Prolotherapy, or intraligamentous injections of sclerosing solutions, is a treatment method that involves fluid injections directly into bone joints, tendons, ligaments or cartilage deteriorated by aging, disease or injury. These injections are comprised of natural solutions that provide cushion, lubrication and nourishment to the site. Allina Hospitals and Clinics recommend this method to stave off surgeries and promote healing and repairs naturally, in a nonsurgical manner. This process is gaining in recognition globally and is considered both safe and effective for the public. Side effects are minor and usually dissipate anywhere within a few hours to about a week.
Injection Site
Most pain endured during the prolotherapy process occurs at the injection site. Side effects commonly reported include: pain from the needle inserted between the bones, swelling and tenderness. The Physicians' Desktop Reference suggests avoiding the use of caffeine, alcohol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during the treatment process, as these may actually work against the healing process, making recovery time longer.
Stiffness
Stiffness is another common complaint post-injection. The fluid is introduced into the area that has been damaged or depleted of cartilage, leaving tightness. Prolotherapy.Org considers relative stiffness a minor drawback to its numerous benefits. Prolotherapy holds great promise as a treatment for normally debilitating chronic medical problems, thus making the benefit outweigh the potential risks or side effects.
Bruising
Bruising and bleeding beneath the skin or at the injection site can also occur with prolotherapy injections. Allina Hospitals and Clinics posit that the treatment process consists of approximately 12 to 30 weekly injections until joint function, strength, stability and mobility returns. While most bruising will last about a week, the series of injections may keep producing similar effects. Care providers generally provide nutritional support with supplementation during this treatment, helping to encourage rapid recovery.
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