Joint pain that won’t resolve with soft tissue or drug therapy may be suitably remedied with prolotherapy injections. This pertains to old injuries as well as recent ones. Injections of dextrose strengthen the grip of ligaments and tendons to their bony attachments thus removing the primary cause of many joint problems.The cartilage can also be stimulated to increase in thickness by this method and therefore ameliorates the severe pain associated with “bone on bone” discomfort. Prolotherapy improves outcomes for chronic joint pain and injury.
Most people have never heard of proliferant therapy but it has been around since the 1960’s and has quite a following around the world.
Essentially many joint problems evade a clear etiology. Often, however they are the consequence of forgotten sports injuries. These won’t show up on x-ray.
If you have torn ligaments in your knee, you have three choices , either surgery, prolotherapy or you try different things but they only help and never heal. Prolotherapy is relatively non-invasive and unlike surgery won’t cause scarring. It will however regrow new connective tissue that is up to the task of meeting the exertion required for success in extreme sporting activities. In short, that knee could now be as strong as it ever was.
You may need booster shots occasionally but the benefits of prolotherapy are very long term. Many people require no further treatment unless they actually re-injure themselves.
The most commonly treated sites are: Sacro-iliac joints, Rotator cuff and knees however any sore joint is a potential candidate.
The improvement is often felt immediately with a reduction of pain and associated increase in range of motion and strength. It takes approximately three weeks for full strength to return. Generally 1-6 sessions are required for a full recovery.
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How will you know if prolotherapy is for you? There are three main indicators:
- The joint “aches at night”
- It is always the first place to hurt when you work or work out.
- Treatments help but never heal.
If this sounds like you prolotherapy may offer a complete resolution.
Ligament and tendon tears seldom resolve on their own for the simple reason that they are continually having “micro-tears” inflicted on them as you work your muscles. With rest they will heal but never to full strength. Then when you apply muscular tension they will tear again where they are weak. Prolotherapy creates bulk and strength. The ligaments then tighten and hold the joint in its correct anatomical position to thus serve you well as you increase physical activity.
Prolotherapy is “natural” in the sense that dextrose (a complex sugar) is the active ingredient. Diagnosis is usually straighforward and obvious as slight pressure over the injury site induces a “jump” response or the typical “ouch” which doesn’t go away with soft tissue therapies or manipulation.
To find out about having prolotherapy with Dr. McCarthy, call us on (09) 488 0208.
Photo credit: Daniel Farrell