How does the Prolotherapy Work and What does it Treat?
Prolotherapy is deemed an alternative therapy and treats injuries to connective tissues and joints. This article enlightens you on how this therapy works.
Working of Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy entails injections that are used on an injured part of your body. Mostly, the injection entails saline, lidocaine, and dextrose. You can get your injections customized on the basis of your need. Also, keep in mind that the injection is a mild irritant that may heal your body and may also cause cascade of events leading to new and healthy cells. You may also feel less pain, have more strength and make your injured joint more functional. Prolotherapy is not similar to platelet rich plasma injections or stem cell therapy. Both therapies entail elements procured from your own blood. There may be risk involved with the prolotherapy injections, but the risk is minimal. Cortisol injections and prolotherapy are also not similar to each other. These injections address the symptoms instead of letting your body heal.
Conditions treated by Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is known for treating so many medical ailments. Some of them are as follows:
- Joint pain and instability
- Back and neck pain
- Tendinitis Degenerative disc disease
- Knee or ankle pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
- Rotator cuff tears
- Whiplash
- Meniscal tears
- IT band syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
Before the Prolotherapy Treatment for Nerves or any kind of condition listed above, the doctor will perform many diagnostic tests and learn about your medical history.
Here is what to expect during the treatment
Generally, a prolotherapy treatment takes around half an hour. Firstly, the skin which has to be treated in cleaned thoroughly and then lidocaine cream is applied. Then, the injection is applied. In every 10 to 15 minutes, heat packs are given after the injection. After a few hours or day, you may notice some swelling, stiffness or bruising. Keep in mind that these symptoms fade away quickly.
What does the research say?
There is always some debate involved when it comes to prolotherapy. There are many studies that support the concept, but many question its long term effects. Research has been conducted on dextrose prolotherapy which claimed that it is an ideal treatment to cure tendon injuries, osteoporosis, and spine and pelvis pain caused by ligament dysfunction. Prolotherapy has been proven safe for everyone. There may be a few risks involved but the therapy is well tolerated.
