What is Prolotherapy & how does it work?
Musculoskeletal pain and joint injuries can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, hindering mobility and causing discomfort. While there are various treatment options available, prolotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative for those seeking non-surgical interventions.
Prolotherapy (prolozone) is used for musculoskeletal pain or injury which is either unresolved after eight weeks, or (if earlier) where enhanced healing is desired. Prolotherapy works by raising growth factor levels or effectiveness to promote tissue repair or growth. It can be used years after the initial pain or problem began, as long as the person is healthy. Because Prolotherapy works to repair weak and painful joint areas, it is a long-term solution rather than a temporary measure such as drugs or Cortisone.
Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy or proliferation therapy, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the injection of an irritant solution into damaged or weakened connective tissue, such as ligaments or tendons, to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. The solution typically contains substances like dextrose, saline, or other agents that promote inflammation and stimulate tissue repair.
How Prolotherapy Works
When the irritant solution is injected into the targeted area, it triggers a controlled inflammatory response. This inflammation signals the body to initiate the healing process by increasing blood flow, promoting the production of growth factors, and stimulating the proliferation of fibroblasts and collagen, which are essential for tissue repair and regeneration.
Research shows +80% of patients treated the prolotherapy report a good or excellent result.
Conditions Treated with Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, including:
- Chronic Joint Pain: Prolotherapy can provide relief for individuals suffering from chronic joint pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis or joint instability.
- Ligament and Tendon Injuries: It is effective in treating ligament and tendon injuries, such as sprains, strains, or tears, by strengthening the weakened connective tissue.
- Back Pain: Prolotherapy injections can target the ligaments and muscles in the spine to alleviate chronic back pain, including pain associated with degenerative disc disease or spinal instability.
- Sports Injuries: Athletes often benefit from prolotherapy to accelerate the healing process and regain optimal function after sports-related injuries, such as tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, or knee ligament sprains.
The Prolotherapy Procedure
During a prolotherapy session, the healthcare provider will first assess the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination to determine the appropriate treatment plan. The targeted area is cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Next, the irritant solution is injected directly into the damaged or weakened tissue using a thin needle and guided by imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to ensure precise placement. Multiple injections may be administered during a single session, depending on the extent of the injury and the patient’s response to treatment.
Benefits of Prolotherapy
- Non-surgical Approach: Prolotherapy offers a non-surgical alternative for individuals who prefer to avoid invasive procedures or are not candidates for surgery.
- Minimal Downtime: Since prolotherapy is minimally invasive, it typically requires minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
- Long-term Relief: While the full benefits may take several weeks to manifest, prolotherapy can provide long-term relief by addressing the underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain and promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
- Improved Functionality: By strengthening the weakened connective tissue and restoring stability to the affected joints, prolotherapy can improve mobility, range of motion, and overall functionality.
