What is Prolotherapy? The Groundbreaking Technique for Pain Management and Healing

In orthopedic medicine, new pain management and healing approaches are constantly emerging. One alternative technique that has been rising in trend is prolotherapy, a regenerative therapy that claims to alleviate chronic pain and promote tissue healing. While the efficacy of prolotherapy is limited, we’re here to explain some of the aspects of prolotherapy as a solution for patients seeking pain relief and improved healing. 

Understanding Prolotherapy: What is It? 

Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy, injections a medical solution directly into the injured or damaged areas of the body. The solution consists of local anesthetic and dextrose or sugar water. People who support this treatment argue that the injection stimulates the body’s natural healing process by triggering inflammation and promoting tissue repair. However, it’s important to note that the FDA doesn’t officially regulate this therapy and lacks substantial evidence to support its claims.

As an alternative therapy, the effectiveness of prolotherapy has been the subject of skepticism, as most research remains limited and inconclusive. However, those who support this treatment claim that it can treat various musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Ligament and Tendon Injuries: Prolotherapy claims to treat sprains, strains, and partial tears throughout the ligaments and tendons. 
• Osteoarthritis: Prolotherapy can also be used to alleviate pain and improve joint function by stimulating the growth of new cartilage in the joints.
• Chronic Back Pain: For those with chronic back pain, injections around the spine can strengthen weakened ligaments and help stabilize the spine. 
• Sports Injuries: Prolotherapy can also aid in healing sports injuries such as tennis below, rotator cuff tears, and Achilles tendonitis. 

Some of the benefits that this treatment claims to offer include: 

• Non-Surgical Alternatives: Prolotherapy works as a non-surgical alternative to invasive procedures, claiming to offer similar or better outcomes. 
• Minimal Downtime: Compared to surgical interventions, prolotherapy has a shorter recovery time, allowing people to resume their daily activities quickly. 
• Long-Lasting Effects: By stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms, prolotherapy claims to address the root cause of pain and promote better tissue repair. 
• Customizable: Each session provided by your orthopedist can also be tailored to the patient’s needs to ensure effective treatment. 

In orthopedic medicine, prolotherapy is an alternative treatment that works to help alleviate the problems that come with pain management and healing. However, it is considered a safe treatment under the guidance of a trained practitioner, even though it lacks the research to provide its effectiveness. 

Visit Space Coast Orthopedics Today For Effective Treatment Options

If you’re seeking pain relief solutions for your chronic pain or joint problems, visit our orthopedic clinic, Space Coast Orthopedics, in Merritt Island, FL. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Luc Teurlings today by calling (321) 459-1446 today. At our office, we can help you find effective means of pain relief and help your body feel more like you.