Prolotherapy, aka proliferation therapy, is an injection of dextrose and analgesic that has been shown to promote the proliferation (growth, formation) of new connective tissue (ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscle). These injections are used in tissues where the structures have become weakened due to injury or overuse.
These issues arise because ligaments, tendons, and cartilage are like rubber bands that get stretched over time and don’t bounce back due to poor blood supply and nutrient-deficient diets. Prolotherapy stimulates healing by increasing the delivery of blood flow, nutrients, and growth factors to the injured areas for wound contraction, and collagen formation at the injection site.