Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is also known as "proliferation therapy," "regenerative injection therapy," or "proliferative injection therapy". It involves injecting an otherwise non-pharmacological and non-active irritant solution into the body, generally in the region of tendons or ligaments for the purpose of strengthening weakened connective tissue and alleviating musculoskeletal pain.
Prolotherapy treatments most often use a dextrose (sugar water) solution or Lignocaine, which is injected into the stretched or damaged ligament or tendon where it attaches to the bone. This initiates a mild localized inflammation in these weakened areas. The blood supply to the area is increased, bringing an increased flow of nutrients triggering an immune response and wound healing, resulting in the release growth factors and fibroblasts (cells from which connective tissue is developed). The fibroblasts produce new collagen deposits, the primary protein within ligaments and tendons. Since new collagen shrinks as it matures, the shrinking collagen tightens the ligament or tendon that was injected making it stronger. As the weakened connective tissue grows stronger, pain is eliminated. The ligament and tendon tissue which forms as a result of Prolotherapy is thicker and stronger than normal tissue, up to 40% stronger in some cases! Prolotherapy is used to rejuvenate specific parts of our aging body and produces successful healing on injuries regardless of their age. Very old injuries respond as readily to Prolotherapy as more recent injuries.
Prolotherapy is a qucik and easy injection treatment for a variety of ligamentous injuries and pains. Commonly used in the treatment of:
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Knee osteoarthritis
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Knee ligament injury
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Achilles tendinopathy
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Lateral ankle sprains
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Plantarfasciitis
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Os Good Schlatters
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Forefoot pain
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Sporting Injuries
Common Questions
What is the difference between Prolotherapy and Corticosteroid injections (Cortisone)?
Corticosteroid injections may weaken tendons, sometimes causing tendons to rupture. Repeated injections of steroids may also damage joint cartilage and contribute to thinning of nearby bone (local osteoporosis). For these reasons, there are limits to how many times and how frequently corticosteroid injections can be used in the same area.
Prolotherapy however is consider as a 'safe'. Prolotherapy stimulates, rather than interferes with, the normal healing process of inflammation. While corticosteroids inhibit the enzymes that block the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which mediate the inflammatory process, Prolotherapy stimulates them.
For more information, please visit: http://www.caringmedical.com/prolotherapy/questions-and-answers/prolotherapy-vs-cortisone/
Is Prolotherapy expensive
Prolotherapy prices range between $30-$80 per injection. After a consultation with one of our Podiatrist, they would be able to give you a more accurate pricing.
Does it hurt?
Because Prolotherapy causes a mild inflammation response, patient may experience pain after the injection by will subside. This can’t be avoided as Prolotherapy works by causing proliferation and inflammation. However this is only short lived.
How many injections do i need?
On average, if all goes well, between 2-3 injections may be all that is required, however in some cause, more frequent injections may be needed. This will be determined when patients return for their reviews.
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