What it is
Dextrose prolotherapy involves injecting a hypertonic dextrose solution into selected joints or around tendon or ligament attachments. Proposed biological mechanisms remain under study; it should not be described as proven tissue regeneration or guaranteed strengthening.
Where Dr. Yang offers it
- Selected knee osteoarthritis after diagnosis and discussion of alternatives
- Selected chronic tendon conditions where appropriate conservative care has not been sufficient
- Selected localized muscular trigger points when dextrose injection is clinically appropriate
What the evidence says
Systematic reviews report possible benefit for knee osteoarthritis and lateral elbow tendinopathy, but several reviews identify high risk of bias, small studies, or insufficient evidence across broader conditions. Evidence for dextrose injection of muscular trigger points is limited. The evidence should be interpreted condition by condition.
What a procedure may involve
The painful structure and diagnosis are assessed at a consultation first. If treatment is suitable, a separate procedure visit is usually booked, and a dextrose solution is injected at the selected target, usually with ultrasound guidance. Some protocols involve a series, but the number and interval should be individualized.
Recovery and results
Temporary soreness, bruising, or stiffness is expected in some patients. Activity is progressed according to the target and response. Improvement, if any, is judged over time alongside rehabilitation.
Who may not be a candidate
- Active infection at or near the injection site
- Unreviewed bleeding risk or anticoagulant use
- Known allergy or contraindication to the planned solution
- A condition outside the clinician’s scope or without a reasonable evidence-informed rationale
Risks and uncertainty
Pain flare, bruising, bleeding, infection, and injury to nearby structures are possible. Benefit is not guaranteed. Rare complications may not be well estimated in small trials.
This page is general education. Suitability and consent require an in-person assessment. Treatment outcomes are not guaranteed.
Frequently asked
Is Prolotherapy guaranteed to work?
No. Response varies with diagnosis, severity, individual factors, rehabilitation, and—where relevant—the preparation or product used.
Is ultrasound always used?
Dr. Yang uses ultrasound guidance for most procedures. Trigger finger injections and occasional shoulder or knee injections may be performed without ultrasound when clinically appropriate.
Can I book now?
Patients may submit a private MSK assessment request for clinic review. Consultation comes first; a procedure is not guaranteed and is usually a separate visit.
References
- 2021 systematic review of prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis
- 2022 systematic review of prolotherapy for lateral elbow tendinosis
- 2020 systematic review of prolotherapy for tendon, fascia, and ligament injuries
Evidence summary reviewed 21 August 2026.
Want to understand your treatment options?
Request an assessment with Dr. Yang. Suitability and any procedure are decided after consultation.