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The term "prolo" is derived from the Latin word "proli", which stands for regenerate/formation.
The aim of prolotherapy treatments is to do just that. When an injury occurs, the body's inflammatory response is triggered. Once triggered, the body tries to heal itself by sending an extra supply of blood and nutrients to the site of the injury. Prolotherapy procedures are used to generate the body's natural healing process of inflammation. As noted by Prolotherapy.org, this stimulates the growth of new ligament and tendon tissue. The ligament and tendon tissue which form are thicker and stronger than normal tissue. Additionally, the new collagen that builds up during the process becomes reduced in size as it matures. This collagen tightens itself around the damaged ligament to make it stronger. The formation of better ligament and tendon tissues can significantly diminish the amount of pain and soreness at the site of the injury. - Prolotherapy entails injecting a proliferant or dextrose solution into the affected area. It's injected directly into the part of ligament or tendon that's connected to the bone. According to the UPMC Center for Integrated Medicine, this causes localized inflammation in the painful structures, and as the inflammation resolves, healing occurs, which can result in improved stability and decreased pain. In order to maintain the effects, a sequence of prolotherapy procedures (injections) is usually required. Although individual results may vary, people are generally administered four to six rounds of the injections in each area that's affected.
- The Journal of Prolotherapy names a number of conditions that respond to prolotherapy, including bone spurs, degenerative joint disease, fibromyalgia pain, hypermobility syndrome, ligament sprains and tears, loose joints, osteoarthrits pain, post-surgery pain, shin splints, spine arthritis, tendinosis and tennis elbow. Prolotherapy, like all injection procedures, carries with it a risk of infection. Prolotherapy procedures run the risk of causing additional pain, bleeding, soreness, swelling, bruising, and redness. It's important to consult your doctor before undergoing any prolotherapy treatments, as some people may be better candidates than others.
