Prolotherapy, also known as non-surgical ligament reconstruction, is a permanent treatment for chronic pain. The word "prolotherapy" comes from the word "Proliferation"; which means the growth or formation of something. "Prolo" is short for proliferation. Prolotherapy treatment causes the proliferation (or growth/formation) of new ligament tissue in those areas where it has become weak.
Ligaments are structural "rubber bands" that hold bones to bones in joints. Ligaments can become weakened or stretched with injury and may not heal back to their original strength or endurance. Healing from this type of injury is frequently slow and incomplete. This is largely because the blood supply to ligaments is limited. To further complicate this, ligaments also have many nerve ending and therefore the person will feel pain at the areas where the ligaments are damaged or loose.
Tendons are tissues which connect muscles to bones, and in the same manner tendons also may become injured and cause pain.
Prolotherapy uses a saline based (salt water) solution, which is injected into the ligament or tendon where it attached to the bone. This causes a localized inflammation in these weak areas which then increases the blood supply and flow of nutrients and stimulates the tissue to repair itself.
Historical review shows that a version if this technique was first used by Hippocrates on soldiers with dislocated, torn soldier joints. He would stick a hot poker into the joint, and then it would miraculously heal normally. Of course, we don't use hot pokers today, but the principal is similar — get the body to repair itself, an innate ability that the body has.
Response to Treatments
The response to treatment varies from individual to individual, and depends on one's healing ability. The average number of treatments ranges from 2-4 — one month apart.
Studies indicate a 92% cure rate and, if properly administered, does not violate the first rule of medicine: do no harm. The same cannot be said for standard invasive surgical treatment methods!
Conditions Treated with Prolotherapy:
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Degenerated/Herniated Discs
- Fibromyalgia
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- General Body Aches & Pains
- Knee Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Sciatica
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- Sports Injuries
- Tennis Elbow
- TMJ
- Torn Tendons, Ligaments & Cartilage
- Unresolved Whiplash Injuries
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For more information, a phone consultation or to setup an appointment, please contact our Patient Care Coordinator, Beverly Brown-Osborn by email or by calling 972-239-6317 x134. |
