Prolotherapy
What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy involves injections into soft tissues for management of chronic soft tissue injury and pain. It is most often used for Ligament and Tendon sprains / strains, Joint strains, Sports Injuries and Disc Pain.
Is Prolotherapy something new?
Prolotherapy has been around since at least the 1950s, but most doctors’ reluctance to use different methods limited its acceptance. Recently, it has experienced a rise in popularity. Even our distinguished former Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop MD. has been treated with great success. Is Prolotherapy safe? It is safe, non-toxic and effective in most pa¬tients with chronic soft tissue pain. Our pain doctors are highly trained and experienced to assure the greatest safety.
Why does Prolotherapy work?
The theory behind Prolotherapy is that chronic soft tissue pain is the result of tears in the tissue, especially where it attaches to the bone. The periosteum is very pain-sensitive tis¬sue, so weakened tissues and unresolved tears or sprains continue to produce significant pain. The solution used in prolotherapy produces an inflammatory response, which is followed by formation of new blood vessels and increases in collagen structure. The result is stronger tissue and reduced pain.
What kinds of medicines are used in Prolotherapy?
The Injections consist of hypertonic ( Proliferant ) solutions, such as Dextrose, Glycerol, Sarapin and Phenols, mixed with Local Anesthetic. No steroids. Do Prolotherapy Injections hurt? Well yes, but reproduction of the pain is an indication that the medicine is being deposited in the correct location. Some patients tolerated it very well, others less so. Your doctor mixes a numbing local anesthetic, which takes effect in a few short minutes, so it usually feel great right afterwards.
How often do I need Prolotherapy treatment?
Depending on the Pain Diagnosis and the extent of the pain, typically three to six sets of injections at intervals of 2 to 3 weeks are required. Sometimes the use of X-Ray guided Techniques are needed to reach the exact source of the pain.
Does Prolotherapy really work?
A careful examination and knowledge of Referral Pain Patterns is key to success. Success rates of 80% to 90% are reported when injections are performed by Doctors trained in diagnosis, patient selection, and appropriate technique. Prolotherapy can be considered for chronic pain conditions, such as chronic low back pain. Nearly 90% of acute back pain complaints resolve within 6 to 8 weeks with standard conservative treatment and do not require additional evaluation or specialized treat¬ment.
What else should one do to increase the effectiveness of Prolotherapy?
Increase mobility and exercise as instructed, use a good nutritious diet, use your pain medicine as needed, and receive Prolotherapy or other treatments as prescribed.
Where else can we learn about Prolotherapy?
An Internet search using "prolotherapy" as the key word reveals a tremendous number of sites, as well as postings on pain-related message boards about prolotherapy-both for and against. The American Osteopathic Association and the American Association of Orthopaedic Medicine are excellent resources. Remember that Internet information is sometimes misleading, so use caution.
What specific conditions is Prolotherapy good for?
It is specific for back sprains and subluxations, for facet arthropathies, and for sacroiliac joint subluxations. The cervical spine responds better than the lumbar spine. This is probably a result of lumbar disc fissures that underlie chronic low back pain that are diagnosed due to poor response to prolotherapy or by Discogram. Prolotherapy is best for chronic back pain, non-discogenic, which is the 10% that does not resolve. Prolotherapy can be very useful in strains and sprains to the shoulders and limps. Prolotherapy should be performed only by physicians with expertise in this method.
For Appointments or Questions? Please contact Regional Pain Treament Medical Center
