This month we will discuss how injection treatments can benefit the athlete (and even regular humans).
We begin by discussing two types of the most commonly used treatments that we offer.
We will also explore a type of injection that is commonly used at other facilities and why we don't recommend it.
Please feel free to email us if you have questions or forward this email to others if you find it to be useful.
Thank you, Brian Anderson, D.O.
Enter Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy was made famous by former U.S.Surgeon General, Dr Koop. He used Prolotherapy with tremendous success after trying many other types of treatment.
Prolotherapy is defined as “the rehabilitation of... a ligament or tendon, by the induced proliferation of new cells”.
Prolotherapy involves the injection of a Dextrose and Lidocaine solution into the injured tissue. It prompts healing in ligaments, tendons, and cartilage by triggering your body’s own acute injury system to heal damaged tissue.
The solution works by attracting growth factors to the injured area. The injection is usually very comfortable because Lidocaine is in the solution.
Recovery time following treatment is typically quick. Most people are back to training the following day.
To learn more, simply click to schedule an appointment below.
What Is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses your body’s own natural growth factors to repair tissue.
Platelets in your blood contain numerous growth factors. Growth factors are believed to be responsible for tissue repair and regeneration. During a PRP treatment, platelets are removed using a regular blood draw.
The PRP is then extracted from your blood and concentrated. Then the extracted growth factors are then injected into the injured area allowing you to heal. The injection is usually very comfortable. The treatment area is prepped with an anesthethic before the treatment.
Like Prolotherapy, the recovery is typically fast because a small area is injected in a precise manner. Most people are back to training the following day.
PRP treatments have been used by many Olympians and world class athletes with great results. Schedule an appointment below to learn more.
Cortisone: The Fast Way To Chronic Pain
Cortisone injection can help temporarily with pain due to an injury but can lead to serious health consequences. Cortisone decreases inflammation-- however it can lead to weaker tissue in the long run. Cortisone can also lead to chronic pain and cartilage loss.
Check out the National Institutes of Health's published study showing increased cartilage loss following cortisone treatment by clicking here.
The risks associated with these types of injections are obviously not favorable. This is why we do not perform cortisone injections for joint pain.
The goal with our injection treatments is to strengthen damaged tissue and to eliminate pain. Click below to schedule an appointment to learn more about your injury treatment options.