The knee is the largest and most extraordinary joint in the body, combining an enormous range of motion with rotation, great strength and stability.
On average, we take 13,000 steps each day, exerting a force two to seven times our body weight directly through the knee. The knee, above any other joint, is responsible for ending many athletic careers.
The number of people requiring knee replacement surgery
is 245,000 each year. This number directly correlates to the number of people who are developing
arthritis, and in turn, relates to the number of people who have received cortisone injections, arthroscopy, as well as the rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) treatment, and anti-inflammatory medications. These treatments accelerate cartilage breakdown tremendously. They also accelerate the arthritic process.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a treatment alternative also known as regenerative injection therapy, ligament reconstructive therapy or sclerotherapy, and is a recognized orthopedic procedure. The therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing processes to strengthen joints weakened by trauma or arthritis. Joints weakened when ligaments and tendons are stretched, torn or fragmented, become hypermobile and painful. Traditional approaches with anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery often fail to stabilize the joint and permanently relieve pain.
Prolotherapy has the unique ability to directly address the cause of instability, and repair the weakened sites, resulting in permanent stabilization of the joint. When precisely injected into the site of pain or injury, Prolotherapy creates a mild, controlled inflammation. This reaction stimulates the body to lay down new tendon or ligament fibers, resulting in a strengthening of the weakened structure. When the joint becomes strong, the pain will be relieved.
Other conditions responsive to Prolotherapy include shoulder pain, back pain, hip pain, tennis elbow, ankle sprains and foot pain.
Scientific research proves Prolotherapy works.
In 2005, the Journal of Sports Medicine discussed Prolotherapy for the knee in an article titled A Systematic Review of Prolotherapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. During two randomized controlled trials of the effects of Prolotherapy on osteoarthritis of the knee, the subjects reported decreased pain, increased range of motion and increased growth of cartilage thickness. The individuals in this study all had knee injuries.
So what are the benefits of Prolotherapy?
1. You are spared invasive surgery, such as arthoscopic surgery for arthritis.
2. When relief comes, it is sudden, total, and seemingly miraculous.
3. The results are usually long lasting, unless the injury is caused by repetitive strain.
Prolotherapy is not a cure-all for all pain. However, the founders of Prolotherapy, Dr. Gustave Hemwall and Dr. George Hackett, who pioneered the treatment in the 40s, say it can result in a 30 to 40 percent strengthening of the attachment points in the joints weakened by injuries. Dr. Hackett claimed more than 99 % of his patients found relief from chronic pain using Prolotherapy.
Prolotherapy is part of the comprehensive approach we take to curing chronic pain. We evaluate each patient thoroughly with a personal history, physical exam and specialized laboratory analysis. Substances serving to promote healing of knees include hormones, such as growth hormone, thyroid hormone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), rehabilitative exercises, nutrition and specific supplements. When one or more of these hormones are deficient, healing is delayed.
Hormone testing is generally recommended for anyone over age 45. We may ask patients to have X-rays performed before receiving Prolotherapy. In all cases involving chronic pain, the doctors of DreamBody Medical Centers will use their expertise to provide a comprehensive treatment approach, including hormone deficiency, rehabilitative exercises, nutrition and specific supplements to maximize health and the ability to heal.
If you are continuing to suffer with a
painful knee injury, or some other conditions limiting your ability to do the things you want to do, we recommend that you seriously consider a comprehensive treatment approach, which includes Prolotherapy.
If you would like to discuss your knee pain, we are offering a no charge, 20-minute consultation with one of our doctors. This session will help evaluate your condition and introduce you to our office and caring staff.
