Prolotherapy Treatment

Prolotherapy (also referred to as nonsurgical ligament reconstruction) is a technique used to help treat connective tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal system. The treatments are intended to eliminate the chronic pain that can occur when a person's ligaments, tendons, and/or joints are unable to repair themselves sufficiently.

About Prolotherapy

• Prolotherapy treatments aim to promote the growth and formation of new ligament and tissues while healing those that are injured. When an injury occurs, the body's natural inflammatory response kicks in to activate the healing process. In prolotherapy, injections of a dextrose solution or proliferant are administered to the affected areas (ligaments or tendons), triggering the response. As noted by the UPMC Center for Integrated Medicine, the injections cause localized inflammation within the painful structures.

Prolotherapy Process

• During prolotherapy, new collagen (which contracts in size as it matures) gets deposited and constricts the injected ligament, making it stronger. According to Prolotherapy.org, the ligaments and tendons produced after prolotherapy contain fibers of varying thickness, testifying to the new and ongoing creation of tissue. The ligament and tendon tissues that materialize are stronger and healthier than before. Since prolotherapy promotes the formation of healthier ligament and tendon tissue, the amount of pain and discomfort can be significantly lessened.

Indications of Prolotherapy Treatments

• The number of prolotherapy treatments required will vary according to the patient's specific condition, toleration of treatments and the effects. Generally speaking, patients tend to receive anywhere from four to seven injections (or treatments) per each area that's affected. Prolotherapy.com offers a wealth of information and additional resources regarding prolotherapy and what the specific treatments entail. Conditions in which the therapy can be employed include arthritis, back pain, Barre-Lieou syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disk disease, disc herniation, fibromyalgia, headaches, heel spurs, hip degeneration, knee injuries, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis, polio, post-concussion headaches, totator cuff tears, sacroiliac sprain, sciatica, scoliosis, slipped spine, spinal defects, tennis elbow, TMJ dysfunction and whiplash.