Does Prolotherapy Treatments Work for Osteo Arthritis?

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a complementary and alternative medical treatment used for chronic musculoskeletal pain. It has been used by doctors and surgeons for about 100 years.

Prolotherapy entails the physician injecting a dextrose solution into the affected tendon, ligament or joint.  It works by increasing blood flow to the affected tissue, which helps to heal the injured area. Connective tissue such as tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, generally receive minimal blood flow.  Without appropriate blood flow to an injury, healing is a slow process and sometimes will not heal entirely. Prolotherapy is a catalyst that improves recovery and once all the treatments are complete, it augments ligament and tendon strength, which will reduce chronic pain and prevent recurrence of future injuries.

What Does Prolotherapy Treat?

There was a series of 18 studies (3) done by two independent reviewers for the efficacy of Prolotherapy in several different conditions; these included osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, spinal/pelvic, and myofascial pain. The treatment was geared towards lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, traumatic rotator cuff injury, arthritis of the knee and finger, and myofascial pain.

All eighteen studies combined patient self-rating with psychological measurement, imaging, and biomechanical outcome measurements.  They found both positive subjective and objective outcomes in 16 of the studies.

They concluded the use of dextrose Prolotherapy was useful for the treatment of tendinopathies, knee and finger arthritis, and spinal/pelvic ligament dysfunction. Effectiveness as first-line therapy for acute pain and myofascial pain couldn’t be determined.

Complimentary medicine is becoming more widely accepted and used by a larger part of the community. People want to stay active and feel better at all ages, which make alternative therapies more attractive.  Whatever therapies you choose, integrating traditional and modern medicine will ensure a well-rounded treatment plan.

Hire a Certified Personal Trainer

Once you have received medical clearance from you physician, you should work with a certified personal trainer. They will develop a rehabilitation program to help you achieve your personal fitness goals in a responsible, safe and effective manner.

Hiring a certified Personal Trainer through Infofit will be one of the best investments you can make concerning your overall health and fitness.

Cathie Glennon, BCRPA-SFL