Prolotherapy is a safe, effective non-surgical treatment that provides increased strength in joints, ligaments and tendons and can eliminate even chronic longstanding back, neck and joint pain. It repairs weakened and torn ligaments by a natural healing mechanism. The body responds to irritation from the proliferant injections by laying down extra ligament-like tissue.
Ligaments are bands of tough, fibrous tissue that hold the joints in place. If the joint is put under sudden great strain as in a car accident, a severe fall, or from lifting a heavy object, the ligament will be stretched or torn. Often torn or stretched ligaments do not heal well due to poor blood supply. They can also become strained if overstretched constantly, for example, the typist’s upper back.
When the ligaments are too loose, the joint slips and slides out of the track it was designed to follow, and the cartilage becomes worn. This is osteoarthritis.
The goal of prolotherapy is to inject an irritating solution to produce a slight inflammation. This increases the blood supply. Fibroblasts (healing cells) travel to this irritated spot and lay down new fibrous connective tissue (collagen) within and around it, strengthening the ligaments. Over a few months the new tissue is remodelled and shrinks to fit around the joint.
As a result there is increased joint, ligament, and tendon stability, and greater strength. Chronic joint pain is relieved. Surprisingly mobility has been shown to increase. This is because stiffness is often due to protective muscle spasm, and once the pain from the ligaments is relieved the muscles relax.
The solution contains 20% glucose, which is irritating because it is so strong. A weak solution of lignocaine (local anaesthetic) is added. Sometimes stronger solutions are used for a stronger effect.
The solution is injected to where the ligament attaches onto the bone. Usually many different points must be injected into various ligaments around the joints to strengthen the whole area.
The local anaesthetic brings relief of pain for a short time. This can be useful diagnostically, especially if there has been some doubt where the pain is coming from. Then inflammation begins - and pain may occur and may last about 2 days. Pain relief is used if necessary.
A series of 6 or 8 injections are usually necessary for low back pain, 4 - 6 for neck problems, 2 - 3 for upper back, elbow or foot, while the knee is variable. The spacing of the treatments varies from weekly to monthly. Two weeks apart is a good time.
For low back pain, 20% of patients have no pain and a further 50% of patients have more than 50% reduction in their level of pain. Legs and arms are easier Sports injuries are usually more successful as they are often younger and fitter and eating better, for example, 92% of groin injuries respond in 2-3 treatments. Middle aged people need more treatments and may need to return in a few years for another course. Older folk sometimes have injections every 2 months or so, to enable them to be pain-free and avoid dangerous anti-inflammatory drugs.
No aspirin, other anti-inflammatory drugs or liniments should be used for pain relief, as they will prevent the inflammatory process that is being encouraged.
For pain relief use paracetamol, dextropropoxyphene or codeine. Ask your pharmacist if in doubt.
Exercises are necessary to re-educate correct muscle patterns. This is particularly so for the low back. They can begin immediately or when the pain has decreased. They should not be painful.
Nutrients are very important to encourage good health and repair of ligaments and discs and bones and should be taken until three months after the end of treatment. The most common ones are:
People who eat lots of vegetables, wholemeal bread, nuts and animal protein will do better than those who eat lots of sweet foods and breakfast cereals and white bread. People who are terribly needle phobic, or whose problem is mild, may find that these measures alone, will give great relief.