HGH Joint Therapy

HGH is short for human growth hormone. Human growth hormone is responsible for childhood growth as well as maintaining tissues and organs as the body ages, according to the Mayo Clinic. The pituitary gland, which produces HGH, decreases the HGH production over a person's lifetime, raising the question whether receiving HGH injections could essentially reverse aging.

HGH and Joint Therapy

• HGH is the body's largest protein. According to the Mayo Clinic, injections of HGH have been proven to increase muscle mass, bone density, and exercise capacity. HGH injections must be administered by a doctor. The cost is more than $15,000 each year and most medical insurance companies do not cover the cost, according to TrueMedMD.

  In addition to the costs and inconvenience, HGH injections have many side effects, which include: joint and muscle pain (which seems to contradict the purpose of the treatment) and swelling in arms and legs. Although HGH appears to have many benefits, the direct evidence relating HGH injections, to a beneficial joint therapy, is lacking. A Website that sells HGH in pill or spray form claim to reduce joint pains and strengthen joints, but are considered bias and are not backed by scientific evidence.

Alternative Joint Therapy Methods

• Although HGH may not be the most appropriate tactic for joint therapy there are alternative ways to help with joint pains. According to TrueMedMD, adequate omega-3 fats, reducing stress, reducing homocysteine levels and reducing c-reactive protein levels, can all aid in a decrease of joint inflammation.

  According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise can also have a variety of benefits, which include an increase in strength and flexibility, reduced joint pain, and less fatigue. A lack of exercise will make your joints become stiff and hurt worse, according to the Mayo Clinic, while moderate exercise can ease pain. Check with your health care provider as to which exercises to use for treatment of specific joints.

Warnings

• Always consult your health care provider before beginning any supplements or exercise routines.

  A study preformed with animals concluded that higher levels of HGH result in earlier deaths than those with lower levels of the hormone, according to "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Anti-Inflammation Diet." Furthermore, an additional animal study notes, reduced HGH positively correlated with a prolonged survival rate.

  Many retailers sell human growth hormone in pill or spray form. The Federal Trade Commission has had issues with multiple companies falsely promoting the contents of HGH in oral sprays. In addition, Jintropin.org claims pills and sprays have no effect and HGH can only be absorbed through "injections of suitable amounts prescribed by a doctor."