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In my experience, one of the main determinants in whether Prolotherapy will help a potential patient with a degenerated joint is how much range of motion he/she has compared to normal. What I find in my experience is if a patient has little hip range of motion, especially internal or external rotation, then they may need a hip replacement. 

However and surprisingly, I typically see 50% or greater normal motion in the hip in the average person who has been told that a hip replacement is the only option.

Yes, I may see some limited range of motion because of their arthritis, but much of the motion is there. In these instances, Prolotherapy works very well. By this I mean that the patient will achieve improved strength in the leg, as well as more motion. Along with this, of course, comes a diminished level of pain and use of pain medications. The vast majority are very happy and don't end up needing hip replacements.

If someone has had six Prolotherapy treatments and still has a problem, they either need to continue to get the 'booster' Prolotherapy treatments, get a second opinion by another Prolotherapist, or get a hip replacement.

I have done 3 sessions of prolo to my cervical spine, for herniated disc at C5-6 Level causing pain, stiffness and headaches. One week after my last treatment I developed worsening pain and stiffness for 2 days on both sides of my neck. The third day I woke up with severe dizziness every time I turned my head to the side and lite headedness for three days in a row. Can this be a side effect from the prolo a week later? Do you think the compression from disc could be affecting the spinal artery to cause such dizziness?

A. There can be many different and possible scenario’s. Prolotherapy stabilized the spine in one segment, your muscles relaxed but another segment remains hypermobile. This usually occurs when just a part of the neck is treated and not the whole neck. In such a case you may need these additional areas treated. It is generally the instability that is leading to the dizziness.

I have had 10 Prolotherapy treatments for my tailbone pain, which also manifests itself in hip pain and burning in pelvis, hips and thighs. I am being treated with Prolotherapy.

And while I have a good understanding of how prolotherapy works, I am becoming discouraged I have very good response in the beginning, specifically after the 4th to 6th treatment and much improvement after the 10th treatment. However, my pain level and sitting intolerance is almost back to the beginning and I have to start increasing my pain meds again, which, by the way I was able to decrease by 50%. My doctor tells me that upon palpating my problem area he sees more improvement than I seem to be reporting. I know it's not in my head. I want to get better very badly, I have had this pain for many years. Any advice?

Dear Tailbone Pain: We at Caring Medical like to take a simplistic view of things. In your case, the Prolotherapy has helped somewhat but not all the way. Most likely this means where the doctor is treating is only part of the problem. Most likely you need other areas treated. Some of these other areas are the ischial tuberosity, hips, iliolumbar ligaments, pubic ramus and pubic symphysis. Palpate these areas on yourself or have someone else do it and see if any of them are tender. If they are you need them Prolo'ed. It is probable that they will give you the added relief that you desire.