Prolotherapy is a regenerative, non-surgical procedure for injured or painful joints and connective tissue. The goal is to stimulate the growth of new collagen, which are the building blocks of ligament tissue.
TYPES OF TREATMENT
Traditional Dextrose
Concentrated dextrose solution that stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal wounds and repair ligaments.
Mesenchymal Signaling Cells
Derived from patient’s own bone marrow or adipose tissue; stem cells (among others) signal cell growth, repair, and remodeling of articular cartilage.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Concentration of patient’s own platelets; contains growth factors and stem cell signaling markers to regenerate the affected area.
HOW IT WORKS
Prolotherapy is a series of precisely directed injections into joints where ligaments and tendons attach. This encourages growth of new ligament or tendon fibers, resulting in a tightening of the weakened structure. Continued treatments allow gradual buildup of tissue to restore original strength and reduce pain.
Acute Inflammation
The foundation is laid by trapping platelets, which contain a variety of growth factors to facilitate cellular and chemical activities.
(0-2 days)
Granulation
Cells multiply and change, turning into fibroblasts to make collagen. Blood vessels are stimulated to supply the new tissue with oxygen and nutrients.
(~ 10 days)
Matrix Formation
Within the collagen, new fibroblasts evolve into powerful muscle contractile fibers, also know as myofibroblasts.
(~35 days)
Collagen Accumulation
Myofibroblasts attach to the newly formed collagen, pulling it in to create a compact matrix. Eventually, it will completely remodel into a new ligament that has been repaired.
(~ 38-40 days)