As the body experiences wear and tear,
the ligaments that hold our bones together become weaker. This
weakening predisposes the body to the risk of joint injuries.
Because Alaskans tend to be very active people, we may easily
experience an injury due to a tear or over-stretching of ligaments.
Neck and back pain are also often associated with instability of
vertebrae, and inflammation results from instability, which is the
underlying cause of joint pain. Taking medication to reduce
inflammation can be helpful; however, treating the underlying cause
is the role of Naturopathic care. Prolotherapy is an excellent
treatment tool used to improve joint integrity and resolve chronic
joint pain.
What is prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is a precise mechanical or chemical trauma administered
to stimulate a local immune response. In short, this response
elicits inflammation and remodeling of the tissues resulting in a
functional structure that is strengthened and free of pain.
First used by the Greeks, Hippocrates employed a hot poker to inject
soldiers who suffered dislocated, torn shoulder joints. In the
1950s, surgeon George Hackett began treating patients with an
irritant injected into the joints. He called the therapy
Prolotherapy. Although modern prolotherapy treatments are more
refined than the days of Hippocrates, the idea is similar: promote
healing by stimulating the innate ability of the body to self
repair.
How does it work?
“Prolo" is short for proliferation, as treatment causes the
proliferation (growth and formation) of tissue in areas that are
compromised. After treatment a patient can expect a cascade of
immune responses resulting in remodeling of the intended site.
Complete therapeutic outcome may not be recognized for 3 to 4 weeks.
During this time the body responds to treatment while patients
experience a reduction in pain and rebuilding of the damaged tissue.
Prolotherapy strengthens the integrity of joints by thickening
tendons or ligaments that have been stretched from overuse or
injury.
What are ligaments and tendons?
Ligaments are the structural "rubber bands" that hold bones to bones
within the joint. Ligaments become weak or injured and may not heal
back to their original strength. This is largely because the blood
supply to ligaments is limited and, therefore, healing is slow and
not always complete. To further complicate this, ligaments also have
many nerve endings. This is why patients will feel pain in areas
where ligaments are damaged or loose.
Tendons are the tissues which connect muscles to bones. In the same
manner as ligaments, tendons may also become injured and cause pain.
Prolotherapy increases circulation to the affected area. This
results in constructive materials being delivered to the injury
while wastes are removed.
What conditions might benefit from prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy is useful for many different types of musculoskeletal
pain, including arthritis; back pain; neck pain; fibromyalgia;
sports injuries; unresolved whiplash injuries; carpal tunnel
syndrome; chronic tendonitis; partially torn tendons, ligaments and
cartilage; degenerated or herniated discs; and TMJ and sciatic pain.
An MRI is usually necessary prior to prolotherapy treatment.
How long will it take to heal?
Prolotherapy is surgical in nature and often requires more than one
visit. However, it is much less invasive than normal surgery. A
patient can expect some soreness in the area that is treated and
should rest for up to one week after a treatment. Of course, each
patient is different and I have seen people leave feeling great and
never needing another treatment. Most patients have improvement as
they continue treatment and follow treatment guidelines.
A Naturopathic approach to prolotherapy utilizes a set of protocols
specific for each patient to optimize the healing of the treated
area. After treatment has accomplished the remodeling of the tissue,
appropriate cellular and inflammatory agents are implemented to
prevent future pain and dysfunction.
There are so many sports enjoyed by Alaskans that demand strong
healthy joint functioning! You might consider this treatment to
rejuvenate structural integrity and prevent injuries.
Is there anything else I can do?
If you are healthy and would like to prevent inflammation, consider
eating foods with turmeric, cumin, and ginger. These spices are
great antioxidants and will greatly reduce inflammation. So, after a
long day outdoors consider Thai or Indian food instead of pizza and
burgers. These particular spices are also very warming to the body —
an added benefit after a day out in the snow!
Markian Babij, N.D, FABNO,
specializes in the treatment of chronic disease with an integrative
approach to care. Dr. Babij uses Prolotherapy to strengthen and
tighten joints to prevent sprains and resolve pain.
