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Prolotherapy is an advanced treatment in the UK which has built a reputation for achieving results when other treatments have failed. It involves the injection of a natural dextrose solution with small needles. Having been available for several decades, published research has proven its ability to treat a large number of conditions in the body. It does this by stimulating the production of fibroblasts and chondrocytes, which are the small cells the body uses to heal, repair and strengthen damaged, weak or unstable parts of the body.
The following structures can be treated with Prolotherapy: joints, cartilage, spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, meniscus, labrum, and bursa.
We treat all areas of the body, including the head, neck, jaw, back, shoulders, knees, hips, arms, legs, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles, feet, toes, pelvis, ribs, sacroiliac joints, sacrum, coccyx, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and sternoclavicular (SC) joint.
More comprehensive information about Prolotherapy, alongside frequently asked questions and video testimonials of real-life patients, can be found further down the page.
What is the success rate of prolotherapy?
Our clinical audits show that 90% of our patients achieve positive outcomes with our treatment.
Our success rate is higher than typically stated in studies, as we often combine the treatment with other advanced rehabilitation treatments within the same appointment as the injections to enhance the results.
For the 10% of patients who fail to experience results, we help point them in the direction of another practitioner or therapy that may be able to help.
How long does it take for the treatment to work?
The speed at which an individual starts to experience symptom relief depends on the type of condition or injury they have when they come in to see us.
Some patients experience relief after a few hours, some after a few days, and some not until a few weeks after their third appointment. 70% of our patients start to experience results after just one appointment.
What happens during a Prolotherapy consultation and examination?
Your practitioner will start by taking down a full medical case history. This will involve asking you detailed questions about your current symptoms and any previous conditions or incidents that may have had an influence.
Many individuals come to see us because they have failed to experience relief with other therapies. Sometimes, we find that the issue wasn’t necessarily with the other therapies themselves but with the practitioner performing that therapy, who may not have accurately assessed and examined the individual properly to start with and, therefore, not applied the therapy appropriately.
This is why we conduct a thorough examination using precision biomechanical technology to help identify issues and imbalances in the body that previous practitioners may not have identified. The information that our technology provides helps us to perform more targeted and effective treatment for our patients.
How many prolotherapy sessions will I need?
Most patients require 3 or 4 sessions for optimal results, though 70% of patients experience improvement after just one appointment. The exact number depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition, how long you’ve had the problem, your overall health, and how well you respond to treatment. Acute injuries may require fewer sessions, whilst chronic conditions or complex cases may need additional treatments. Your practitioner will provide a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.
Is prolotherapy painful?
Most patients describe prolotherapy as tolerable with only mild to moderate discomfort. You may experience a brief, sharp scratch when the needle is inserted, followed by a temporary aching or burning sensation as the dextrose solution is injected. We use cold spray to numb the injection site, and our ProloSafe® technique employs smaller needles for increased comfort. Any discomfort during the procedure typically lasts only a few seconds per injection site.
How long do the results of prolotherapy last?
Prolotherapy aims to create permanent structural improvements to damaged tissues. Once the new collagen fibres have formed and matured (typically within 4-6 weeks), the strengthened ligaments and tendons should provide lasting stability and pain relief. Many patients experience years of relief from a single course of treatment. Some structures, particularly cartilage, may benefit from annual maintenance sessions to maintain optimal function.
What should I do to prepare for my prolotherapy treatment?
Preparation is minimal and straightforward. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for 3 days before treatment, as these can interfere with the healing process. You may take paracetamol for pain relief if needed. Eat a light meal before your appointment to prevent any dizziness. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. Arrange for someone to drive you home if you’re having treatment in multiple areas or feel concerned about driving afterwards.
Can I exercise after prolotherapy?
You can resume normal daily activities immediately after treatment, but should avoid high-intensity exercise and heavy lifting for 2 weeks to allow proper healing. Light walking and gentle movement are encouraged. Avoid activities that specifically stress the treated area during this healing period. Your practitioner will provide specific activity guidelines based on the areas treated. After the initial 2-week period, you can gradually return to full activity as tolerated.
Is prolotherapy covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, prolotherapy is not currently covered by most UK insurance providers. We provide detailed invoices for those who wish to submit claims to private insurance companies, as some policies may offer partial coverage for complementary therapies. We recommend checking with your insurance provider directly about coverage for regenerative injection therapies.
Are there any side effects?
Prolotherapy is generally very safe with minimal side effects. Common temporary effects include mild pain, stiffness, or bruising at injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in pain for 24-48 hours as the healing process begins. Serious complications are extremely rare but could include infection or allergic reaction. Our ProloSafe® technique and sterile protocols minimise these risks significantly.
Has prolotherapy been evaluated in clinical studies?
Yes, the effectiveness of prolotherapy has been evaluated in multiple randomised controlled trials. Many of these studies have a low risk of bias, supporting the reliability of the evidence for prolotherapy’s benefits in musculoskeletal conditions.
