Prolotherapy

WHAT IS PROLOTHERAPY?

PROLOTHERAPY is a little known, but highly effective method of treating chronic ligament and tendon weakness. In Prolotherapy, the weakened areas are injected with a dextrose (sugar water) solution that directly stimulates the growth of healthy, strong tissue. The healing process can be expected to take about six weeks after the initial treatment, as tendons and ligaments grow.

Prolotherapy is helpful for what conditions??

The treatment is useful for many types of pain, including arthritis, hip pain, knee pain, foot pain, sports injuries, chronic tendonitis, partially torn tendons, ligaments and cartilage, etc.

1. I’ve heard of Cortisone injections; is this the same thing??

We do not use cortisone with any of our patients. Long term studies have shown that cortisone injections actually weaken tissue. Prolotherapy solutions called proliferants, cause ligaments and tendons to be strengthened.

2. How many treatments will I need??

The number of treatments varies with each patient. Many of our patients have reported partial or complete relief of pain after only one session. Patients with a healthy immune system generally require fewer treatments. The average person requires 4 to 6 treatment sessions given at 4 to 6 week intervals.

3. Is Prolotherapy safe??

Prolotherapy is an extremely safe procedure. The risks are far less than taking aspirin for a lifetime to temporarily alleviate chronic pain. There is, of course, at least a slight risk involved in any medical procedure. In Prolotherapy, the risks and side effects will vary depending on the area being treated. The practitioner will discuss these possibilities fully with the patient during the pre-treatment consultation.

4. Why is Prolotherapy unknown??

Prolotherapy has been used in the United States since the 1930s but has only been in Australia for the last 10 years. Only a small number of practitioners teach the course in Prolotherapy.

5. Do Prolotherapy injections hurt that much??

Some people have many prolotherapy injections and do not flinch, while others receive a few shots and have a rough time.

The amount of pain experienced during the prolotherapy treatment is insignificant compared to the chronic pain the patient experiences every day. Many say after the prolotherapy treatment, “It wasn’t that bad.” There are a few people, however, who need help in receiving prolotherapy.

In order to assist those patients who find prolotherapy painful, the practitioner may give the patient anaesthesia or advise the patient to take a panadol or paracetamol tablet prior to prolotherapy treatments.

Ninety-nine percent of our patients receive treatments without painkillers and do just fine.

Realize, however, that prolotherapy starts the growth of new healthy, strong tissue. Your body –your own immune system– grows the tissue. For the person who has chronic nutritional, hormonal or allergic problems, these deficiencies and illnesses should be corrected so the body will be able to respond to prolotherapy.

6. Soreness after Prolotherapy??

A patient is generally sore for a couple of days after prolotherapy. This is because the injections have to go through some muscles to get to the ligaments and tendons. To help the muscle soreness resolve itself sooner, massage therapy and moist heat applied to the area is recommended.

For those who are more sensitive to pain, medications such as Panadol, which are non-inflammatory medications, are permissible.

Exercising is permitted as soon as the patient feels ready. Generally, light exercise can begin two days after prolotherapy.

7. What is the proof that Prolotherapy is working??

If the patient is free from pain, immobility, limited activities and stiffness then prolotherapy is working.

If you are interested in this therapy please contact Tremayne Porter who is trained in Prolotherapy and is a member of the Podiatric Prolotherapy Association. Call: 0416 090 680

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