Prolotherapy, also known as proliferative therapy, is an injection therapy for various types of musculoskeletal pain and joint pain. The aim of this treatment is to increase the blood flow and regeneration of the damaged tissue causing the pain by repeatedly applying stimulating (irritating) solutions in or around the joint, supporting tissues, ligaments and tendons. These solutions cause an inflammation in the tissues. As a result of inflammation, the tissue is expected to regenerate and the pain is expected to subside.

Patients undergoing prolotherapy may develop mild swelling, redness and pain at the injection site, usually lasting 1-2 days after the injection. Rarely, this process lasts up to 1 week. Severe symptoms at the site of the procedure and the presence of fever after the procedure should suggest infection and should be evaluated in this respect. Prolotherapy can be applied in 4-15 sessions between 3-6 months. It is performed under local anesthesia.

Dextrose, PRP, stem cell and ozone therapy can be applied in prolotherapy. In dextrose application, the release of growth factors is examined. PRP is platelet rich plasma. In this treatment, the patient’s own blood is taken, centrifuged and the platelets are separated. The platelets are then injected into the painful area. The injected platelets release various growth factors and cause healing. Apart from platelets, stem cells can also be used in Prolotherapy. Stem cells can be taken from bone marrow or adipose tissue.

Prolotherapy can be used on knee, hip, shoulder and other joints. It is often used for tendon, cartilage and ligament damage due to sports injuries and other traumas, neck, waist and back pain. Weak or loose ligaments and tendons can be “triggers” for migraines and tension headaches. Prolotherapy strengthens the cervical ligaments and tendons and treats trigger and pain areas, which are very common in the back of the neck, resulting in a significant improvement in the severity and frequency of headaches.