WHAT IS PROLOTHERAPY?
Prolotherapy or regenerative injection therapy (RIP) is an injection therapy used to treat chronic ligament, joint, capsule, fascial, and tendinous injuries which began in 1930. Prolotherapy includes all regenerative methods in which either growth factors are stimulated or disrepair factors are blocked. When these connective tissues are stretched or torn, it can destabilize the joint they are attached to causing pain, laxity and improper movement of the joint. Due to the fact that these tendons and ligaments have a poor blood supply, it can take a prolonged period of time for them to heal, or they may never heal. Prolotherapy uses natural, safe, and effective substances and can be a healthy alternative to cortisone (steroid) injections. Prolotherapy aims to accelerate the body’s own healing process to repair these connective tissues to strengthen and stabilize the body’s joints and movements without the unwanted side effects of cortisone steroid injections.
The most common ingredient injected for Prolotherapy is dextrose at a concentration of 12.5% – 25%. Dextrose is a natural sugar that causes an inflammatory response to happen locally, increasing the circulation and bringing with it oxygen and other nutrients to heal the damaged tissues. We use a combination of dextrose, B12 (hydroxocobolamin), procaine (to ease the patient’s discomfort), and homeopathic formulations specific to the area we are injecting. These solutions will be different for
joints, tendons, ligaments or herniated / bulging discs. By using natural substances that the body can recognize, it aids the body in healing and reduces the chance of a patient reacting to the injection.
Does Prolotherapy Hurt?
Prolotherapy works by eliciting a local inflammatory response but also uses procaine or lidocaine to decrease pain immediately. It is imperative that patients not take NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) for at least the next three days after injection. This includes Celebrex, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and Motrin. During this time there is usually a dull achiness surrounding the area that was injected. This is normal and indicates that the body is responding to the treatment. This dull ache is a sign of healing that most find is well worth it.
What Area of the Body Can Be Treated?
In general, any area that has damaged connective tissues, especially damaged tendons and ligaments can be improved with Prolotherapy. A sprained ankle is a very common condition to treat. Other areas include low back or mid-back pain including degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac joint instability/dysfunction, neck pain, knee pain, knee meniscal tears, wrist or hand pain, osteoarthritis, shoulder pain including rotator cuff tears, elbow pain including golfers or tennis elbow, foot pain including plantar fasciitis, ankle pain or instability, hypermobility, and IT band syndrome.
Trigger Point Injection
Many sources of pain can be traced back to trigger points. Although the term is controversial a trigger point is defined as a sensitive area of the body, stimulation or irritation of which causes a specific effect in another part, especially a tender area in a muscle that causes generalized musculoskeletal pain when overstimulated. In simple terms, it is a “knot” in the muscle fibers which causes a predictable referral pattern to other areas of the body. Many of us have these in our shoulders and hips and they are only further irritated by rubbing or massaging them. Trigger point injections are safe and effective and can often instantly relieve years of pain. Trigger point injections help to release the tight band while simultaneously providing the nutrients and hydration the tissues need to heal and recover. Typical Prolotherapy solutions can include lidocaine or procaine, B complex, 5% dextrose, and homeopathic formulations.
B12 Shots
We only use Methyl B-12 (Methylcobalamin) or Hydroxocobalamin. B-12 injections generally help people suffering from low energy or depressive moods. It is commonly used with people who are in a restrictive diet and or healthy exercise program to help them stay motivated and continue seeing results. B12 is naturally found in many animal products so people who are vegetarian and especially vegan may need to have regular supplementation. B12 deficiency can also be found in people with inflammation in their
digestive tract that is not absorbing nutrients well (leaky gut). B12 is a water-soluble vitamin so excess amounts can easily pass through the body. We often combine B12 with vitamin C to boost the body’s immune response and aid in healing.
Lipostat plus (Weightloss B Complex Injections)
LipoLean is a common B Complex injection that is used with people who are trying to lose weight and are eating properly and getting regular exercise. We use a combination of B vitamins and other minerals that help control appetite and stimulate the body for healthy weight loss. It is generally done once a week in a series of 6 injections. These injections are also available in a package.
Other Available Injections
- B12 vitamin C combo
- Vitamin C ala carte
- Glutiathione
