Prolotherapy is a widely recognized regenerative injection therapy that aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. This involves injecting a solution of high dose dextrose (a medical grade sugar) combined with a specific local anesthetic and B vitamins, into areas that have known degeneration. These areas could include arthritis joints, formerly injured joints or the ligaments that support them, areas of scarring from old injuries, or chronic tendon injuries that never fully healed in the first place. The primary goal of prolotherapy is to prompt the body's immune system and local stem cells to respond to the injury, essentially giving the healing process another chance.
The dextrose solution used in prolotherapy acts as a mild irritant, which triggers an inflammatory response in the targeted area. This response stimulates local immune cells to clear away old, damaged tissue and promote the growth of new, healthy tissue. By encouraging this regenerative process, prolotherapy aims to help repair ligaments, tendons, and joints that did not heal correctly the first time. Prolotherapy is also used as a preventative therapy to counteract the degenerative process that all tissues go through as they age - especially joints.
“…I am happy to say it’s now four weeks later and my knee is much better “(Dr. Nelson) was honest with me about various treatment options for my knee, their cost and chances of making a difference… I tried prolotherapy injections, and yes, they helped […] I am happy to say it’s now four weeks later and my knee is much better, even though he said it would take about eight weeks to achieve the optimal effect. If this means I can expect more improvement, I’m all for it! I’ve spent my adult life being active and teaching yoga and qi gong, so having a “bum” knee wasn’t something I ever thought would happen to me. I would tell anybody considering finding a naturopath that Dr. Erik Nelson should be their first choice. He was my first choice once I walked in the door, and I’m grateful to him for his help. I wish he were staying in Arizona. I’m happy to recommend him to anybody looking for a competent and caring physician.” Phyllis Cochran
Traditional treatments for arthritis and injuries often include medications like pain relievers and steroids (including cortisone injections), physical therapy, or surgery. While these approaches can alleviate symptoms, they may not address the underlying issue or promote complete healing.
Prolotherapy offers a regenerative approach by focusing on healing the injured area from within. Unlike cortisone injections, which reduce inflammation but can also suppress the body’s natural healing response, prolotherapy aims to stimulate and enhance healing processes. This method encourages the body to repair and strengthen the affected area, potentially avoiding or delaying the need for more invasive procedures or surgeries.
The number of prolotherapy sessions required varies depending on individual factors such as the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health. On average, patients may need three to four injections. Some may experience significant improvement with just one or two sessions, while others, particularly those with chronic or complex conditions, might require additional sessions.
Cortisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation but can interfere with the body’s natural healing processes. While it may offer temporary relief, it can sometimes lead to further joint degeneration over time.
In contrast, prolotherapy promotes healing by stimulating the body’s regenerative mechanisms. It encourages the repair of damaged tissues and helps maintain functional strength, potentially offering long-term relief and reducing the risk of further injury.
PRP therapy involves using a patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors, and then injected into the injured area. While PRP is a powerful regenerative treatment, it requires healthy platelets and a robust healing response.
Prolotherapy uses a dextrose solution to induce healing, which can be effective even if the body's natural healing response is compromised. It is generally less dependent on the patient’s blood quality and offers a consistent therapeutic effect.
Dr Erik Nelson is the only Naturopathic Doctor in Alberta who completed a regenerative medicine focused residency. When it comes to pain management, the art is knowing where the pain is truly coming from, the wisdom is knowing what tools would be best for the individual patient, and the skill is the ability to deliver the therapy safely and effectively. Dr Nelson brings all three to bear with his patients. Additionally, at Neurvana, our doctors integrate prolotherapy into a holistic approach to health to ensure the best outcomes. They not only administer the injection but also consider overall wellness, offering additional recommendations for lifestyle and physical therapy to enhance healing and prevent future issues.
Prolotherapy is effective for partial tendon tears and tendinopathy but is not a substitute for surgery in cases of complete rotator cuff tears.
Prolotherapy and related therapies can be beneficial for chronic migraines, particularly those related to tension or cervical instability, by addressing underlying issues contributing to nerve irritation.
Prolotherapy aims to delay or avoid the need for surgery by promoting natural healing and reducing joint degeneration. It is particularly useful for conditions like osteoarthritis, where it can help maintain function and quality of life, potentially postponing the need for joint replacements or other surgeries.
Before the procedure, patients should discontinue strong anti-inflammatory medications about a week prior to avoid interfering with the inflammatory response needed for healing. Dr Nelson books a full hour for your first prolotherapy appointment to thoroughly answer any outstanding questions, discuss an after-care plan and provide you with complete informed consent. The injection itself rarely takes more than 10 minutes. Post-procedure, patients may experience some soreness for a few days, which is a normal part of the healing process.
Overall, prolotherapy offers a promising option for those seeking a natural and effective way to enhance healing and address chronic pain or dysfunction.
