Have you been suffering from back, knee, shoulder, or other joint pain for a long time? You may have tried various medications and treatments for this pain. Today we are going to talk about a treatment method that some people use for this type of pain, but that many people in our country are not exactly aware of. That is called prolotherapy. Today we will talk about what it really is, how it works, and whether it really helps.
What is Prolotherapy, simply put?
Simply put, prolotherapy is an injection treatment used to relieve pain. But it doesn't involve injecting your body with a regular painkiller. It involves injecting a small amount of a solution that causes mild irritation into the area of pain, such as your joints, tendons, or ligaments.
The most common solution used for this is a solution containing a type of sugar called dextrose. Now you may be thinking, "Why inject a solution that causes inflammation to heal the problem?" We will look at the reason for that next.
The most important thing is that prolotherapy is an alternative treatment. This means that it is not yet established as a standard treatment in world medicine. Research into it is still ongoing.
How do you think this treatment works?
The people who provide this treatment believe that when our body is injured, its own natural healing abilities are activated to heal it. Imagine that when you cut your hand, the blood stops flowing and the wound heals on its own in a few days.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a solution like dextrose into the painful area, tricking the body into thinking that there is a new wound or damage at the injection site. The body's natural "repair system" then comes into full force and rushes to the area. It is believed that while it heals the "new wound," it also heals the old damaged tissue that was already there.
But here's something important to understand. There's still not 100% scientific evidence that the body's healing mechanism works this way. Some studies have shown that some people experience less pain from this. But other scientists say it could be due to the "Placebo Effect." That is, the feeling of pain decreasing simply because of the strong belief in yourself that "I just got an injection, and now my problem will be better."
What conditions is prolotherapy used for?
This treatment is mainly used for musculoskeletal pain. However, keep in mind that this treatment does not completely cure the following conditions. Instead, it tries to reduce the pain caused by them. Also, it is not a good idea to do this instead of the medication prescribed by your doctor.
| Conditions treated with the treatment |
|---|
| Joint pain due to arthritis |
| Fibromyalgia condition |
| Degenerative disk disease (degeneration of the cartilage between the vertebrae of the spine) |
| Tendinopathy (pain related to the fibers that connect muscles to bones) |
| Chronic lower back pain |
What are the benefits and risks of this?
Like any treatment, prolotherapy has its benefits, risks, and drawbacks. It is essential for someone considering this treatment to be fully aware of both sides.
| Advantages | Risks and Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Pain reduction: Some people have reported significant pain reduction after this treatment. | Uncertainty about results: This doesn't work for everyone. You may not experience any relief from your pain. Its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. |
| Fewer side effects: It is generally considered a low-risk treatment, with no serious side effects. | Temporary results: Even if the pain is reduced, the relief may be temporary. The pain may return in a few months. |
| Can be done with other treatments: Depending on your doctor's advice, you may be able to do this with other treatments you are taking. | High cost: Most insurance policies do not cover this, so you will have to pay the full cost yourself. A single session can cost a lot of money. |
| Minor physical risks: As with any injection, there may be bruising and pain at the injection site. Very rarely, there is a risk of nerve or tissue damage. |
What should you know if you are considering treatment?
Before treatment
Be sure to talk to your doctor. This is the most important step. You should tell your doctor about the medications you are currently taking and any other medical conditions you have. This information will help them decide whether this treatment is right for you.
During treatment
The doctor will inject the solution into the specific area of pain. An ultrasound may be used to guide the injection into the exact spot. This is not a one-time procedure. Depending on your condition, you may need to have several sessions of injections , perhaps 3-6, over a period of several weeks.
After treatment
Usually, a long recovery period is not required. There may be some slight pain and stiffness at the injection site for two or three days. However, you can continue with most of your normal activities. However, if you are doing strenuous exercise or sports, check with your doctor before you start again.
When to see a doctor immediately
If you experience the following symptoms after treatment, see your doctor without delay:
- If the pain gets worse or if new pain develops.
- If there is swelling at the injection site.
- If you notice a change in skin color or a purple tinge.
- If you develop skin irritation or rashes or hives.
Take-Home Message
- Prolotherapy is an alternative injection treatment for joint and muscle pain. It is not yet accepted as a standard medical treatment.
- Although this is said to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms, there is scientific debate about its effectiveness.
- This treatment may be successful for some, and may not produce any results for others .
- Before deciding to undergo this treatment, it is essential to carefully discuss its benefits, disadvantages, high costs, and risks with your doctor.
- Avoid stopping any treatment prescribed by your doctor because of this treatment.
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