Chronic pain is very common in the United States, affecting more than 100 million American men and women according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine.  In many cases, chronic pain is directly caused by weak, damaged, or lax connective tissues.  These tissues, including the tendons and ligaments, are responsible for stabilizing the joints and facilitating fluid movement.  To promote the strengthening of these tissues—and therefore, the alleviation of painful symptoms—prolotherapy was developed.  

Prolotherapy, also known as regenerative injection therapy, is a form of pain management that focuses on the reconstruction of damaged or weak connective tissues.  The treatment is administered using injections of dextrose, anesthetic, and other substances that work to create a mild irritation response at the painful site.  This response will trigger the body to strengthen and regrow the tissue, reducing the load on the affected fibers.  In most cases, patients will report significantly reduced pain, improved mobility, and better joint function.

On average, patients require from four to six treatments spaced from four to six weeks apart.  Multiple injections may be required to promote optimal strengthening results.  As the tissues are being strengthened, it is common to feel mild soreness or discomfort for a few days after treatment.  Results of prolotherapy can be noticed as soon as the first treatment.

Joint function and pain relief can continue to progressively improve for months, as the reconstruction process takes time.  The results are permanent and will assist your mobility and range of motion for the rest of your life.  If you are interested in learning more about whether or not you can benefit from prolotherapy, contact Non-Surgical Orthopaedics at 770-421-1420.  With the help of one of our board-certified specialists, you can determine which of our advanced treatments is best to alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life.