Prolotherapy
PROLO is short for proliferation because the treatment causes the proliferation (growth or formation) of new ligament tissue in areas that have become weak. Prolotherapy injections are intended to mimic the natural healing process by causing an influx of fibroblasts that synthesize collagen at the injection site, leading to new ligament and tendon tissue. The newly produced collagen is intended to support the injured or loosened ligaments, creating a more stable and strong muscle base and in the process, alleviates pain.
CONDITIONS PROLOTHERAPY CAN TREAT:
- Spinal Arthritis
- Arthritis of any joint
- Back Pain
- Degenerative Disk Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis [Compression Fractures]
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Sacroiliac Instability
- Sprain
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Defects
- Tennis Elbow
- Shoulder Separation
- Chronic Joint Instability
LIGAMENTS are the structural “rubber bands” that hold bones to bones in joints. Ligaments can become weak or injured and may not heal back to their original strength or endurance. This is largely because the blood supply to ligaments is limited, and therefore healing is slow and not always complete. To further complicate this, ligaments also have many nerve endings and therefore the person will feel pain in the areas where the ligaments are damaged or loose.
TENDONS are the name given to tissue that connects muscles to bones, and in the same manner, tendons may also become injured, and cause pain.
Prolotherapy uses a dextrose (sugar water) solution or Phenol, which is injected into the ligament or tendon where it attaches to the bone. This causes a localized inflammation in these weak areas, increasing the blood supply and flow of nutrients to stimulate the tissue to repair itself.
The response to treatment varies from individual to individual and depends upon one’s healing ability. Some people may only need a few treatments, while others may need 10 or more. The average number of treatments is 4-6 per area. The best thing to do is get an evaluation by our physician to see if you are an appropriate candidate.