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| "Prolotherapy, unless you have tried it and proven its worth, seems to be too easy a solution to a series of complicated problems that afflict the human body and have been notoriously difficult to treat by any other method... I have been a patient who has benefited from Prolotherapy."
- C. Everett Koop, M.D.
United States Surgeon General
January 21, 1982 - October 1, 1989
From the introduction to "Prolo Your Pain Away!" by Dr. Ross Hauser, M.D.
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Our joints are held together by muscles, ligaments and tendons. Ligaments are tough, fibrous connective tissue that connect bones to bones, while tendons connect muscles to bones. Ligaments and tendons are composed of collagen fibers. After an injury or repetetive stress from physical exertion or impaired metabolism, they can become weak, frayed, torn ruptured, losing their elasticity, making it harder to tighten and stabilize the joint. Injuries to tendons and ligaments are often associated with diminished blood supply. Prolotherapy seeks to restore them to their previous healthy state by jump-starting the body to create a greater blood supply to the injured area, so that it can heal.
During the procedure, a solution of concentrated dextrose, a stereoisomer of glucose, and Lidocaine, an anesthetic, is injected into the ligament or tendon where it attaches to the bone. This proliferant solution then causes localized inflammation, which increases the blood supply and flow of nutrients, which in turn causes the body to produce new collagen. Due to the addition of Lidocaine to the proliferant, most patients experience almost no discomfort. Howerer, the response to treatment varies from individual to individual, and depends upon the patient's healing ability. Some patients experience relief after the first session, while for others this may require multiple sessions. The average number of treatments needed is 2 to 4. In order to give the body time to heal itself, sessions are usually scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. While patients are encouraged to "take it easy" at the gym for the next 2 or 3 days, they can resume full normal functioning as soon as the Lidocaine wears off, and return to work or return to play.
For more information about Prolotherapy visit: http://www.doctorsofusc.com/condition/document/21357?printstyle=true
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The information offered on this website is for educational purposes only. This website does not imply or give medical advice. The information presented here should be discussed with your health care provider prior to any treatment so that you have proper informed consent and understand that there are no guarantees to healing.
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