Proliferative Therapy (aka: Polotherapy): What It Is and Why It May Be Right for You

If you’re struggling with chronic pain or joint issues that aren’t responding to traditional treatments, you’re among the many searching for next-level approaches that don’t call for surgery. 

Prolotherapy may be the answer.

Dr. Rostam Khoshsar, a leading pain management specialist at BioHealth Pain Management, often recommends prolotherapy as an alternative to traditional treatments and a more holistic approach to healing. 

Unlike surgery, prolotherapy works with your body rather than against it by stimulating your body's natural regenerative process. 

What is prolotherapy? 

Prolotherapy (short for “proliferative therapy”) is a form of regenerative medicine. Dr. Khoshsar injects a solution directly into your damaged or weakened tissues, such as ligaments, joints, or tendons. 

The solution signals your body to “wake up” its repair mechanisms in the area. It triggers a controlled inflammatory response that promotes the growth of new, healthy tissues, which can help strengthen structures and reduce pain. 

Conditions that prolotherapy can help 

We use prolotherapy for several musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Arthritis and osteoarthritis, particularly in joints like the knees, hips, and shoulders
• Tendinitis and tendinopathy, especially the rotator cuff, Achilles tendons, and elbows 
• Joint instability, to strengthen weakened ligaments and prevent recurring injuries
• Chronic lower back and sacroiliac joint pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• TMJ disorders

Because prolotherapy strengthens the damaged tissues, it can reduce your reliance on pain medications or repetitive therapies that only provide short-term relief. 

How prolotherapy works 

The concept is simple but powerful. The injection contains a medical solution, usually dextrose (a sugar-based irritant) and lidocaine (a numbing agent). When we inject the solution directly into the tissue, it stimulates the healing process in three steps:

1. Controlled injury: The injection triggers a mild inflammatory response that tells your body to kickstart its natural repair process.
2. Tissue regeneration: The irritation activates your growth factors, which support the growth of new, healthy cells.
3. Strength and stability: Over time, your damaged tendons, ligaments, and joints become stronger, more secure, and less painful.

Though results aren’t instant, most people start noticing a difference after three to six sessions, spaced several weeks apart. 

What makes a good candidate for prolotherapy? 

You’re here because you’re wondering whether prolotherapy is right for you. The best way to determine that is to visit Biohealth Pain Management for an expert consultation. However, in general, this prolotherapy is ideal for those who:

• Are dealing with chronic pain from injuries, overuse, or degenerative conditions
• Want to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on painkillers
• Are seeking a minimally invasive solution with little downtime
• Are committed to attending multiple sessions for long-term results

However, prolotherapy isn’t right for everyone. Those with active infections, uncontrolled autoimmune disorders, or blood clotting issues may need to explore other treatments. Dr. Khoshsar ensures that all patients undergo a thorough evaluation to determine whether prolotherapy is the right fit. 

Why choose BioHealth Pain Management? 

At BioHealth Pain Management, Dr. Khoshsar specializes in regenerative medicine and personalizes your treatment. He uses advanced technology and imaging tools like ultrasound to ensure precise delivery of the solution to complex or hard-to-reach areas. 

Our comprehensive approach also includes educating you about how to support your recovery with proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes. 

Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by a trained professional. Risks are minimal, often limited to mild soreness or bruising at the injection site. However, most insurance providers don’t typically cover prolotherapy, so costs may be out-of-pocket.

If you have chronic pain that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments, there may be hope in prolotherapy.

Call BioHealth Pain Management in Arcadia, Whittier, or Lawndale, California, to book your consultation or request an appointment online and discover if this innovative treatment is right for you.