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Prolotherapy is a course of injections into ligaments and tendons where they attach to bone. It’s an option for some people with long-standing back, pelvic or joint pain, usually alongside an exercise programme.
Assessment first · Experienced injection team · Usually combined with exercise
£250First area
£75Each additional area
CourseUsually several sessions
LocalAnaesthetic, no surgery
What is prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy involves injecting a mild irritant solution, usually a sugar (dextrose) solution with local anaesthetic, into ligaments and tendons where they attach to bone.
The idea is that this triggers a small, controlled healing response, which may help strengthen ligaments that have become lax or painful. It’s usually given as a course of injections a few weeks apart.
Who might consider prolotherapy?
Back and neck pain
Long-standing pain that may be linked to the ligaments around the spine.
Pelvic and sacroiliac pain
Pain around the back of the pelvis, including after pregnancy.
Joint and ligament problems
Such as knee arthritis or a joint that feels unstable after an old sprain.
Tendon pain
Some long-standing tendon problems that haven’t settled with other treatment.
Is this right for you?Call us to book a consultation and find out if prolotherapy is suitable for you.
A one-hour first appointment: we take a full history, examine you and work out whether prolotherapy is likely to help.
02
Deciding together
We explain what’s involved, the number of sessions, the costs and the alternatives.
03
The injections
A series of small injections at the painful points, with local anaesthetic. Follow-up sessions take about 30 minutes.
04
Follow-up
You may be sore for a few days. We review your progress before each session and adjust the plan.
Does prolotherapy work?
The evidence is mixed, and it depends on the problem:
For chronic low back pain, a Cochrane review found that prolotherapy on its own didn’t work better than control injections, but it may help when combined with other treatments such as exercise and manipulation [1].
For knee osteoarthritis, a randomised trial found that people who had dextrose prolotherapy reported more improvement in pain, function and stiffness than those who had salt-water injections or exercise alone [2].
Prolotherapy isn’t a first-line treatment. It’s usually considered when exercise and other treatments haven’t helped enough, and works best as part of a wider plan.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent medical advice if an injected area becomes increasingly hot, red, swollen and painful, or you develop a fever. After injections near the spine, call 999 if you develop new weakness or numbness in the legs, or problems controlling your bladder or bowels.
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Cortisone injection★★★★★
I recently had an ultrasound guided cortisone injection with Gary… Gary took the time to explain everything clearly before the procedure which really put me at ease, not easy when you’re not a fan of needles! The process itself was essentially pain free.
James T. · 2026 · Google review
Frozen shoulder★★★★★
Gary helped me with my frozen shoulder. He was very thorough, professional and informative. I was given a cortisone injection, which he talked me through. During the procedure he was calming and efficient.
Annette P. · 2026 · Google review
Hyaluronic acid★★★★★
I first saw Gary for a consultation regarding the arthritis in my knees with a view to having a hyaluronic acid injection. Gary was extremely knowledgeable and went through all the options before suggesting which would be the best option for me.
Paula F. · 2025 · Google review
Knee injection★★★★★
My mum had acute knee pain which has been treated at the clinic, she now has much better mobility and positive outlook due to the treatment received. Gary has been so helpful and supportive throughout the consultation and treatment.
Robert C. · 2024 · Google review
Stem cell★★★★★
I cannot thank Gary and Gabriel enough for the stem cell treatment they gave me. When I started my treatment my tendonitis was so bad in my elbows that I couldn’t carry my little children, drive the car or do my day job without getting in severe pain.
The injections can be uncomfortable, but local anaesthetic is mixed into the solution to help. Most people find it manageable.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Pain, stiffness and some swelling for a few days after each session are common, and part of the expected response. Less commonly, there may be bruising or a headache. Rarely, there’s a risk of infection or, for injections near the spine, nerve irritation. We explain the risks for your treatment before you decide.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people need a course of several sessions, a few weeks apart. We’ll suggest a plan after your consultation and review it as you go.
Can I take painkillers afterwards?
We usually advise paracetamol rather than anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, which may dampen the healing response. We’ll give you specific advice.
Got another question?Ask us at your consultation. You don’t have to go ahead.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Dagenais S, Yelland MJ, Del Mar C, Schoene ML. Prolotherapy injections for chronic low-back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;(2):CD004059. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004059.pub3
Rabago D, Patterson JJ, Mundt M, et al. Dextrose prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med 2013;11(3):229–237. doi:10.1370/afm.1504
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
