Prolotherapy for Knee Pain

56 year-old Alek Jakich, an avid body builder, who suffered from chronic, severe, debilitating bilateral knee pain was told he needed bilateral knee replacements in order to have any chance at a semi-normal life again, but was also told he would likely never lift weights again post surgery. Instead, Alek chose Prolotherapy, along with proper exercise and nutritional supplementation over surgery to regain the active life style to which he was accustomed.

GH, a very active 60 yo with crippling, bilateral knee pain, unrelieved by daily anti-inflammatories, was very worried, due to unrelenting pain keeping him from playing tennis. Years earlier, he suffered from Achilles tendinosis associated with fluoroquinolone antibiotic intake, which lead to the stiff, tender iliotibial bands and painful hamstrings along the posterior knee, “like a giant steel U-shaped vise,” that lead GH to seek Prolotherapy. After one treatment to the bilateral ITB’s, hamstring insertions, and comprehensive injections around the knees, GH experienced “miraculous” pain-free movement, feeling 20 years younger.

At age 65, IR’s active lifestyle was interrupted after he twisted his knee and heard an audible “snap.” He had visited Caring Medical in the past for successful shoulder treatments after a rotator cuff tear, so when the urgent care facility suggested he had a meniscus tear he knew where to go! After 3 treatments of Prolotherapy with Platelet Rich Plasma, IR reported no pain while playing golf or cycling!

BR underwent arthroscopic surgery at age 61 after suffering a partial meniscus tear in her left knee. After surgery, she continued to suffer from knee pain and swelling for 10 years before consulting with Caring Medical. As an active 71-year-old who enjoyed working with horses, another surgery was not ideal. BR received 8 comprehensive treatments over the course of 13 months, alternating the standard dextrose solution and tibia bone marrow as the main proliferant. She reported a decrease in pain frequency and intensity with each treatment. As long as she maintains 90% pain relief with full activity, no further intervention will be needed.

BR, a 58-year-old dancer, injured her knee during a class a few weeks prior to being seen at Caring Medical. She had developed pain, swelling, and a general feeling of instability while weight bearing. Upon physical exam, BR was diagnosed with a meniscal injury. She received one treatment of Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma and was instructed to brace her knee while dancing for some time after treatment while the area healed. With just one treatment, she reported a pain-free knee after two months! BR was able to walk, climb stairs, and dance without pain!

AS was already familiar with Prolotherapy and Caring Medical when he injured his knees at the age of 49. He had received Prolotherapy to his low back years prior which he referred to as “life-changing.” Due to the extent of his knee injury, the presence of meniscus tear, and his active lifestyle as an endurance athlete, a regimen of comprehensive Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) was recommended. AS received 3 treatments and was able to return to full training capacity without pain!

Mark fractured his tibia when he was in his late twenties, and felt his knee never fully recovered. He suffered from chronic knee pain for 24 years before consulting with an orthopedic surgeon. After reviewing x-rays, the orthopedic told Mark he did not have a knee problem but could not give him a reason for his pain. His knee pain became progressively worse with activity, constant while weight-bearing, and he developed pain while sitting for long periods of time. When Mark was evaluated by a highly experienced Prolotherapist, it was determined that he was dealing with an unstable knee joint. Based on physical and ultrasound exam, he was diagnosed with a loose MCL and medial meniscus tear. He received two treatments of H3 Prolotherapy, including Platelet Rich Plasma. After the first treatment, his knee pain was no longer constant while walking. Three months after his second treatment, he was pain-free and had returned to full activity!

MR was an enthusiastic athlete who enjoyed power lifting and mud running. He had injured his knee in high school, and at 60 years old his chronic knee pain drove him to seek an orthopedic surgeon consultation. The surgeon recommended a knee replacement due to the osteoarthritic degeneration. MR tried cortisone injections and taking NSAIDs but only found temporary relief. MR sought treatment at Caring Medical to avoid surgery and stop pain medications, hoping to return quickly to athletic training, including jogging and competing in events including Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, and Warrior Dash. After four PRP Prolotherapy treatments, his pain resolved. With guided resumption of activity, MR returned to lifting 350 lbs and deadlifting 450 lbs.

Joanne developed knee pain with no known injury at age 58. She began to notice pain and swelling with activity which became worse over a period of 8 months. She tried topical pain relief ointments as well as acetaminophen and ibuprofen which only lessened the pain enough to help her sleep. By the time she was seen at Caring Medical, the pain and swelling were constant. Joanne could not walk more than half a block without limping. Upon physical exam, her knee was very unstable and arthritic. After her first Prolotherapy treatment, she had a significant decrease in pain. Joanne received a total of 5 treatments to her knee over a 4-month period. Four of the treatments included 4 Platelet Rich Plasma and 1 included tibia bone marrow in addition to traditional dextrose Prolotherapy. Her improvement continued with each treatment and after her 5th treatment, she graduated from Prolotherapy!

MB came to Caring Medical on crutches after waking up one morning with intense knee pain. He had experienced mild soreness for the previous 2 weeks without known injury. The knee had begun to swell, and his range of motion was limited. Upon physical and ultrasound exam, it was determined MB was dealing with an injured meniscus, medial collateral ligament (MCL), and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). At his first visit, 36cc of fluid was drained from the knee. After draining the knee, he was treated with H3 dextrose Prolotherapy. Prior to his second treatment, MB continued to see an orthopedic physician weekly to have the knee drained due to the intensity of swelling. The orthopedic recommended cortisone injections and arthroscopic surgery but MB chose to continue with Prolotherapy. When MB returned for his second visit, Platelet Rich Plasma was added to the traditional dextrose Prolotherapy protocol. After his second treatment, he was able to limit time on crutches and no longer needed the knee to be drained by the orthopedic. MB underwent a total of 5 treatments, 4 of which included Platelet Rich Plasma. MB was given a detailed home exercise plan and he did not need to go to physical therapy because he diligently did the exercises at home. After the treatment series, his swelling subsided and the pain resolved. MB was able to return to walking and gardening!

