Introduction
Prolotherapy is a complementary therapy designed to strengthen weakened or injured ligaments and tendons. Ligaments, which are tough connective tissues that link bones together, have a limited blood supply but are rich in nerves that can trigger pain when damaged. Tendons, on the other hand, are robust tissues that attach muscles to bones. Both tendons and ligaments can struggle to heal completely when they are weak or injured.
The process of prolotherapy involves injecting an irritant solution into the joint capsule, tendon, or ligament. This injection induces localized inflammation, which enhances blood circulation to the affected area. The increased blood flow helps to stimulate cellular growth and tissue regeneration. As a result, prolotherapy may aid in the healing of tendons and ligaments, alleviate pain, and improve overall function.
Treatment
Prolotherapy treatments can be administered by your doctor in their office. During the procedure, your physician will inject the solution into the targeted areas. Most patients require multiple sessions for optimal results. It's important to note that prolotherapy is classified as an experimental treatment in the United States.