What Exactly Is Prolotherapy & How Can It Help?
A growing number of professional athletes have been turning to prolotherapy for relief from acute or chronic lower back pain. Anderson Longevity Clinic, based in Jacksonville, FL, is a leader in providing this therapy to its patients.
What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy has been used since the 1930s as a form of regenerative medicine that helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It works by injecting natural substances into weakened ligaments and tendons, which prompts them to strengthen. The result is often reduced pain and improved range of motion.
The clinic's team of experienced practitioners use state-of-the art techniques to ensure maximum effectiveness with minimal risk of side effects. They provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s individual needs. The treatments are not only highly effective at relieving back pain, but also come without many of the risks and side effects associated with traditional surgeries.
How Does Prolotherapy Work?
Prolotherapy is a non-surgical treatment used to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. It works by injecting a solution of dextrose, sodium morrhuate, lidocaine and other natural compounds into the affected area. This stimulates the body's healing response and helps to rebuild weakened or damaged tissue. Research has shown that prolotherapy can reduce pain and improve function in areas such as:
hips
knees
ankles
shoulders
elbows
wrists
spine
Systematic review, including meta-analysis, and randomized controlled trials suggest that prolotherapy may be associated with symptom improvement in mild to moderate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and overuse tendinopathy.- Research
Curr Rheumatol Rep.2017 Jun;19(6):34.
What is Prolotherapy Good For?
Prolotherapy has been used for many years to treat injuries caused by arthritis, sports-related injuries or overuse syndromes. It is often recommended as an alternative to surgery or medications that have unwanted side effects. Prolotherapy is also used to treat chronic pain conditions such as:
fibromyalgia
plantar fasciitis
tendinitis
neck pain
While the exact mechanism of prolotherapy is still being studied, the treatment works by targeting damaged tissue that has become weak or strained. By increasing circulation and stimulating collagen production, prolotherapy helps to rebuild damaged tissue and reduce pain. The increased blood flow also improves joint mobility by lubricating the affected area, allowing for more comfortable movement.
How Long Does it Take Prolotherapy to Work?
Most people who undergo prolotherapy report positive results within a few weeks or months of treatment. While there is still much research to be done on prolotherapy, recent studies indicate that it can effectively reduce pain and improve mobility in many different areas.
With the right treatment plan, prolotherapy can be an excellent option for reducing joint pain and improving joint function. If you are considering a prolotherapy treatment, talk to your doctor to learn more about its potential benefits.
For those suffering from low back pain due to sports injuries or everyday wear and tear, prolotherapy can be an excellent option for providing relief without long-term reliance on potentially addictive medications or invasive surgeries.
To learn about how you may benefit from this specialized form of therapy, contact Anderson Longevity Clinic today!