At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, when it comes to healing our patients, our doctors are open to a wide variety of treatment options. Because we are physiatrists, dedicated to holistic, nonsurgical healing, we are always looking for innovative safe, and effective methods to relieve pain and restore function in patients who are suffering from musculoskeletal injuries or chronic conditions. Prolotherapy is one of the best innovative treatments we have found.
If you are troubled by pain and/or mobility issues that have not improved with other remedies, prolotherapy may well be the treatment that will improve your life. Contact our office today and make an appointment to discuss this hopeful new method with one of our skilled physicians.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy, short for proliferation therapy, is a regenerative medical treatment designed to alleviate chronic pain and stimulate tissue repair. This non-surgical procedure involves injecting a natural, dextrose-based irritant solution into the affected ligaments, tendons, or joints. The injection triggers the body’s natural healing response, promoting the growth of new, healthy tissue and strengthening the weakened areas.
The fundamental principle behind prolotherapy is to create a mild, controlled inflammation at the injury site. This inflammation signals the body to repair and rebuild damaged connective tissues. Over time, the treated area becomes stronger and more resilient, reducing pain and improving function. Prolotherapy is particularly effective for conditions in which ligaments and tendons have become lax, leading to pain and chronic instability.
What Conditions Does Prolotherapy Treat?
Prolotherapy can be used to treat a broad range of injuries and chronic conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated with prolotherapy include:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown and joint pain. Prolotherapy can help reduce pain and improve joint stability by stimulating the growth of new cartilage and connective tissues. This can lead to improved joint function and a better quality of life for patients with osteoarthritis, whether their problem is due to the natural wear and tear of aging or is the result of a past injury.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, often caused by overuse or injury. Prolotherapy promotes healing in tendons by stimulating the regeneration of damaged tissues. Patients with tendonitis in areas such as the elbow (tennis elbow), shoulder (rotator cuff tendonitis), or the Achilles tendon may experience significant relief from prolotherapy.
Ligament Injuries
Ligament injuries, such as sprains or tears, can cause chronic pain and instability. Prolotherapy can strengthen injured ligaments by stimulating the body’s natural repair process. This treatment is particularly beneficial for patients who have had chronic ankle sprains, knee ligament injuries, or back pain due to ligament laxity.
Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain can result from various causes, including ligament laxity and disc degeneration. Prolotherapy can help by stabilizing the ligaments and supporting structures of the spine, thus reducing pain and improving mobility. Patients with persistent lower back pain that has not responded to other treatments may find prolotherapy a valuable option.
The Prolotherapy Procedure
The prolotherapy procedure is relatively straightforward and minimally invasive.
Preparation
Before you commit to prolotherapy, you will meet with one of our specialists, who will take a full medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and administer an imaging test (if necessary) to determine whether prolotherapy is the right choice for you. Because we believe good medicine involves a collaboration between doctor and patient, we will pay close attention to your personal needs and preferences. You should not take NSAIDs for a week before and a week after a prolotherapy treatment.
Procedure
During the procedure, a dextrose solution that will act as a natural irritant will be injected into the affected area. In most cases, a few treatments will be administered in successive sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve optimal results. Prolotherapy injections are administered under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision.
Downtime and Side Effects
After the procedure, you may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site as the irritant does its work, convincing your body that a repair is needed. These side effects are usually temporary and subside within a few days.
There is only minimal downtime associated with prolotherapy; most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after treatment. It is, however, advisable to avoid strenuous activities for a few days. After 1-2 weeks, we recommend starting physical therapy to reinforce mobility gains.
Benefits of Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy offers several significant benefits for patients suffering from chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions:
Nonsurgical Treatment
One of the primary advantages of prolotherapy is that it provides a nonsurgical, minimally invasive alternative for pain relief and tissue repair. This makes it an attractive option for patients who want to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.
Stimulates Natural Healing
Prolotherapy harnesses the body’s natural healing mechanisms to repair damaged tissues. By stimulating the growth of new, healthy tissue, it addresses the underlying cause of pain and instability, leading to long-lasting improvements. Essentially, prolotherapy helps the body heal itself.
Reduces Pain and Improves Function
Patients who undergo prolotherapy often experience a significant reduction in pain as well as an improvement in joint stability. This can enhance their overall quality of life and enable them to engage more easily in daily activities.
Results in Minimal Side Effects
Prolotherapy is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects. Temporary pain
or swelling at the injection site, though common, typically resolves quickly. Because prolotherapy uses natural substances, the risk of adverse reactions is very low. In spite of the overall safety of prolotherapy, it is not appropriate for everyone. This treatment is contraindicated in patients with active infections or gout.
Is Prolotherapy Right for You? Contact Us Today To Find Out
Don’t procrastinate when it comes to pain relief. Be kind to yourself. Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine now to widen your horizons and explore prolotherapy — a breakthrough in healthcare.