Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is the precise mechanical or chemical trauma administered to stimulate a local immune response. In short, this response includes inflammation and remodeling of the tissues resulting in a healthy pain free body.

First used by the Greeks, prolotherapy stimulates a localized immune response at the particular tissue that it is administered. Hippocrates used a hot poker to inject soldiers with dislocated, torn shoulder joints. In the 1950's surgeon George Hackett began treating patients with an irritant injected into the joints. He called the therapy prolotherapy. At Naturopathic Family Care, prolotherapy treatments are more refined than the days of Hippocrates; however, the idea is similar- promote healing by stimulating the innate ability of the body to repair. “Prolo" is short for proliferation, as treatment causes the proliferation (growth, formation) of tissue in areas that are compromised. After treatment, a patient can expect a cascade of immune responses resulting in remodeling of the intended site. Complete therapeutic outcome may not be recognized for 3-4 weeks. During this time, the body responds to treatment and patients experience a reduction in pain and rebuilding of the damaged tissue. Prolotherapy strengthens the integrity of joints by thickening tendons or ligaments that have been stretched from overuse or injury. Ligaments are the structural "rubber bands" that hold bones to bones within the joint. When ligaments become weak or injured they may not heal back to their original strength. This is largely because the blood supply to ligaments is limited, and therefore, healing is slow and not always complete. To further complicate this, ligaments also have many nerve endings and, therefore, patients will feel pain in areas where ligaments are damaged or loose. Tendons are the name given to tissue which connects muscles to bones and in the same manner, tendons may also become injured and cause pain. Prolotherapy increases circulation to the affected area and, as a result, materials are delivered to the injury as wastes are removed.

This treatment is useful for many different types of musculoskeletal pain, including arthritis, back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia , sports injuries, unresolved whiplash injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic tendonitis, partially torn tendons, ligaments and cartilage, degenerated or herniated discs, TMJ and sciatic pain.

Prolotherapy often requires more than one visit; however this is usually much better and easier than surgery. A patient can expect some soreness in the area that is treated and should rest for up to one week after a treatment. Each patient is different and people leave feeling great and never need another treatment. Most patients have improvement as they continue treatment and follow treatment guidelines. At NFC, we use a specific set of protocols designed to optimize the healing of the treated area and assist the body in this healing response. After treatment has accomplished the remodeling of the tissue, the appropriate cellular anti-inflammatory agents are used to prevent future pain and dysfunction.

Prolotherapy can often be used on conjunction with other therapies, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic.