Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy, short for "proliferative therapy," is a complementary or alternative medical treatment that aims to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and strengthen damaged or weakened ligaments and tendons. It is also known as regenerative injection therapy.

Prolotherapy involves the injection of a solution, typically a mixture of dextrose (a form of sugar), saline (saltwater), and a local anesthetic, into areas of the body where ligaments and tendons are injured or weakened. The injection is intended to create a controlled and localized inflammation at the site, which in turn is believed to trigger the body's natural healing responses.

Here's how prolotherapy is thought to work:

1. Inflammation Stimulation: The injected solution irritates the tissues at the injection site, causing a brief and controlled inflammation. This inflammation is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms.
2. Collagen Production: As part of the healing response, the body begins to produce collagen and other connective tissues. Collagen is a protein that provides strength and stability to ligaments and tendons.
3. Tissue Strengthening: Over time, the newly formed collagen is thought to strengthen and repair the injured or weakened ligaments and tendons, reducing pain and improving function.

Prolotherapy is often used to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions and pain, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Especially in joints like the knee, hip, or shoulder.
• Tendonitis and Tendinosis: Conditions involving inflammation or degeneration of tendons.
• Ligament Injuries: Such as those in the knee, ankle, or elbow.
• Back Pain: Including pain related to degenerative disc disease and spinal instability.
• Sports Injuries: For athletes with chronic injuries.