Prolotherapy
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What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy, short for proliferative therapy, is a regenerative medicine technique
designed to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries by stimulating the body’s natural
healing processes.
It involves injecting a solution, typically containing dextrose (a
type of sugar), into weakened or damaged ligaments, tendons, or joints to promote
tissue repair and regeneration.
How Prolotherapy Works
The goal of prolotherapy is to trigger the body’s healing response at the site of injury.
This process is believed to:
Stimulate Tissue Repair: The dextrose solution acts as a mild irritant, initiating the
body’s natural healing response. This involves recruiting growth factors and
immune cells to the injection site, encouraging tissue repair.
Strengthen Ligaments and Tendons: Prolotherapy stimulates collagen
production, which helps to strengthen ligaments and tendons, improving joint
stability and reducing pain.
Alleviate Pain: As injured tissues heal and regain strength, patients often
experience reduced pain and improved mobility.
Risks and Considerations
While generally safe, prolotherapy injections can carry some risks, including:
- Temporary pain and swelling at the injection site
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Rare injury to nearby structures
As with any medical treatment, it’s essential to consult with our board certified providers to determine if prolotherapy is the right option for your condition. We are committed to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being with advanced treatments like prolotherapy.
Conditions Treated with Prolotherapy
In Bergen County, NJ, sports-related injuries are common, affecting athletes at all levels. While conventional treatments like rest, physical therapy, and surgery are effective, some injuries can lead to chronic pain and decreased performance. Prolotherapy offers a promising alternative for those seeking long-term relief without surgery.
Prolotherapy can be effective in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Tendonitis
- Ligament sprains
- Chronic back pain
- Knee pain from injuries or osteoarthritis
- Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff injuries and bursitis
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
A Brief History of Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy has been around since the 1930s when Dr. Earl Gedney, an osteopathic physician, began using injections to treat musculoskeletal pain. Dr. George S. Hackett later coined the term “prolotherapy” in the 1950s and documented its effectiveness for ligament and tendon injuries. Over the decades, prolotherapy has gained recognition as an alternative treatment for chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions.
Prolotherapy at Fuse Mind Body
Fuse Mind Body stays on the cutting edge of pain relief therapies, using the latest research and techniques to optimize treatment outcomes. We prioritize open communication and a supportive environment to ensure your concerns and goals are heard. We also offer convenient options for scheduling appointments, including texting or video consultations, making it easier to prioritize your health amidst a busy lifestyle.
Benefits of Prolotherapy
Non-Surgical: Prolotherapy provides a non-surgical option for pain relief and functional improvement.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves only injections, minimizing risks and recovery time compared to surgery.
Promotes Natural Healing: By harnessing the body’s innate ability to heal, prolotherapy offers long-term recovery and tissue regeneration.
Pain Relief and Improved Function: Many patients report significant reductions in pain and better joint function after prolotherapy treatments.