Living with chronic pain from bursitis can significantly impact your quality of life. The constant discomfort, stiffness, and restricted mobility can make even the simplest activities challenging. If you are seeking a non-surgical, natural approach to alleviating bursitis pain, prolotherapy might be the solution you need.
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we are committed to providing patients throughout Long Island, with innovative treatments like prolotherapy to help them find relief and regain their active lifestyles. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Proliferation therapy, or prolotherapy, is a regenerative injection treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. The therapy involves injecting a solution into the damaged or weakened tissues. This injection is usually a combination of dextrose (a sugar solution) and a local anesthetic. Once injected, the treatment stimulates the body to repair the targeted area by increasing collagen production and strengthening the connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons.
Unlike traditional pain relief methods that focus on managing symptoms, prolotherapy helps to address the root cause of pain by promoting the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues. Over time, this process can reduce pain, improve stability, and enhance function in the affected area.
What Causes Bursitis Pain?
Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are small sacs filled with fluid. They act as cushions between your tendons, muscles, and bones. These sacs reduce friction and allow smooth movement of the joints. When the bursae become inflamed, they lose their ability to cushion properly, causing pain and restricted movement. Some of the most common causes of bursitis include:
- Repetitive Movements – Activities like lifting, running, or typing can lead to overuse injuries.
- Injuries – Direct trauma to a joint can irritate the bursae.
- Infections – Bacterial infections can sometimes cause bursitis.
- Underlying Conditions – Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout may increase the risk of bursitis.
Where Can Bursitis Occur?
Bursitis can develop in several joints throughout the body. However, it most commonly affects areas subject to frequent movement and pressure. Some of the most affected joints include:
- Hip (Trochanteric Bursitis) – Pain typically occurs on the outer side of the hip and may radiate to the thigh or buttocks. Activities like climbing stairs or lying on the affected side can worsen symptoms.
- Elbow (Olecranon Bursitis) – Pain and swelling are common at the tip of the elbow, often caused by leaning on hard surfaces or repetitive bending.
- Shoulder (Subacromial Bursitis) – Pain occurs when lifting the arm, reaching overhead, or lying on the affected side. This is often associated with conditions like rotator cuff injuries.
- Knee (Prepatellar Bursitis) – Pain is concentrated at the front of the knee, just below the kneecap. Prolonged kneeling is a common cause.
- Ankle (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis) – Pain and swelling occur at the back of the heel, where the Achilles tendon inserts. This pain is often exacerbated by tight or ill-fitting footwear.
How Prolotherapy Can Treat Bursitis
Prolotherapy has shown promise as a natural and effective treatment for bursitis. This approach works by addressing the root cause of inflammation and pain, promoting long-term healing. Here’s how prolotherapy can help:
- Stimulates Tissue Repair – The injected solution irritates the damaged tissues, triggering the body’s natural healing response. As the affected area heals, the joint will strengthen and stabilize.
- Reduces Pain – As the bursae and surrounding tissues heal, inflammation decreases, leading to significant pain relief. Unlike pain medications that offer temporary relief, prolotherapy targets the source of pain for lasting results.
- Improves Joint Stability – Weak or damaged ligaments and tendons can lead to instability in the affected joint, exacerbating bursitis symptoms. Prolotherapy strengthens these connective tissues, improving joint stability and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
- Enhances Range of Motion – By addressing inflammation and strengthening the surrounding tissues, prolotherapy can help restore mobility and flexibility in the affected joint.
What to Expect During a Prolotherapy Session
The treatment process for prolotherapy for bursitis involves the following:
- Initial Consultation – Our doctor will begin by performing a thorough evaluation. This includes a physical examination and possibly imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and determine if prolotherapy is suitable for you.
- The Procedure – We typically perform this treatment as an outpatient procedure. The process involves using a fine needle to inject the solution directly into the affected area. The process typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
- Post-Treatment Recovery – After treatment, you may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days. In most cases, patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. However, high-impact activities may need to be avoided for a short period.
Advantages of Prolotherapy Over Traditional Treatments
Many people with bursitis turn to treatments like corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or even surgery. While these methods can be effective, prolotherapy offers unique benefits:
- Minimally Invasive – Prolotherapy requires no incisions or extended recovery times.
- Natural Healing – It harnesses the body’s innate ability to repair itself, avoiding synthetic chemicals or drugs.
- Reduced Recurrence – By addressing the root cause of tissue damage, prolotherapy minimizes the risk of recurring pain.
Is Prolotherapy Right for You?
Prolotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for many individuals suffering from chronic pain due to bursitis. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. You might be a good candidate if you:
- Have persistent bursitis pain that has not responded to other treatments
- Want to avoid surgery or dependence on medications
- Are looking for a natural approach to healing
Choose Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine for Prolotherapy
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we are dedicated to providing innovative, patient-centered care. Our experienced team offers prolotherapy and other non-surgical treatments designed to help you regain control of your life. Located in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, we create personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
Don’t let bursitis pain hold you back any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how prolotherapy can help you achieve lasting relief. Let us support you on your journey to a pain-free, active lifestyle.