PROLOTHERAPY

What is Prolotherapy?

Dr. George S. Hackett (USA) developed the technique of prolotherapy ("Proliferative Injection Therapy") in the 1940’s. It involves injecting ordinary Glucose / Dextrose solution in the region of tendons or ligaments for the purpose of strengthening weakened connective tissue and thereby alleviating chronic musculoskeletal pain.

What is the composition of Prolotherapy injection?

Dextrose 25%, Xylocaine (local anesthetic) and Water. It does not contain any form of Steroid / Cortisone or hormone.

How does it act?

Dextrose solution acts as an irritant that stimulate the fibroblasts in ligaments to proliferate and make the affected joints strong.

What are the common areas that benefit with Prolotherapy?

Areas that are most likely to benefit from prolotherapy treatment: Neck, Ankles, Knees, Elbows, and Sacroiliac joints in the low back.

Why Prolotherapy is given in cases of Lumbar Disc Prolapse?

In many Disc patients, Sacro-Iliac ligaments, the main weight bearing ligaments in our body are also strained and become painful. So, to get a long lasting result, along with External Disc Decompression, Prolotherapy is also done to these ligaments.

Are there any side effects?

Unlike corticosteroid injections — which may provide temporary relief with possible side effects — prolotherapy involves improving the strength of injected tissue by stimulating tissue growth and not known to have any serious risks other than that of an ordinary articular injection.

How often the injections should be taken?

Prolotherapy treatment sessions are generally given every four to six weeks for 5 or 6 times.

Can a Diabetic patient get this treatment?

Since the injections are given only to ligaments and the amount of Glucose is negligible, it will neither change the glucose level nor increase body weight.

After injections, what are the things to be done by the patient?

Avoid pain killers like Brufen, Diclofenac, coxibs etc. and use simple medicines like Paracetamol if there is pain. Take Vitamins, Iron and Calcium tablets. Do regular exercises / Yoga which are taught. Consume good protein foods like fish, White of egg and Nuts. Drink 2 liters of water daily. Sleep for 7 to 8 hours. Avoid stress.

Some websites for reference

1. American Association of Orthopedic Medicine - http://www.aaomed.org
2. www.prolotherapy.org
3. www.prolonews.com