A growing number of physicians and physical therapists are trained in prolotherapy, a series of injections that can strengthen ligaments and tendons, resulting in joint stability and pain relief. The treatment, invented in the 1950s by George Hackett, is based on the theory that chronic pain is often caused by laxity of the ligaments responsible for keeping a joint stable. When the ligaments loosen, the body compensates by using muscles to stabilize the joint. The resulting muscle spasms can lead to pain. Prolotherapy involves injecting a chemical irritant solution into the area around these ligaments to spur tissue proliferation and tighten the ligaments.
During a prolotherapy injection, a doctor uses a syringe to insert the irritant into the affected ligament or tendon, usually in the back or neck, knee, foot, ankle or shoulder. The injection site is anesthetized with lidocaine. Prolotherapy solutions are personalized for each patient, and include growth factors to encourage epidermal and connective tissue growth that eventually re-grows the weakened or injured ligaments.
This proliferative process increases the supply of blood, nutrients and healing cells to the injury site. The regenerated ligaments are stronger and thicker, which leads to a more stable joint. The pain-reducing benefits of prolotherapy can last for months or years.
A prolotherapy doctor can treat almost any injury to the back, neck, wrist, hand, elbow, knee or hip. The therapy can also help reduce pain from sports injuries, carpal tunnel, shin splints, herniated disks, whiplash or Prolotherapy doctors near me osteoarthritis. It can even help relieve chronic back pain in people with degenerative diseases like osteoporosis.
To determine if prolotherapy is right for you, your doctor will check your medical history and perform a physical exam of the affected area. He or she may order X-rays and other tests to identify the cause of your pain. Then, you and your doctor can decide on a treatment plan.
Before you receive a prolotherapy injection, you should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, especially aspirin. It’s also a good idea to have a protein-rich meal before the procedure.
Your doctor will likely recommend prolotherapy if other treatments, such as surgery, have failed to provide lasting pain relief. Prolotherapy is most effective for people with weak or damaged ligaments and tendons, such as those in the neck, back, wrist, ankle, knee or hip.
Dan was hard on his body through military service and sports, and he developed a bad knee. Medications and other treatments didn’t work for him, but prolotherapy did the trick. After receiving a series of prolotherapy injections, his knee is now back to normal. Similarly, Diane was suffering from right hip pain that prevented her from sleeping and going up and down stairs. After receiving prolotherapy, her pain was reduced 80-90 percent. These are just two examples of the many people whose lives have been changed by this powerful and safe treatment. Call today to set up an appointment.
Social Media Marketing 