even promote cartilage repair in knee osteoarthritis.[1]
Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating knee pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with knee pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
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References
- Rabago D, Slattengren A, Zgierska A. Prolotherapy in primary care practice. Prim Care. 2010;37(1):65-80. Read study.
- Reeves KD, Hassanein K. Randomized prospective double-blind placebo-controlled study of dextrose prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis with or without medical ozone (Prolozone). Sci Rep. 2016;6:25247. Read study.
- Rabago D, Nourani B. Prolotherapy for osteoarthritis and tendinopathy: a descriptive review. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2017;19(6):34. Read review.