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Despite its usual tags of "revolutionary" or "controversial", Prolotherapy
is a very simple procedure. It is a series of injections,
consisting mostly of naturally derived substances such as
corn extract, given in the knee, ankle, or at the site of
chronic pain in joints, where the ligaments and tendons attach
to the bone. These injections are designed to stimulate the
immune system by tricking the body into thinking a new injury
has occurred.
The injected substances mimic injury by causing irritation
and mild swelling in the painful area. The immune system
responds to this "injury" by sending macrophages,
cells that remove debris and irritants from the body. After the macrophages carry
off the irritants for elimination, the immune system sends in fibroblasts, cells
that rebuild connective tissue (the term Prolotherapy is derived from proliferate
meaning to grow),where damage has occurred. This rebuilding process results in
new ligament growth which can be 40% stronger than the original ligament.
Consequently, the physical structure supported by this connective tissue becomes
stronger and more stable, thereby eliminating or greatly diminishing the pain
triggered by the corresponding nerves and muscles and quickly returning people
to active sport participation.
While generally Prolotherapy treatments are given once a month to allow time
for the growth of the new connective tissue and patients normally require four
to six treatments for complete recovery, injured athletes will want to return
to their golf or tennis game or other activities as quickly as possible. In this
case Prolotherapy injections are sometimes given on a weekly basis, or a stronger
solution is used to speed the healing process. This is not the ideal situation
however. The preferred regime is for the patient to receive Prolotherapy treatments
in the off-season to allow complete strengthening to take place.
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