Prolotherapy injections are administered with very small and short needles just beneath the surface of the skin. Multiple injections are performed along the course of subcutaneous nerves.  Some points may result in mild discomfort but generally, the discomfort only lasts a few minutes. Most patients notice an immediate reduction of pain after the first injection. Most patients respond to 3-4 treatments depending on how long the injury has been present as well as the degree of the damage. 

All cells, including nerve cells, require glucose as an energy source. If a nerve is injured, compressed or stretched anywhere along its path, the blood supply and nerve supply to that nerve becomes compromised. This reduces the delivery of nutrients, including glucose, to the nerve and the nerve becomes distressed at that location.

A distressed nerve becomes swollen, irritable and hypersensitive and starts to fire more rapidly, causing pain. 

The nerve also generates inflammation in an attempt to heal itself. These inflammatory substances further irritate the nerve if the compression and swelling persists.  Injecting 5% glucose around these sensitised, irritable nerves, provides the fuel needed to reduce swelling and abnormal firing and restore normal nerve function and healing.  The result is an immediate decrease in pain and improvement in range of motion and function.