Prolotherapy and PRP are two non-surgical orthobiologic options that may help relieve arthritis and chronic pain by supporting the body’s own healing response.
As a medical provider, I’ve seen how arthritis and chronic pain can significantly impact daily life. Traditional treatments often include medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery. In my practice, I also offer non-surgical options from the field of regenerative medicine. Prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are two orthobiologic treatments that research suggests may help relieve arthritis symptoms and several types of chronic pain in appropriately selected patients.
Prolotherapy: How It Works
Prolotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting a natural irritant solution (usually dextrose) into the affected joint or area experiencing pain. The goal is to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, supporting the strength of ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules to reduce pain and improve joint stability. Research suggests that prolotherapy can reduce pain and improve function for some patients with knee and thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis, and may provide relief for chronic low back pain, shoulder pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Tapping into Your Body’s Healing Potential
PRP therapy involves taking a small sample of a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the plasma into the affected joint or painful area. The platelets release growth factors that help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Studies suggest that PRP injections may reduce pain and improve joint function for some patients with knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, and chronic elbow tendinosis, and may benefit conditions such as plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, and Achilles tendinopathy. Results vary, and these therapies aren’t right for everyone.
In my practice, prolotherapy and PRP are part of a broader, individualized approach to non-surgical pain care. Whether they’re a reasonable fit depends on your diagnosis, your exam, and your goals — which is what an initial evaluation is for.
References
- Eslamian, F., et al. (2020). Rheumatology International, 40(6), 881-895.
- Ryan, M.B., et al. (2020). Hand (N Y), 15(1), 61-68.
- Shen, L., et al. (2017). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 12(1), 16.
- Sánchez, M., et al. (2016). Rheumatology, 55(1), 144-150.
- Rabago, D., et al. (2013). Primary Care, 40(1), 189-201.
- Mahindra, P., et al. (2016). Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, 7(Suppl 2), 193-197.
- Kesikburun, S., et al. (2013). Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 94(11), 2270-2275.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not individual medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified provider. Whether a treatment is appropriate depends on your individual evaluation, and individual results vary.
Ready to find out what needs to change for the area to recover?
The first step is an initial visit — a careful evaluation to determine what is contributing to your symptoms and whether treatment here is the right fit.
Book an initial visit