An Overview of Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a natural treatment that can be used to repair damaged soft tissue. It is also referred to as non-surgical ligament and tender reconstruction and regenerative joint injection. It works by using the body’s natural healing process. Prolotherapy is often recommended because it is less invasive than other treatments such as medication, surgery and joint replacement.
How Prolotherapy Works
Inflammation is the way that the body naturally responds to an injury. However, it can be difficult for tendons, joints and ligaments to heal because they have poor blood supplies. As a result of this, the connective tissue becomes loose. Prolotherapy involves injecting natural substances into the affected area. These substances have a concentrated sugar substance. Lidocaine, sarapin, saline and dextrose are some of the substances that are injected into the joints.
Platelet-rich plasma and adult stem cells may also be used. Every physician will customize the treatment to fit the needs of the patient. Additionally, local anesthetic may be used in order to reduce the pain of the injection.
This injection will help stimulate the growth of healthy tissue. This treatment also helps strengthen the ligaments and tendons so that pain is reduced.
Areas of the Body That can be Treated with Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is often used to treat low to mid back pain. Back pain may be caused by degenerative disc disease, knee pain, neck pain and joint instability. Every patient will have to undergo a physical in order to determine whether this treatment is right for them. The physician will also look at the patient’s medical history.
Success Rate of Prolotherapy
The patient’s health history and ability to heal will determine how successful this treatment will be. However, studies have shown that prolotherapy has a success rate that ranges from 85 to 90 percent. It is more successful than back surgery, which is only successful about 52 percent of the time.
Is Prolotherapy Painful?
Everyone has a different tolerance for pain. The type of solution that is used will also determine how painful this treatment is. However, any discomfort that one feels will likely go away shortly after the treatment is completed. It is normal to experience swelling and redness in the area.
You can take Tylenol if you have swelling and discomfort after your treatment. However, you should not take any anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin. They have a tendency to suppress the healing process.
Why Prolotherapy is Better Than Medication
When many people are in pain, they turn to anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and Motrin. However, these medications may actually hinder the body’s natural ability to heal. However, prolotherapy not only helps the body heal itself, but it can also provide you with long-lasting results.
It is also important to note that medication is a temporary fix. You will have to keep using it. Additionally, medication often becomes less effective over time.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
The severity of the problem will determine how many treatments you will need to get. People will typically get one treatment every three to six weeks. Most people will need to get a total of four to six treatments. However, some people may need more treatments. Keep in mind that some people may need to get treatments done more frequently.
If you believe you are a candidate for prolotherapy, call Vibrant Life today at (918) 740-1612 for more information.