Regenerative Medicine: Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

Healing Injuries and Preventing Surgery with Prolotherapy & PRP

Welcome to Village Medicine, Seattle! Dr. Paul Miszczyszyn here, and I’m excited to share insights into regenerative medicine,

specifically Prolotherapy & PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections. These treatments offer powerful ways to reduce pain, recover from injuries, and even prevent the need for surgery.

UNDERSTANDING REGENERATIVE INJECTIONS

Our bodies have an incredible capacity to heal. Sometimes, however, they need a little nudge. That’s where regenerative injections come in.

PROLOTHERAPY

This involves injecting a hyperosmolar dextrose solution (a concentrated sugar solution) into the injured area. This triggers a controlled, localized inflammation reaction, signaling your body to initiate its natural healing process. Think of it as restarting the healing process that might have stalled or been incomplete. By signaling the healing processes without any new injury / damage, we get a repeat process of healing, to complete what the body was unable to do soon after injury. This treatment promotes ligament regeneration and works for old and new injuries. Learn More Here: How Prolotherapy Works

PRP (PLATELET-RICH PLASMA)

PRP uses patient produced healing factors to trigger a stronger healing response. This is achieved by drawing a small amount of blood, spinning it down to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this platelet-rich plasma into the affected area. Platelets are packed with growth factors that accelerate healing. PRP is particularly beneficial for cartilage issues, such as arthritis, and joint (inter-articular) injections. PRP can provide a more potent healing response, potentially requiring fewer treatments. Learn More Here: How Platelet Rich Plasma Injections Work

PROLOTHERAPY AND PRP APPLICATIONS

• Pain Reduction: Both Prolotherapy and PRP can significantly reduce pain by addressing the root cause of the problem.
• Injury Recovery: These treatments stimulate the body’s natural repair mechanisms, promoting faster and more complete healing.
• Surgery Prevention: By strengthening ligaments and tendons, and repairing cartilage, we can often avoid the need for invasive surgeries.

My goal is to help my patients keep their bodies as strong as possible, which includes prioritizing repair before replacement. While surgical hardware is sometimes necessary, it often comes with complications—both from the initial procedure and from the eventual need for revision or re-surgery. That’s why I work with patients to stimulate the body’s innate healing as a first-line approach for managing pain and injury.

• Enhanced Healing: These injections can restart the healing process, and in some cases, strengthen the affected area beyond its original state

WHY CHOOSE REGENERATIVE MEDICINE?

• Natural Healing: We’re working with your body’s innate ability to heal itself.
• Minimally Invasive: These are injection-based treatments, avoiding the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
• Long-Term Benefits: We’re not just masking symptoms; we’re addressing the underlying cause of your pain.

CONDITIONS FOR REGENERATIVE TREATMENT

Regenerative injections can be effective for a wide range of areas, including:

• Back pain
• Knee pain
• Elbow pain
• Hip pain
• Wrist pain
• Ankle pain
• Chronic use pain
• Injury and post injury pain

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

Healing takes time and multiple treatments may be necessary. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can hinder the healing process. Proper nutrition is essential for optimal healing.

YOUR MOBILITY MATTERS

My goal as a naturopathic doctor is to help you maintain mobility and freedom in your body. Injuries shouldn’t limit your physical and mental well-being. It’s never too late to invest in your body’s healing.

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

If you’re considering Prolotherapy or PRP, schedule a consultation with one of our regenerative medicine doctors at Village Medicine, Seattle. We’ll assess your condition and determine if these treatments are right for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life!

* This post was originally printed in the Village Medicine Seattle’s Wellness Quarterly Magazine, 2Q25 Edition. Read and download the full publication

About The Author

Dr. Paul is a dedicated practitioner specializing in injury restoration and athletic optimization through regenerative medicine approaches. Driven by the understanding that our physical health reverberates into every part of our lives—work, relationships, physicality, and attitude—he focuses on thorough health assessments, in-depth testing, and advanced injection therapies like prolotherapy. Certified by The American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, Paul believes that consistent attention and care are foundational to well-being and that investing in our long-term health is paramount. Through his work, he empowers patients with the tools to replace unhealthy habits and achieve lasting physical vitality.  Learn more about Dr. Paul