At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our doctors understand that a comprehensive strategy offers patients the best chance of fully recovering from injuries and illnesses. That means evaluating all potential treatment methods and taking a holistic and well-rounded approach to pain management and healing for individuals suffering from musculoskeletal injuries or conditions.
Prolotherapy is an innovative medical treatment that can alleviate chronic pain and stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. This non-surgical approach can reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint stability and function for those suffering from tendonitis’s painful and debilitating effects.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendons are thick, fibrous bands that attach muscles to bones. These strong cords of tissue allow muscles to tighten and relax, allowing muscle movement. In addition to muscle movement, tendons can also help prevent injuries because they absorb some of the impact that the muscles take during vigorous activities like running and jumping. The body has thousands of tendons that connect muscles to bones. However, some tendons, like the Achilles, which connects the calf muscle to the heel or calcaneus bone, are more prone to injury.
Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the tendons. Significant inflammation causes tendons to swell, leading to pain and discomfort. Although the condition can impact any tendon in the human body, it is most common in tendons located in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.
Tendonitis can result from a sudden injury. However, the condition’s most common cause is repetitive movements over an extended period. Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are tendonitis conditions caused by the repetitive motions associated with these sports. Individuals such as cashiers and gardeners can also get tendonitis from repetitive motions on the job.
Some of the most common tendon injuries include:
- Lateral epicondylitis – This condition is also commonly called tennis elbow. The pain radiates along the backside of the elbow and forearm and can run down the thumb side of the arm. It occurs when the tendons that help bend the wrist back and away from the palm are damaged, affecting the tendons outside the elbow.
- Medial epicondylitis – Also called golfer’s elbow, this form of tendonitis affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It can be caused by overuse of the muscles in the forearm.
- Rotator cuff tendonitis – Rotator cuff tendonitis is also known as biceps tendonitis and affects the shoulder.
- Trigger finger – Trigger finger or trigger thumb can cause the finger or thumb to “lock” suddenly and result from inflammation in the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the radius bone at the elbow. Sometimes, it causes the finger or thumb to “click” when extended.
- Achilles tendonitis – The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. It is caused by inflammation caused by sudden changes in activity, poor footwear, and overuse. It is also common in individuals with a flat foot arch.
Signs of the conditions can include swelling, tenderness, and pain, described as a dull but persistent ache.
Treatment Options for Tendonitis
Traditionally, the treatment for tendonitis has been rest. Acute treatment options include icing the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can also treat the discomfort associated with tendonitis. Often, patients must wear a splint to limit movement and be asked to change their routine or activities to avoid aggravating the inflamed tendon.
Other treatment options may include steroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain, and in specific instances, surgery may be necessary. Without treatment, tendonitis can eventually cause the breakdown or tearing of the tendon. A torn tendon or tendon ripped from the bone requires surgery to repair.
Prolotherapy for Tendonitis
Prolotherapy is a non-surgical, regenerative medical procedure that can relieve chronic pain and stimulate tissue repair in patients with musculoskeletal conditions. During prolotherapy, a dextrose-based irritant solution gets injected into the affected area. Dextrose is a form of sugar that usually comes from corn or wheat and is chemically similar to glucose.
Although it sounds counterintuitive, the solution irritates the injured area, and the body responds by sending platelets and other beneficial cells to the injury site. These cells stimulate repairs and rebuild the damaged tissue. Over time, the tissues in the treated area are stronger and more resilient. Pain decreases, and patients can experience improved function.
Prolotherapy may help treat tendonitis caused by overuse or injury by stimulating damaged tissues’ natural growth factor elevation. By speeding up the body’s natural healing abilities, prolotherapy boosts cell growth and tissue repair, reducing pain and restoring function more effectively.
Patients with tendonitis affecting the elbow, shoulder, and Achilles tendon report experiencing significant pain relief after prolotherapy treatment. The number of treatments necessary depends on the specifics of the patient’s injury. Some people can benefit from a few sessions spanning several weeks apart, giving the body time to respond to the treatment.
Some people report discomfort and swelling following a prolotherapy session. The side effects are generally mild and subside within a few hours to days of the treatment. Most people can resume their normal activities after treatment. However, avoiding vigorous or strenuous activities or exercising for a few days is best. Physical therapy is often recommended to increase mobility and healing as part of a comprehensive treatment plan to build strength, mobility, and flexibility in the affected area. Physical therapy can also help patients by teaching them how to prevent future injuries, especially those related to overuse and overexertion.
How Do You Know If Prolotherapy Is Right for You?
Are you curious about whether prolotherapy can help you overcome the pain and discomfort of tendonitis? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The doctors at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine are ready to evaluate your condition and craft a unique treatment plan that addresses your condition and sets you up for getting back into the swing of things. Contact our office today and set up an appointment to find out more.