Dextrose Prolotherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Shoulder Pain in Patients With Joint Hypermobility: A Case Series
Author Type(s)
Resident/Fellow
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2024
DOI
10.1177/11795441241264821
Journal Title
Clinical Medicine Insights. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Department
Rehabilitation Medicine
Abstract
Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) are common causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Current practices rely on analgesics, physical therapy, bracing, and assistive devices. Dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is a regenerative injection modality used to treat chronic painful musculoskeletal conditions through stimulation of tissue proliferation. The effectiveness of DPT for the treatment of chronic shoulder pain in patients with hEDS/HSD has not been established in the literature. Three patients with hEDS or HSD presented with refractory shoulder pain due to microinstability. Patients were treated with 20% DPT injected in the glenohumeral joint and surrounding structures as indicated. Outcomes assessed were pain and clinical improvement in joint stability at 2- to 7-week follow-up intervals. All patients reported subjective improvement in their shoulder pain and function. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores after DPT decreased from initial assessment in all patients. Patients reported a cumulative improvement in pain and joint stability with each injection. Regenerative treatment with DPT may help restore structural integrity of affected joints and serve as an adjunctive therapy for the management of chronic shoulder pain due to microinstability in patients with hEDS/HSD.
Recommended Citation
Michalak, N., Banks, D., Kane, L., & Siefferman, J. (2024). Dextrose Prolotherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Shoulder Pain in Patients With Joint Hypermobility: A Case Series. Clinical Medicine Insights. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders, 17, 11795441241264821-11795441241264821. https://doi.org/10.1177/11795441241264821