Prolotherapy, also called regeneration injection therapy or proliferation therapy, is an injection treatment typically used for joint and muscle pain. The goal of prolotherapy is to use the body's natural response mechanism to focus healing in a specific area. When injected, the solution used in prolotherapy causes a local inflammatory response. The inflammation causes the body's immune system to become stimulated. The result in more oxygen, stem cells, and other elements of health in the painful area.
Bones, ligaments, and tendons are the components of the joints in our bodies. As tendons join muscle to bone, ligaments join bones together. Our joints are stabilized by these structures, which also let us to move about and carry out our day-to-day activities. Nevertheless, injury, damage, or aging can weaken these structures, resulting in discomfort and instability.
The most typical application of prolotherapy is to treat musculoskeletal pain, including tendonitis, joint discomfort, and back pain. Degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are two more illnesses that it is used to treat. Some athletes utilize prolotherapy to hasten their recovery from surgery or injury.
With prolotherapy, these part of the body are precisely targeted to accellerate the healing response. Prolotherapy typically involves multiple injections of the area over the course of weeks or months. Over time, the weakened ligaments and tendons become stronger, reducing pain and increasing stability in the joint.
Now, you might be thinking, "won't injecting a solution into a painful area cause more pain?" The short answer is yes, but only temporarily. The injection itself can cause some discomfort, but it's usually over quickly. Afterward, there may be some soreness in the area for a day or two, but it typically subsides quickly.
One of the best parts about prolotherapy is that it's minimally invasive. There's no surgery and the recovery time is usually minimal. Most patients can return to their normal activities within hours or days after treatment.
Prolotherapy is typically safe, although not everyone is a good candidate for treatment. Certain patients may not be suitable candidates for prolotherapy injections, including those with diabetes or bleeding issues. When thinking about prolotherapy, it's critical to discuss your medical history with your doctor.
It's important to note that prolotherapy is not a one-time fix. Most patients require several injections over a period of several months to achieve optimal results. However, the benefits can be long-lasting. Some patients report significant pain relief and improved joint function for months or even years after their last injection.
In conclusion, prolotherapy can be a safe and effective treatment for chronic pain and joint instability. It's minimally invasive, requires no surgery, and has a quick recovery time. While it may not be suitable for everyone, it's worth considering if you suffer from musculoskeletal pain or other related conditions. If you're interested in learning more, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to see if prolotherapy is right for you.
Sources
Waluyo Y, Artika SR, Insani Nanda Wahyuni, Gunawan AMAK, Zainal ATF. Efficacy of Prolotherapy for Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. J Rehabil Med. 2023 Feb 27;55:jrm00372. doi: 10.2340/jrm.v55.2572. PMID: 36847731.
