Prolotherapy:

Prolotherapy has been around for 50 years. It is a procedure that injects a solution at the point where ligaments and tendons attach to the bone, which stimulates the ligaments and tendons to proliferate, or grow, at the injection site. Frequently a simple solution of dextrose and Lidocaine is injected. Prolotherapy has been shown to be effective in alleviating chronic pain in necks, shoulders, backs, low backs, elbows, wrists, hands, groin, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Prolotherapy is very effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome as well.

Sometimes through overuse, excessive stretching, or through an injury, the tendons and ligaments in an area become weakened. Since blood flow is essential to healing, and because ligaments and tendons have naturally poor blood supply, there is frequently incomplete healing which results in decreased strength of the area. The weakened ligaments and tendons become too “relaxed” which then becomes the cause of chronic pain.

Ligaments provide stability of the joints. If joints move too much, the bones may compress or pinch nerves or blood vessels resulting in permanent nerve damage. Weakened structures are strengthened by the growth of new, strong ligament and tendon tissue created by the Prolotherapy injection. Prolotherapy permanently strengthens tissue – strengthening weakened tendons and ligaments produces permanent pain relief. Prolotherapy works because it addresses the root cause of chronic pain: tendon and ligament relaxation.

Prolotherapy is given in a series of treatments. The number of treatments can vary from person to person and the number of treatments required is often determined by the goals of the individual. Some individuals are only seeking pain relief which may require only a few treatments to accomplish. Others may be seeking to regain a level of athletic prowess which they may have lost because of the chronic pain or loss of range of motion, such as golf and tennis, which may require more treatments to obtain that level of tissue regeneration. Many patients get relief after only a few treatments, but some may require as many as twelve treatments in a specific area. Treatments are usually given every week to start. The first consultation provides a better picture as to how many treatments may be needed.

Dr. Drew Collins teaches other physicians Prolotherapy and is an expert in the field of Therapeutic Injections. Please read further about Prolo on our Blog