JD, a 68-year-old female, came to Caring Medical after suffering from right knee pain intermittently for many years. She had received hyaluronic acid injections four months prior which only offered temporary relief. Her daily life was affected as she found it difficult to climb stairs and had developed severe pain after dancing at a wedding shortly before seeing us. Our provider determined she had developed osteoarthritis due to joint instability. A treatment plan consisting of H3 dextrose Prolotherapy along with Platelet Rich Plasma was recommended. After her first treatment, her knee pain had decreased by 80% with activity. When she returned for her third treatment, her main complaint was crepitation (cracking) and a strain in her right thigh that would occur while carrying her grandchildren. We were hopeful that the third treatment would be all she would need. A year and a half after her third treatment, JD reported that she had returned to full activity. She was able to return to using the elliptical and treadmill while only experiencing very mild knee pain on rare occasion. She reported carrying her grandchildren up and down stairs with no issues. She was able to enjoy long walks again!

KF suffered from chronic knee pain for more than 20 years after a soccer injury. She was able to manage her pain by undergoing physical therapy and acupuncture. However, KF eventually developed osteoarthritis of the knee joint. She came to Caring Medical in her early 50s with the complaint of constant knee pain while weight bearing, and pain that would wake her up at night, as well as joint swelling if she attempted to jog. After the first two Prolotherapy treatments, she reported 20% improvement as the pain had become more localized, versus affecting the entire knee joint. With three treatments, the knee was no longer waking her up at night and she could go downstairs without intense pain. As her improvement progressed, her activity was increased to ensure her knee could handle her activity goals. KF ultimately needed 7 Prolotherapy treatments to get back to jogging without knee pain. One year after her last treatment, she let us know the only time she even notices her knee is after a long hike, but it is not enough to interfere with her sport or daily living. In her words, “I’m loving it!”

SK was seen at Caring Medical after previously undergoing six arthroscopic surgeries to his knee by the young age of 26. He felt that his knee would always improve but was never 100% better and he frequently suffered re-injuries because he was active in many sports. After his most recent injury, an MRI was ordered prior to starting treatment. The lateral meniscus was torn, as suspected, but had also flipped out of place. Due to the nature of the tear, he was told the options were surgery or seeing a chiropractor who could manipulate the knee to flip the meniscus back into place. SK did not want to undergo a seventh surgery, so he opted to see the chiropractor and begin Prolotherapy treatments with Caring Medical. Stem cell Prolotherapy was alternated with PRP Prolotherapy during his course of treatment. He was given instructions to immobilize after each treatment for a set number of days prior to any activity. Over the course of four treatments, SK reported decreased pain and swelling, as well as an improved gait. A few months after his last treatment, his pain and swelling had completely resolved. Now SK can look forward to many more basketball seasons with a more stable knee!

David reached out to Caring Medical at age 80 after suffering from bilateral knee pain for more than a year due to slipping on the golf course and hyperextending his left knee. His X-rays showed osteoarthritis in both knees. Physical therapy offered minimal relief. The first round of hyaluronic acid he received from his orthopedic doctors offered 6 months of relief, but there was no further improvement with the second round. David enjoyed playing golf and was only playing half as often as desired, due to his knee pain. He was walking bowlegged and struggling with getting up from squatting or kneeling positions. After a cortisone injection failed to provide relief, he decided to seek alternatives. During his consultation and exam at Caring Medical, it was determined that he was a good candidate and estimated that he would need 4 to 6 Prolotherapy treatments. After the first treatment of H3 Dextrose Prolotherapy with Platelet Rich Plasma to his left knee, he was 95% pain-free. David received two treatments to each knee with great results. When we followed-up 4 months after his last treatment, he reported that he no longer had to avoid stairs due to his knee pain and was doing everything he wanted without restriction. Prior to Prolotherapy, David was told he would likely live the rest of his life with knee pain, so he considers himself a success story!

As a 70-year-old roofing contractor, GR could not afford to let knee pain stop him from using ladders. He had developed sharp and burning medial knee pain with any weight-bearing activity. After an unsuccessful steroid injection, he was referred to Caring Medical. His evaluation showed weakness of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) which pointed to a possible prior medial meniscus injury. The Prolotherapist determined that he was an excellent candidate and recommended 3 to 5 treatments using H3 Prolotherapy with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). It was recommended that GR wear a knee sleeve while undergoing the treatment series, for added stability. He showed great improvement with the first treatment, and by his 3rd and final treatment, he reported 95% improvement. GR graduated from Prolotherapy with no knee pain. He was able to return to full activity including climbing rooftops and riding his bike.

BB suffered such severe knee pain that he went on disability at age 59, diagnosed with “bone on bone” osteoarthritis. He was prescribed NSAIDs, given corticosteroid injections, and eventually received an arthroscopic meniscectomy with removal of cartilage. Viscosupplementation injections were also tried, but these also failed to bring about sustained pain relief. His orthopedist recommended a knee replacement. Instead, BB received 3 dextrose Prolotherapy treatments and saw almost immediate pain relief and overall long-term functional improvement.