What is Prolotherapy and how does it work?

Prolotherapy is a non-surgical reconstruction of the tendons, and ligaments. Prolotherapy is a permanent treatment for chronic pain because it rebuilds ligament tissue in weak areas. So what exactly is prolotherapy, and how does it work?
Prolotherapy is an injection that contains a sugar-based solution that contains Lidocaine (anesthetic). The injection is inserted into the ligament, or tendon at the bone attachment. These injections stimulate blood flow, and nutrient supply to repair the weak areas.
There is no specific number of treatments, it varies person to person. Some people only need a few prolotherapy treatments whereas others may need more than 30. The only way to tell how many treatments you will need is by visiting your doctor for an evaluation.
What does Prolotherapy Treat?
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Sports injuries
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Deep Aching
• Whiplash
• Degenerated or herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Polio
• Tennis elbow
• Migraine headaches
• Knee injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Torn rotator cuff
• Heel spurs
• Degenerative disc disease
What to Expect from Prolotherapy Treatments
The initial injection causes inflammation. The reaction is for the body to lay down collagen that turns into new formed tendons/ligaments. Local anesthetics are used to reduce pain during the procedure. After the injection, the patient may be sore in the injection area for a few days.
Treatments are repeated every three weeks. Results typically do not show until after the first couple of treatments. Patients have a 75% chance of becoming pain free. Most people at least show signs of reduced chronic pain.
When tissues are torn, or injured, the body does not normally repair itself. Many physicians recommend surgery as an option for correcting long-term pain associated with torn rotator cuffs, for example. Prolotherapy serves as a non-surgical option for people with chronic tendon/ligament pain.
Does Prolotherapy Work?
Prolotherapy works on many different areas of the body, such as wrists, shoulders, neck, back, hands, fingers, elbows, jaws, hip, knee, ankles, and many more. Prolotherapy injections assist the body in the repair of tendons, and ligaments.
Prolotherapy injections work to strengthen the connective tissues. These injections are known to cure chronic pain. However, if chronic pain is not completely cured, it is substantially reduced. Prolotherapy is the best alternative to surgical procedures.
Prolotherapy can enhance your quality of life. If you have trouble with chronic pain associated with your normal daily activities, such as walking, sitting, bending, etc. you may want to consider prolotherapy treatments.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor, and discuss your symptoms. Take notes on activities that worsen your condition, and communicate with your doctor.