Prolotherapy

What is Prolotherapy? 

The word Prolotherapy is a contraction of Proliferation Therapy. It involves  the injection of an irritant into tissue to stimulate the body’s inflammatory  response. This response is useful in weakened or damaged tissue  because the inflammatory response results in the creation of new fibrous  scar tissue that strengthens and stabilizes the affected area. The irritant  solution usually contains both hyperosmolar dextrose (sugar) and lidocaine  (local anesthetic). 

Who can benefit from Prolotherapy? 

Prolotherapy is helpful for acute ligament injury as well as chronic  musculoskeletal weakness and pain. This includes traumatic patellar  luxation and cruciate ligament injury, arthritis/degenerative joint disease,  tendons and cartilage injury. 

It is used most commonly in middle aged to geriatric dogs, especially those  for whom anesthesia and surgery are considered high risk. 

How often should it be done? 

Prolotherapy treatment sessions are usually performed at two to six week  intervals over several months. The total number of treatments required  depends on the condition being treated. 

Are there any side effects? 

Mild to moderate pain during and immediately after the injection is the most  common side effect. This means that some dogs may require mild  sedation for the procedure.