What is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy, meaning proliferative therapy, is a nonsurgical injection therapy for ligament and tendon reconstruction. This process stimulates the body’s own healing mechanisms to strengthen and repair damaged connective tissues surrounding a joint. When these connective tissues become injured, either by excessive stretching or tearing, the joint becomes destabilized which results in pain. Surgical repair may take months or years to receive treatment, has more risks than benefits, and has a prolonged post-op recovery. As an alternative, prolotherapy is an accessible treatment option with limited down-time and effective results.
What is the injection?
Injection formulas are traditionally comprised of different combinations of all-natural substances that stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism. These formulas act as a local anesthetic to aid in pain reduction throughout the procedure. Most commonly including dextrose, saline, procaine or lidocaine, multiple injections are typically prescribed for optimal results.
How does it work?
The dextrose found in each of the injectable formulas causes irritation in the tissue, felt as mild inflammation, that increases circulation and encourages the lay down of new tissue in the weakened area. This is achieved by precise injection to the injured site, immediately stimulating the body into a self-repair state of mind. Self-repair is what encourages the growth of new ligament and tendon fibres, unique to your body, that begin to tighten and strengthen the weakened joint. Subsequent injections repeat this process for the gradual and continuous restoration of the joints stability.
How many treatments are necessary?
Each person and each injury differ, but you can typically expect to come back for follow up treatments within 3-6 weeks, for an average of 6 treatments in total. The initial assessment, as well as monitoring of individual progress after the first treatment, will help determine the duration and frequency required for you.
Is prolotherapy for me?
Suffering from chronic joint pain and unsure of what your next step should be? Book in for an assessment to see whether or not prolotherapy is the right choice for you. I will factor in your individual medical history, conduct a physical exam and utilize imaging studies which include X-ray and ultrasound, if necessary. This will evaluate if prolotherapy is an indicated therapy and if this method will guide you down the road to a quick recovery.
— Dr. Kaylee Driedger, ND
To book an appointment with Dr. Kaylee Driedger, ND visit our website at theiv.ca or give us a call at 604-974-8999.
