Prolotherapy, short for proliferative therapy, is a regenerative injection treatment that stimulates your body’s natural healing response. Rather than simply reducing inflammation or masking pain, the goal is to encourage the repair of injured ligaments, tendons, and other connective tissues so they become stronger over time.

A small amount of an irritant solution—often combined with a local anesthetic—is injected into the injured area to trigger the body’s natural healing process. Over time, this can help improve stability, reduce pain, and restore function.

If you’re dealing with chronic tendon, ligament, or joint pain, prolotherapy may be one option to help stimulate healing and improve function. During your consultation, Dr. Burns will evaluate your condition, discuss the available treatment options, and help you decide whether prolotherapy, PRP, or another approach is most appropriate for your goals.

Prolotherapy may be appropriate for a variety of chronic ligament, tendon, and joint conditions, particularly when pain has persisted despite conservative treatment.

During your consultation, we’ll determine whether prolotherapy is an appropriate treatment for your specific condition and whether another regenerative option, such as PRP, may provide a better outcome.

As with any regenerative treatment, results vary based on the condition being treated, the severity of the injury, and your body’s natural healing response.

All three can be used for acute and chronic soft tissue injuries, tendinopathies, and osteoarthritis, but research shows clear differences over time. During your consultation, Dr. Burns will help determine which treatment is most appropriate based on your diagnosis, goals, and the available evidence.

Research suggests that regenerative treatments such as prolotherapy and PRP generally provide longer-lasting improvement than corticosteroid injections for many chronic tendon, ligament, and joint conditions. While steroid injections can provide faster short-term relief, they do not repair damaged tissue and their benefits often diminish over time.

PRP has shown the strongest and most consistent long-term results for certain conditions, particularly knee osteoarthritis. Prolotherapy remains an effective, more affordable regenerative option that can provide meaningful pain relief and improved function for many patients.

Before Treatment

✓ We will review your medical history, answer your questions, and walk you through what to expect.

✓ Eat a healthy, nutrient-rich diet during the week leading up to your procedure to support your body’s healing response.

✓ Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam) and smoking for at least 48 hours before treatment. If you have questions about your medications or supplements, please contact us beforehand.

Day of Your Visit

✓ Wear comfortable clothes which allow easy access to the injury site, if possible.

✓ Please arrive on time so we have adequate time for your evaluation and treatment.

✓ We will review your symptoms, examine the treatment area, and take vital signs, if appropriate.

✓ The targteted areas(s) will be injected with the prolotherapy solution with local anesthetic.

✓ Most procedures are completed in approximately 30 minutes.

Early Recovery

✓ Eat as healthy as possible for the week following the procedure.

✓ Limit alcohol and avoid smoking.

✓ Some patients notice temporary pain relief from the local anesthetic immediately after the procedure. Mild soreness, warmth, swelling, or stiffness are not common but may develop over the next day or two as your body’s healing response begins.

✓ There is usually no downtime – but avoid strenuous activity for at least 1 day (or as I advise based on your individual case).

Longer Recovery

✓ Full benefit for tissue repair may take 3-6 months or more, particularly for tendon/ligament or more chronic injuries.

✓ Aftercare usually includes fascial release, lymph therapy, physical therapy, guided strengthening, and other individualized rehab protocol. Dr. Burns will help with referrals or recommendations, as needed.

✓ Avoid NSAIDs (which may interfere with healing) and other anti-inflammatories such as Alpha lipoic acid, Ginger, Turmeric, Boswellia, Pycnogenol, Omegas, Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN).

✓ Though hormone support is anti-inflammatory if dosed correctly we want you to continue this medication (pregnenolone, DHEA, estrogen, cortisol, testosterone, progesterone) per your provider.

Dr. Burns is a doctor of osteopathic medicine with a background in biomedical research and functional medicine. She specializes in osteopathic manipulative therapy with a focus on fascia, movement, and the body’s natural healing capacity.

Dr. Burns believes in asking “why” and addressing root causes – not just symptoms.

Burns Family Wellness Care serves patients who value thorough, holistic care in a welcoming environment.

Transparent Pricing

Per Joint or Soft Tissue Area

$200

Payment is collected after your appointment. 5% for CC payments. Alternative is check.

Let’s talk about whether Prolotherapy is right for you.

Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals, determine whether Prolotherapy is the right option for you, and create a personalized treatment plan.