Introduction
Prolotherapy is an alternative therapy designed to strengthen or heal injured ligaments and tendons. Ligaments are robust tissues that connect bones, while tendons attach muscles to bones. Due to their limited blood supply, ligaments can be particularly vulnerable to injury, resulting in pain. Tendons and ligaments that are weakened or injured may not fully regain their original strength.
The process of prolotherapy involves injecting an irritant solution into a joint capsule, tendon, or ligament. This injection induces localized inflammation, leading to improved blood flow in the area. The enhanced circulation encourages cellular growth and tissue repair, potentially aiding in the healing of tendons and ligaments, alleviating pain, and restoring function.
Treatment
Prolotherapy treatments are typically performed in your doctor’s office, where they will inject the affected areas. Patients often require multiple sessions to achieve optimal results. It is important to note that prolotherapy is classified as an experimental treatment in the United States.