Service information
Details and preparation.
Practical information to help you decide whether this appointment is right for you.
Prolotherapy (Dextrose) Injection
Prolotherapy is a novel injection treatment used for conditions such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, and mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
It involves injecting a dilute dextrose (sugar) solution, mixed with a small amount of local anaesthetic, into the affected area and is thought to work by stimulating a local tissue response and modulating pain pathways in affected structures.
Advantages of this treatment include that dextrose is a naturally occurring substance in the body, and the injection does not involve steroids or blood products.
But as this is a relatively novel technique, its exact mechanism of action and overall effectiveness are not yet fully established, and while some clinical studies suggest potential benefit in selected conditions, outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Although an injection may improve symptoms, more commonly it provides partial relief, and a course of injections may be required. The likelihood of benefit also depends on the severity of the underlying condition. The more advanced the problem, the less likely the injection is to be effective, and in some cases it may not help at all. Where this is the case, alternative treatment options, imaging, or specialist review may be recommended, and we will help guide you accordingly.
We will discuss whether prolotherapy is appropriate for your condition and advise on alternative treatment options where relevant.
Optional ultrasound guidance can be added for even greater precision.
Please note we cannot provide spine injections which require hospital imaging guidance such as those for spinal osteoarthritis, facet joint, disc bulges or other spinal injections.
