What is prolotherapy and how does it work?

What is prolotherapy and how does it work?

Prolotherapy is an injection that contains a potential irritant, such as a dextrose solution. The irritant is thought to trigger the body’s healing response. Once activated, the body will start to strengthen and repair damaged ligaments in the joint.

What is dextrose prolotherapy?

Dextrose or saline prolotherapy involves injections of a saline or dextrose solution into a specific part of the body, such as a joint. In theory, the solution acts as an irritant, which may stimulate the growth of new tissues.

Can prolotherapy help nerve damage?

Based on clinical experience, Neural Prolotherapy is effective in treating nerve pain associated with injuries to joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Treatment areas include the neck, back, knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist (carpal tunnel), hand, foot, and ankle.

Is prolotherapy good for TMJ?

Conclusion: Our study concluded that prolotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality that reduces TMJ pain, improves joint stability and range of motion in a majority of patients. It can be a first-line treatment option as it is safe, economical and an easy procedure associated with minimal morbidity.

How long does prolotherapy take to work?

In general, it may take 4 to 6 weeks to notice improvement in your condition. Some patients will experience some relief but will require a repeat injection.

Is prolotherapy evidence based?

Clinical Recommendations provides level A evidence for prolotherapy as an effective therapy for lateral epicondylosis. Subjects with refractory lateral epicondylosis and treated with prolotherapy reported significant reduction in pain and improved isometric strength compared to those who received control injections.

Does prolotherapy work for neck pain?

Prolotherapy uses injecting a solution into a ligament, tendon, or joint to create inflammation and bring blood supply to the area. This promotes new cell growth and tissue healing. This innovative pain management treatment enhances function and helps relieve stiff neck pain and discomfort for patients of all ages.

What should I avoid after prolotherapy?

It is very important to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, as these may decrease the effectiveness of Prolotherapy. Narcotic medications, such as Vicodin, Tylenol with Codeine, and Darvocet should also be avoided because they depress the immune system.

Who should not get prolotherapy?

Any patient who is taking any anticoagulation therapy, e.g., heparin, Coumadin (Warfarin), Plavix (Clopidogrel), is not a Prolotherapy candidate. Note: 80 mg of Aspirin a day is acceptable.