Dextrose Prolotherapy หรือ DPT (การฉีดสารละลายกลูโคส) Ep.1

What is Glucose (Dextrose) Prolotherapy?

Pain resulting from bones and muscles is a prevalent issue affecting many people, significantly impacting daily life and often limiting work or sports activities. While conventional treatments like pain medications and physical therapy can provide relief, some individuals continue to experience persistent pain and may endure long-term side effects from prolonged medication use.

There is a growing use of glucose solution in treating chronic pain conditions.

Glucose prolotherapy is generally categorized into two main types:

1. Dextrose Prolotherapy: This involves injecting a concentrated dextrose solution to stimulate the repair of tendons and ligaments.
2. Perineural Injection Therapy: This technique targets nerve-related pain by injecting dextrose solution into superficial layers of the skin.

Today, let's focus on understanding Dextrose Prolotherapy.

Injection of Glucose Solution (Glucose Prolotherapy)

Injection of glucose solution, specifically Dextrose Prolotherapy (DPT), involves using a concentrated glucose solution, typically around 12.5  25%, to inject into joints, ligaments, or tendons that are degenerated, weak, or torn. When glucose is injected, it stimulates a repair process by inducing mild osmotic irritation along with minor trauma caused by the needle insertion, particularly in the damaged or weakened areas of the tendons.

These two factors initiate a healing cascade that promotes collagen production and repairs the weakened tissues, ultimately improving pain symptoms. Injecting glucose solution is considered a treatment targeting the root cause of pain, with minimal side effects and effective outcomes.

Glucose (Dextrose) Can Reduce Pain in Which Conditions?

Glucose, specifically Dextrose Prolotherapy (DPT), can reduce pain in conditions such as:

• Chronic pain from long-term use, for example, degenerative knee joints, shoulder joints, and facet joints.
• Injuries to various organs, such as torn or degenerated tendons in the shoulder, Plantar fasciitis,  Achilles tendinitis.
• Sports injuries, such as Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow and ankle sprains.

Steps for Glucose (Dextrose) Injection

1. The doctor will assess the pain symptoms to determine the underlying cause through medical history and physical examination.

2. The doctor will use ultrasound machine to locate the painful area and assess the condition of tendons that show signs of degeneration, inflammation, or tears to enhance accuracy and safety of the injection.

3. The doctor will inject the glucose solution into the targeted area to stimulate tissue repair. Each injection site typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

4. After the injection, cold compress or cool air may be applied to reduce soreness.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Glucose Injection

1. Injected areas may experience mild inflammation, causing localized pain lasting approximately 3-7 days. Pain can be alleviated with cold compresses and avoiding strenuous activity in the injected area.

2. Generally, there is noticeable improvement after injections. However, for more severe degeneration, multiple sessions may be required.

3. The glucose solution used for injections is safe, without steroids, allowing for repeated injections without weakening or tearing tendons.

4. Glucose solution injections have no dangerous side effects on the liver, kidneys, or digestive system, making them suitable for those who wish to avoid long-term pain medication.

5. Injection procedures are similar to general injections, with possible side effects like bruising, bleeding, or infection. However, under medical supervision, these risks can be minimized.

Please note that procedures, methods, and outcomes may vary for each individual.

You can schedule a consultation at Vasu Pain Management for personalized advice before proceeding with the procedure.

Reference: Liza Maniquis-Smigel, Paschenelle Celis and Dean Reeves, Dextrose-Based Perineural Injection Treatment, and Ultrasound hydro dissection