Prolotherapy FAQ'S

1. What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy is a highly effective method of treating chronic pain and has been used since 1936. Injured ligaments are injected with a solution that directly stimulates the growth collagen of healthy and strong ligaments.


2. Why do ligaments heal so poorly?

Ligaments have three obstacles to healing. They have no direct blood supply. They have a slow metabolic rate — even slower than bone. Their structure limits their elasticity so that, like strips of leather, once stretched they are structurally compromised.

3. Is Prolotherapy the same thing as cortisone injections?

No. We do not use cortisone in any of these injections. Studies have shown that cortisone injections stop the productive inflammatory process, prevent tissue healing and may actually weaken the ligament. In fact, we discourage patients from using anti-inflammatories like Ibuprophen and Celebrex.

4. What is in Prolotherapy injections?

Dr. Robert Ellsworth chooses to use glucosamine sulfate, glucose and procaine in a variable solution of sterile saline adjusted for patient comfort and treatment intensity. The art of successfully applying prolotherapy is
adapting the dosage and frequency of treatment to the individual patient’s comfort.

5. How does it work?

Prolotherapy strengthens the ligament by re-building the collagen. Glucosamine sulfate is the building material ligament cells order for
collagen production and repair. Glucose is the fuel the cells use to rebuild the collagen. The healing process can be expected to continue for one to four weeks following each treatment. As the tendons and ligaments grow
stronger and more capable of doing their tasks, the pain is relieved.

6. Is Prolotherapy safe?

Prolotherapy is an extremely safe and effective procedure. There is, of course, at least a slight risk involved in any medical procedure, such as bruising, The doctor will discuss these fully with the patient.

7. Does it hurt?

Yes, a small amount of pinch is felt. A narrow gauge needle is used. When the prolo-therapy solution is injected into the ligament, a soreness or ache is experienced. The amount of discomfort is controlled by the amount of solution injected, which is adapted to the sensitivity of the patient.

8. How many treatments will I need?

Relief can be rapid, repair can take 3-8 treatments, given at 1 to 2 week intervals. Many of our patients have reported partial or complete relief of pain after only one or two sessions. The number of treatments varies with the severity of the injury. Several areas of pain can be treated in each visit.

9. How is Arthritis helped by Prolotherapy?

The term arthritis refers to a joint that is painful and swollen. Arthritic joints often are inflamed because prior trauma, often repetitive trauma, has weakened and destabilized the ligaments that make up the “joint capsule.” This permits an excess range of motion that caused additional repetitive trauma to the joint causing the arthritis. Healing occurs as the nutrients in the Prolotherapy solution stimulate collagen synthesis and tonify the joint capsule.

10. What about Chiropractic or Acupuncture?

When chiropractic, acupuncture and muscle strengthening programs provide only temporary relief, Prolotherapy should be considered.
Prolotherapy will often provide a long-term solution. Spinal manipulation aligns the spine as it is strengthened. Chiropractors report that after Prolotherapy, patients adjust easier and hold their adjustments
longer.

Conditions Responsive to Prolotherapy

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