Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy ("Proliferative Injection Therapy") 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. Dozens of studies show benefits of prolotherapy for people with chronic pain, as well as those with sports injuries. Many solutions are used, including Dextrose, Lidocaine (a commonly used local anesthetic), Phenol (an alcohol), Glycerine, or Cod Liver Oil extract. Other compounds, known as growth factors, can also be added to the injection solution. The prototypical growth factor is Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which can be used in certain prolotherapy injections to help stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. Most notably, HGH/Prolotherapy injections can useful in osteoarthritis of the knee, and ankle.
Prolotherapy injections are given into joints, or where tendon connects to bone. Many points may require injection. The Injected solution causes the body to heal itself through the process of inflammation and repair. In the case of weakened or torn connective tissue, induced inflammation and release of growth factor at the site of injury may result in a 30-40% strengthening of the attachment points.
Prolotherapy sessions are generally given every 1-2 weeks, and the initial treatment cycle usually needs about 6 sessions. After that, many patients receive treatment at less and less frequent intervals until treatments are required only every several years, if at all. Side effects are minimal, and may include some transient stiffness/aching in the injected area(s), but this typically passes quickly.
Table Of Contents
- FAQ
- Active Release Techniques
- Acupuncture
- Biodex
- Chiropractic / Active Release Technique
- Electronic Medical Records
- Forms
- General Questions
- Graston Technique
- Kinesiotaping
- Mobile Services
- Orthopaedic Consultation/Surgery
- Personal Training
- Pilates
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
- Prolotherapy
- Shockwave Therapy
- Sport Chiropractic
- Sport Massage Therapy
- Sport Medicine
- Sport Physiotherapy
- Sport Podiatry
- Sport Psychology
Thank you to your staff! Thanks to your diagnosis, treatment and support I was able to fully recover from a back injury and (other minor injuries) to complete in Ironman Canada 2003. A year ago I would not have believed I'd ever do another Ironman when I was walking (not even running) around the block and unable to bend over to touch my own toes! After a year of recovery under close guidance from you and your excellent crew of doctors and of therapists, it enabled me to get to that start line. If only I could bottle some of these rushing emotions I experienced as I ran down the finishing chute and share them with the gang at SEMI. I truly thank you, all!
