Chronic knee pain can make everyday activities feel like a struggle. Knee pain can severely affect your quality of life. It can make everyday activities like climbing stairs, getting in and out of the car, or spending a day with family feel like a challenge.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we understand how frustrating and limiting this condition can be. That’s why we offer prolotherapy as a natural, non-surgical option to help relieve pain and improve knee function.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is an injection-based treatment designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It involves injecting a dextrose (sugar-based) solution into weakened or damaged areas of the knee. This may include areas such as:
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Joint spaces
This mild irritant encourages the body to repair and strengthen these tissues, reducing pain and improving stability over time. Unlike medications that only mask pain, prolotherapy addresses the root cause of knee discomfort by promoting tissue regeneration. This makes it a promising option for people dealing with chronic knee pain from various conditions.
How Prolotherapy Helps Chronic Knee Pain
Prolotherapy has proven especially effective for those experiencing chronic knee pain caused by the following.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis often causes knee pain, especially in middle-aged and older adults. This condition arises when the cartilage cushioning the knee joint gradually deteriorates, resulting in pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Prolotherapy can help strengthen the surrounding ligaments and supporting structures, which may improve joint stability and reduce discomfort.
Ligament Laxity (Loose Ligaments)
Ligaments play a crucial role in holding the knee joint together. When ligaments become loose or overstretched, whether from injury, overuse, or aging, the knee may lose stability, making it more susceptible to pain and discomfort. Prolotherapy encourages ligament tightening and strengthening, which can help restore knee stability and reduce pain caused by excessive movement.
Tendon Injuries and Weakness
Tendons, which link muscles to bones, can become inflamed or weakened, often leading to knee pain. Prolotherapy injections promote the healing of damaged tendons, improving function and reducing discomfort over time.
Key Benefits of Prolotherapy
Many patients choose prolotherapy for its long-term benefits and natural healing approach. Some key advantages include:
- Pain Reduction – By strengthening weakened tissues, prolotherapy helps to relieve pain at its source. As the injected areas heal, many patients experience significant and lasting pain relief.
- Improved Joint Stability – One of the biggest advantages of prolotherapy is its ability to enhance joint stability. Stronger ligaments and tendons enhance knee support, minimizing the risk of future injuries and improving overall functionality.
- Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive – Unlike knee surgery, which takes a long time to heal and comes with risks, prolotherapy is a simple procedure done in a doctor’s office with little downtime.
- Encourages Natural Healing – Instead of using painkillers or steroids, prolotherapy helps the body heal itself by encouraging natural tissue repair and growth.
- Little to No Downtime – Since prolotherapy is a simple injection treatment, there’s no need for lengthy recovery periods.
Is Prolotherapy Right for You?
Prolotherapy is an excellent option for individuals seeking a non-surgical approach to chronic knee pain. It is particularly beneficial for those who have not found relief from traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.
While prolotherapy is safe for most people, it’s important to have a thorough evaluation to determine if it’s the right choice for your specific condition. Our team at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine is here to guide you through the process and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief
If chronic knee pain affects your quality of life, prolotherapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we specialize in non-surgical treatments that promote healing and long-term pain relief. Contact our team today to get started with a consultation and learn how prolotherapy can help you get back to doing what you love.