Prolotherapy, is also known as proliferative therapy, refers to simple and natural techniques for curing or repairing broken tendons and ligaments. It is a technique that stimulates the body to repair the painful area when the natural healing process needs a little assistance. Now, some medical practitioners make use of a range of injectable substances to produce local inflammation and to encourage a natural healing. It is similar to spot welding because it strengthens the exact spot where the weld or injection takes. The main essential aspect is injecting an adequate amount of the solution into the area. More injections may mean better healing of the damaged spot.

The new growth of stronger and healthier tissue is the expected and desired outcome of prolotherapy. The reason is to make a stronger connection. If one area is damaged in the future due to wear and tear, the others will hold the area together. Prolotherapy is also effective for chronic joint pain in areas such as the back, shoulder, neck, wrist, hip, elbow, the ankle and your knee.

Success rates with prolotherapy differ depending on the results of research about it. Some claim 85-95% success rate, but the reports are mostly lacking in independent studies and research. It can somehow be accepted widely into modern medicine if extensive and thorough research, and study comparisons will be done and its treatment will be tested using a large number of people.

Prolotherapy has not been widely accepted and practiced in the United States medical community, but this does not mean that it is not useful. It only means that more studies should be done, and most doctors have not accepted the procedure.

The question is then – is it right for you? The answer is "it depends". If you suffer similar injury like any of those mentioned above, ask a qualified orthopedic surgeon about your problem. A well trained doctor who is very knowledgeable about anatomy can perform prolotherapy on you.

Also, consider the response to treatment because it varies from one individual to another and depends on one’s healing capability. Some may need a few treatments while other may need more. The average number of treatment is 4-6 for each area treated. So, it is good to remember to get a good evaluation of yourself to find out if you can undergo this kind of treatment.

Since prolotherapy involves injections, there may be always risks during injections. These risks depend on the area to be injected and should be fully explained by your doctor before starting treatment. Once you start treatment, the doctor would be able to assess on how you are responding and would be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how you are doing while you are under this procedure.

Considering the low risks and the potential for great benefits, prolotherapy may be worth considering as an alternative treatment to surgery.

Jonathan Pitts

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