Osteopathic Physician, Pain Management
Ligaments
connect bones together. If they become weak and stretched from injury
or aging, they may cause you pain and discomfort. Sometimes ligaments
do not heal completely. When ligaments are stretched, they do not stabilize
a joint properly and, therefore, we experience pain.
Prolotherapy/Sclerotherapy (also referred to as Stimulated Ligament Repair) is the introduction of an irritant solution by means of injection into the weakened ligaments. The irritant solution is usually made up of an anesthetic (Lidocaine) and Glucose (sugar) H20. The proliferant stimulates the production of fibrous tissue and new collagen tissue which will ultimately make your ligaments stronger - permanently.
Dr. George Hackett (the father of Prolotherapy) began successful use of Prolotherapy in 1956. I trained under Dr. Gustav Hemwall (his premier student) who is the world expert in Prolotherapy and is the author of Ligament and Tendon Relaxation by Prolotherapy. Dr. Hemwall reports up to an 82% remission of pain using this same technique.
I draw various lines on the area containing the weakened ligament. Then I inject approximately 1 cc of the irritant solution into each defective ligament.
When the local anesthetic has worn off after 2 to 3 hours, there is a sense of bruising that may last up to one week. This is an important signal that healing is under way. There are usually no other side effects.
The injection will be given at 3 to 6 week intervals.
It is important to realize that you may not expect relief from your pain for 6 to 8 weeks at the earliest. It takes at least 6 to 8 weeks for the new ligament to grow.
Every patient is unique and responds differently to Prolotherapy. It may only take one treatment to help you or it may take multiple sessions.
Prolotherapy of the Lower Back
Above image taken from Prolo Your Pain Away ©1998, Dr. Ross Hauser. Used with Permission
Prolotherapy versus Arthroscopy
Prolotherapy of the Knee
Above image taken from Ligament and Tendon Relaxation Treated by Prolotherapy © 1991, Gustav A. Hemwall, M.D.
