Prolotherapy for Knee Pain: What You Need to Know – Oklahoma City
Do your knees hurt? You’re not alone. Knee pain is common, especially among older adults, athletes, or individuals who are overweight. Whether it’s caused by overuse, injury, or underlying joint degeneration, knee pain can severely affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, or stay active. Fortunately, there are various treatment options available — from home remedies to prolotherapy, a promising regenerative injection therapy offered at Venturis Clinic in Oklahoma City.
What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy (also called proliferation therapy or regenerative injection therapy) is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by injecting an irritant solution—often dextrose, saline, glycerin, phenol, or lidocaine—into the injured area. This triggers controlled inflammation, which increases blood flow and encourages tissue repair in damaged joints, ligaments, and tendons.
Used since the 1950s, prolotherapy has gained traction as a safe and natural treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in the knees.
What Do Studies Say About Prolotherapy?
Numerous clinical studies have shown prolotherapy to be effective for joint pain, especially in cases of knee osteoarthritis.
✅ Improves Knee Pain, Function, and Stiffness
A study involving 90 adults with knee osteoarthritis found that those who received monthly prolotherapy injections for 3–5 months experienced improved pain, stiffness, and function. These improvements persisted for over two years in a follow-up with 60 participants.
✅ Supports Healing in Other Areas
A 2016 review of dextrose prolotherapy found it beneficial for treating tendon injuries, spinal pain, pelvic instability, and ligament dysfunction.
While more high-quality studies are needed, prolotherapy has shown positive results in helping patients manage pain and improve function.
How Do Prolotherapy Injections Work?
Prolotherapy works through several mechanisms:
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Stimulates local immune response and tissue repair
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Alters fluid pressure in the target area to activate healing
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Promotes collagen regeneration and tissue strengthening
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Causes controlled inflammation, which leads to natural healing
Are There Side Effects?
Prolotherapy is generally well tolerated when administered by trained professionals like Dr. Alvin Philipose at Venturis Clinic. Mild side effects may include:
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Temporary pain or soreness at the injection site
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Bruising, bleeding, or a full feeling in the joint
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Occasional numbness or lightheadedness
Rare but possible complications include:
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Infection
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Allergic reaction
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Nerve damage
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Spinal fluid leak (in non-knee injections)
Who Should Try Prolotherapy for Knee Pain?
If traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or chiropractic care haven’t provided relief, prolotherapy may be a powerful next step.
It may benefit people with:
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Knee osteoarthritis
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Sports injuries
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Chronic joint or tendon pain
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Meniscal tears
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Tendonitis or IT band syndrome
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Plantar fasciitis
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Rotator cuff tears
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TMJ disorders
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Degenerative disc disease
Not suitable for:
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People with infections (cellulitis, septic arthritis)
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Active gout or joint abscesses
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Fractures or unstable joints
Set an Appointment with Venturis Clinic in Oklahoma City
We understand that living with chronic knee pain can be exhausting and frustrating. At Venturis Clinic Prolotherapy, we specialize in non-invasive, natural pain relief techniques tailored to your individual needs.
Located at 6500 N Meridian Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73120, our team is led by Dr. Philipose, who brings decades of experience in chiropractic care, acupuncture, and regenerative therapies.
📞 Call us at (405) 848-7246 or book an appointment online to explore whether prolotherapy is right for you.