{"id":7657,"date":"2019-06-28T07:07:25","date_gmt":"2019-06-28T07:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=7657"},"modified":"2021-04-19T14:17:45","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T14:17:45","slug":"15-things-you-should-know-about-prolotherapy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-things-you-should-know-about-prolotherapy\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Things You Should Know About Prolotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Prolotherapy is considered complementary or alternative therapy\u2026 meaning, people use it as a compliment in addition to other treatments, and\/ or as an alternative to more intense serious medical procedures, like surgery.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking into Prolotherapy, then it is likely that you, a loved one, or a relative has a musculoskeletal condition.  Maybe it is arthritis, degenerative disk disease, undiagnosed joint pain, or an injured or torn tendon or ligament. This therapy consists of a needle going into the site of injury and injecting a stimulant solution, often dextrose, a naturally occurring form of glucose (simple sugar).  This solution is said to stimulate repair at the site of injection.  Mainly positive feedback can be found online.  One highly-controlled study showed a 27% improvement at a one-year post-treatment check-in.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us take a look at eight things you should get to know about Prolotherapy.
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1. Other Names:  <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In order to effectively communicate about this treatment, we will review the names it may go by.\u00a0 Prolotherapy <\/a>is the most common.\u00a0 Second to that is its root or original name, Proliferative Therapy.\u00a0 One can see why the short-hand version has become more popular.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proliferative I can image came from the combination of \u201cpro\u201d and \u201clife\u201d, seeing as how the treatment is meant to spur on life in injection sites.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another name\u2026 even longer\u2026 it goes by is Non-Surgical Ligament and Tendon Reconstruction and Regenerative Joint Injection.  Now I know I\u2019ve lost you\u2026 just kidding\u2026 but seriously\u2026 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While one can see how informative this final name is, it also becomes apparent the reason as to why the shorter options.  There is actually one final name for this therapy\u2026 but it is used these days for similar but different cases; so, it will go in history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. History: 
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The origins of prolotherapy go back to 1350 BC with hot iron stimulation on animals.\u00a0 Closer to the current form (but still far away in refinement) is used on humans dating to 400 BC by Hippocrates.\u00a0 He used it on a shoulder to cause repair.\u00a0 More recently, in 1835, the \u201cfather of prolotherapy\u201d used an iodine solution injection to treat a hernia<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1880, doctor Rene Leriche used this therapy on ligament maladies.  Earl Gedney, the doctor of osteopathic, advanced these more rustic versions when he hyperextended his joint and needed to find a solution for repair.  There was none at the time.  His colleges said there was nothing that could be done.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He continued his research, nonetheless, and found hope by borrowing from the American Society of Herniologists who were injecting irritant solutions into hernias at the time.  At this time, the treatment was called sclerotherapy, which is still used for the treatment of varicose veins  & hemorrhoids.
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3. How it Works:  
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Some of this was already covered in the intro here, but\u2026 going a little deeper here\u2026 yes, a needle is inserted into the joint, ligament, or tendon of concern.\u00a0 The practitioner then injects an irritant <\/a>or stimulant solution.\u00a0 The solution acts by creating attention to that area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which causes or spurs on a cleanup crew to go in there and start repairing things.  Thereby activating the body\u2019s natural repair processes.  There are a series of shots (4-20) in one visit\u2026 targeting all the little tiny areas in there\u2026 getting a lot of activation going in small localized spots.  An inflammatory response is ignited\u2026 albeit a small one.  Like many wounds\u2026 the healing process then begins.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The problem with not getting the shots is that the injury is mild enough, that the body kind of ignores it a bit.  With this, the body has to respond and cleans all issues in the spot.
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4. How Often?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that about one visit per month (every 3 – 6 weeks apart) for about 3 – 6 treatments is ideal for treatment<\/a>.\u00a0 Follow-up standard is one year – post initial treatment, typically.\u00a0 Frequency varies depending on how severe an injury is.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the short time length of visit, and the long-time apart between treatments, this makes this the ideal complementary treatment for all kinds of injuries and conditions.  The convenience of scheduling in advance, office visit type of treatment and ease of treatment, paired with the length results makes this one for the books!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is definitely one treatment worth considering if you have any musculoskeletal conditions that are in need of attention.  You should, ideally, try out about three places that do this treatment (over the course of about three years) so that you have something to compare each to.  Go for the best within reach.
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5. Is it Painful?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obviously, the injury or condition will partially determine how painful injections and recovery will be.  Also\u2026 the solution injected will play a determining factor and the quality of the injector\u2019s mechanics.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soon after injection (about 8 hours), there will typically be an initial increase in pain (by a small amount) due to the inflammatory process kicking in.  Soreness and stiffness will likely be mild-moderately present.  This will pass fairly quickly (1-3 days) and can be pain medicated if so desired.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it will be told to you that you should try to avoid anti-inflammatory<\/a> drugs, with respect to the body\u2019s natural healing process to come to completion.\u00a0 In the end\u2026 you may do whatever measures you see fit to healing your own body\u2026 they are simply discouraged.
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6. Who is this For?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Individuals who suffer from degenerative disc disease, arthritis<\/a>, torn or injured ligaments or tendons\u2026 low and\/ or mid back pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction\u2026 knee pain or injuries, meniscal tears, finger, hand, wrist joint problems, osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injuries, golfers elbow, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, osteitis pubis, TMJ (temporal mandibular joint syndrome), or IT band syndrome may likely find relief with this procedure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A consultation will need to be conducted initially, to determine whether it is a good fit for you.  An examination of your condition\/ concern, your health history, and life habits will be considered by a medical physician who has been trained in this specific type of therapy, post-graduate.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. David Rabago, professor of family medicine in Wisconsin, offers this as an option to his patients who have already tried other more natural options, such as weight loss and physical therapy.  For the vast majority, this appears safe.  I have yet to see a negative review of it online. 
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7. Where to Find it:  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is a website called Prolotherapycollege.org that is a great place to start your search for a good quality physician for this procedure.  They have a link at the top of the page titled \u201cPhysicians\u201d, where you can search your area to find one!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may have been thinking that there was little to no hope left for you\u2026 determining you may have to spend the rest of your years in pain, discomfort<\/a>, or dysfunction\u2026 here is a safe, minimally invasive option, hopefully, for you, if you have tried other things and are not getting much relief.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to give up hope on getting to a state of comfort and peace.  This, when combined with other gentle treatment options, can make a big impact on your quality of life.  It has been recorded of doing so for so many people out there.  
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8. Rate of Success:  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

85-95% of recovery is noted for this therapy<\/a>.\u00a0 I have yet to come across any negative side effects, additionally.\u00a0 If you have searched, looked, and tried other therapies\u2026 or even if you haven\u2019t\u2026 this is a very good, gentle place to start on your journey to the physical rejuvenation of your joints and musculoskeletal structure.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned previously, I have yet to see bad reviews for this therapy online.  This is a relatively gentle, effective, minimally invasive treatment that works wonders when paired with other gentle therapies!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you decide to simply try it out for a few months, to see if you think it is worth the cost\u2026 I can imagine you will be happy with your results.  This therapy has gained popularity increasingly since its inception.  Give it a try\u2026 I bet you will not be disappointed.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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