Prolotherapy

All joints are held together by ligaments that anchor a bone to a bone.  These joints are moved by tendons that are attached to muscles.  Through trauma, overuse, osteoporosis or malnutrition, these tendons and ligaments may become weakened, stretched, torn or fragmented.  In general, the circulation to these structures is quite poor.  They are often slow to heal and many times the body stops healing on its own or because of use of steroids or non-steroidal medications.  The pain often then becomes chronic.

Prolotherapy addresses the true underlying cause of the problem by helping to strengthen the tendons and ligaments and stabilize the joints, thus relieving the pain.

There are a number of different solutions that can be used in Prolotherapy.  They work by causing a mild irritation to the injured area.  This irritation triggers a cascade of responses of the body making it think there is a new injury and starts the healing process.  It creates new fibrous tissues, thus strengthening the injured area.

Any joint in the body can be treated.  The treatments involve a series of injections 2 to 3 weeks apart.  With each injection comes a gradual buildup of tissue to restore the area to its original strength.  Each individual’s response is different, depending on a number of variables, such as smoking, nutritional status, hormones, medications, age or other chronic health problems.  If you smoke, it is strongly recommended that you stop prior to having Prolotherapy.  One can expect mild discomfort after the injections.  This discomfort is part of the healing process and is usually alleviated with ice and Tylenol products.  Anti-inflammatories MUST BE avoided 24 hours prior to the injection and following treatment

Dr. Born has been performing Prolotherapy since 2003.

For further information, I recommend the book, “Pain, Pain Go Away,” by William Faber, D.O.  This book is available in our office.  You can also go online and purchase, “Prolo Your Pain Away,” by Dr. Houser.  Additional information is also available online at the American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy Regenerative Medication, prolotherapycollege.org.