Is prolotherapy offered on the NHS?
Unfortunately, the treatment isn’t offered on the NHS at this point in time.
Prolotherapy, short for ‘proliferation therapy,’ is a non-surgical regenerative injection therapy that involves injecting an irritant solution into damaged musculoskeletal tissues. This approach is designed to stimulate your body’s natural healing processes to assist in the repair of injured or weak musculoskeletal tissue. This treatment has been proven through published research to support the recovery and strengthening of joints, cartilage, spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, meniscus, labrum, and bursa.
By inducing a controlled inflammatory response using either a natural dextrose (sugar) solution or medical ozone, prolotherapy promotes the production of new, strong collagen fibres to repair and strengthen weakened structures. This irritant solution triggers the body’s natural healing process and initiates the healing process for musculoskeletal injuries. This process helps address the root cause of chronic pain rather than merely masking symptoms.
Prolotherapy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing process, leading to tissue repair and pain relief.
When the dextrose solution or medical ozone is injected into damaged tissue, it creates a localised inflammatory response. This triggers the release of growth factors and healing compounds, stimulating the production of fibroblasts. These fibroblasts then deposit new collagen fibres. This process promotes tissue regeneration, addressing the root cause of joint or ligament issues rather than just alleviating symptoms. As the collagen matures, it shrinks, effectively tightening and strengthening the treated ligaments and tendons. Tendon relaxation is treated by stimulating a healing response that reinforces and stabilises the tendon, leading to improved tendon stability and function. This results in improved joint stability and reduced pain.
Prolotherapy, also known as proliferative therapy, has a fascinating history that spans centuries. Early forms of this treatment can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where healers used various irritant solutions to stimulate healing in injured tissues. The modern evolution of prolotherapy began in the 19th century, when Dr. Alfred Velpeau experimented with saline injections to address musculoskeletal conditions and promote tissue repair through a controlled inflammatory response.
In the early 20th century, the technique was further refined by pioneers such as Dr. Earl Gedney and Dr. George Hackett. They introduced the use of dextrose solutions, which proved highly effective in stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. By intentionally triggering a mild inflammatory response, these injections encouraged the growth of new, healthy tissue—particularly in ligaments and tendons.
Today, prolotherapy is recognised as a valuable treatment for a wide range of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, including chronic low back pain, neck pain, knee osteoarthritis, pelvic girdle pain, and other forms of back pain. Its ability to stimulate healing and support tissue repair has made it a trusted option for those seeking relief from persistent pain and instability. As clinical research and randomised controlled trials continue to validate its effectiveness, prolotherapy remains at the forefront of regenerative medicine for musculoskeletal conditions. More information can be found on our blog post The History and Development of Prolotherapy.
We treat all major joints, including:
Your practitioner will begin with a comprehensive assessment lasting up to 75 minutes, including:
During your prolotherapy session:
Following your treatment:
When it comes to recovery time, most patients experience only mild side effects and can resume normal activities quickly.
Prolotherapy may be right for you if you have:
Prolotherapy may not be suitable for individuals with:
A full medical review during consultation will determine your suitability.
Choosing the right practitioner is a crucial step in achieving safe, effective pain relief with prolotherapy injections. Start by seeking out healthcare professionals who have specialised training and extensive experience in musculoskeletal medicine and injection therapies. Look for practitioners who are certified by reputable organisations, such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Medicine or the International Association of Orthopaedic Medicine, as these credentials indicate a commitment to high standards of care.
During your initial consultation, don’t hesitate to inquire about the practitioner’s experience with prolotherapy, their approach to treatment, and any clinical research or randomised controlled trials that support their methods. A knowledgeable practitioner should be able to discuss the evidence behind prolotherapy, including its role in providing long-term pain relief and functional improvement for conditions like chronic musculoskeletal pain.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that you receive an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs, maximising your chances of successful pain reduction and improved quality of life. Remember, a thorough assessment and a practitioner’s expertise are key to achieving the best possible outcomes with prolotherapy.
“After years of chronic back pain and failed treatments, prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic gave me my life back. The team’s expertise and care were exceptional.” – Sarah, London
“As a competitive runner, my Achilles tendinopathy was career-threatening. Three prolotherapy sessions later, I’m back to peak performance.” – James, Manchester
“My hypermobility caused constant joint pain. The comprehensive treatment approach here has given me stability I never thought possible.” – Emma, Bedford
Your first treatment can be performed during the same appointment as the consultation and examination.
While physiotherapy strengthens muscles, it cannot repair many other structures in the body. Prolotherapy addresses the structural weakness directly, creating a stable foundation for physiotherapy to be more effective.
Prolotherapy offers a non-invasive alternative without surgical risks, anaesthesia, or lengthy recovery periods. Many patients avoid surgery completely with prolotherapy.
Rather than masking symptoms with ongoing medication, prolotherapy addresses the root cause of pain for lasting relief without drug dependency.
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