Prolotherapy - Greenville, SC
The History and Science Behind Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy has roots going back to Hippocrates, who used heated metal to help injured athletes strengthen loose shoulder joints. The modern form we use today came from Dr. George Hackett in 1939. Dr. Hackett was a surgeon who worked with insurance companies and noticed that car accident victims had ongoing pain from loose or damaged ligaments—the strong bands that hold joints together.
Dr. Hackett found that injecting an irritating solution into these weak spots made the body start healing again. He called this "prolotherapy"—short for proliferative therapy—because it helps the body grow new, stronger tissue. Later, Dr. Gustav Hemwall learned from Dr. Hackett and used prolotherapy on over 10,000 patients, including future U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.
How Prolotherapy Works
Prolotherapy uses a simple sugar water solution called dextrose. When injected into weak ligaments, tendons, or joint areas, this solution creates a mild irritation that tells your body "heal here." Your body responds by sending repair cells to build new collagen—the strong protein that makes ligaments and tendons tough and stable.
At Acupuncture Injection Greenville, Dr. Hendry places these injections at exact spots where joints have become loose or unstable. The treatment works best for problems like SI joint pain (lower back), loose knee or shoulder joints, and neck instability. Research shows prolotherapy can increase ligament thickness and improve joint stability.
What Makes Joints Weak
People often ask why their joints became loose in the first place. Injuries from sports, car accidents, falls, or even long-term poor posture can stretch ligaments beyond their ability to bounce back. Sometimes, normal wear and tear over years makes joints less stable. When ligaments can't do their job of keeping joints properly aligned, muscles have to work harder, which creates pain, tension, and more problems.
Treatment Experience in Greenville
During prolotherapy at our Wade Hampton office, Dr. Hendry first finds the exact spots that need help through careful examination. The injections are done with small needles, and most people say it feels like a small pinch. You may feel sore for a day or two afterward—this is normal and means your body is starting the healing process.
Most people can return to work and regular activities right after treatment, though we may suggest avoiding heavy exercise for a few days. Some patients notice improvement after the first treatment, but most need several sessions spaced a few weeks apart for the best results
Combining with Other Treatments
Prolotherapy works well with other services at Acupuncture Injection Greenville. If tight muscles are pulling on weak joints, Trigger Point Injection Therapy can help relax them first. When nerve irritation is part of the problem, Neural Therapy may be added. For ongoing pain and inflammation, Acupuncture Injection Therapy can support the healing process. Dr. Hendry helps decide which combination makes sense for your case.
Research and Results
Studies show prolotherapy helps reduce pain and improve function in many people with joint problems. One large review found that 80-90% of patients had significant improvement in their pain levels. Research on knee problems found that 91% of people had less pain and better movement after just 3-4 treatments.
Common Questions About Prolotherapy
People wonder if prolotherapy really works or if it's just temporary relief. Unlike steroid injections that only reduce inflammation for a while, prolotherapy actually helps your body repair the problem. The new tissue that grows is permanent, though it takes time—usually several months—to reach full strength. Others ask about safety. Prolotherapy has been used safely for over 80 years. Because it uses your body's own healing response rather than drugs, serious side effects are very rare. The most common reaction is mild soreness that passes in a day or two. Some patients worry about how many treatments they'll need. This varies based on how long you've had the problem, your age, and how much damage there is. Most people need 3-6 sessions, but Dr. Hendry talks honestly about what to expect for your situation.
If you live in Greenville and have joint pain or instability that hasn't gotten better with other treatments, prolotherapy may help restore the strength and stability your joints need. Our team explains everything clearly and helps you make the right choice for your health.
