Prolotherapy agent

Prolotherapy agents are a class of substances used in regenerative injection therapy to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain and joint instability. These agents, which include hypertonic dextrose and sodium morrhuate, function by inducing a controlled, localized inflammatory response at the site of injection, typically within ligaments or tendons (StatPearls, 2023). This irritation triggers a healing cascade involving the release of growth factors such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which stimulate fibroblast proliferation and subsequent collagen deposition (PubMed, PMC2831229). By strengthening connective tissues and reducing joint laxity, prolotherapy aims to alleviate pain and improve function in conditions like tendinopathy and osteoarthritis (NIH, 2020). While generally considered safe, potential risks include temporary pain flares, infection, or nerve damage if the injection is improperly placed.

Other names

ProliferantRegenerative injection therapy agentSclerosing agent (musculoskeletal)RIT agent

Induction of a localized inflammatory response through osmotic or chemical irritation, leading to the release of growth factors and stimulation of fibroblasts for tissue repair.