Prolotherapy is a recent medical advancement in regenerative therapy and modern medicine that appears to be promising for healing chronic injuries. Particular problems that have demonstrated improvements to date include Arthritis, ligament injuries, tendonitis, spinal disc pathology as well as extremity issues involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot.
Prolotherapy uses the bodies platelets and growth factors to assist with the healing of damage tissue. Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels. Interestingly, platelets are the smallest of our blood cells and are only visible under a microscope. When platelets receive a signal that a particular area of the body is damaged they respond by traveling to the area and transforming into their active formation. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000. You can find out your platelet count next time you have a routine blood test. Many elite athletes use Prolotherapy to get them back on the field but its also suitable for everyday mums and dads looking for an alternative to their problem.
Prolotherapy is an injection procedure that is most commonly used for ligaments, muscles, tendons and joint capsules. If you feel this treatment may be suitable for you it is important to discuss all options with your primary care practitioner.
Prolotherapy stimulates a mild inflammatory response at the site of injury to promote new tissue growth. By specifically injecting into the injured site it tricks the body into repairing tissues. Typically multiple injections are required over a short period of time.