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RATE OF HEALING WITH PROLOTHERAPY
Ross Hauser, M.D.

Unfortunately for most, one treatment of Prolotherapy is not sufficient to cause enough growth of ligament and tendon tissue to permanently eliminate the chronic pain or sports injury. The typical young athlete requires about two or three treatments, adult athletes typically require anywhere from four to eight treatments.

The inflammatory response typically occurs over a four to six week period, therefore most Prolotherapy physicians see patients for re-evaluation every four to six weeks. Athletes often do not have six weeks to wait for their next treatment. The athlete will tell the doctor something along these lines, "Doctor, the PGA tour starts in six weeks. I need to be healed by that time." In such an instance, the athlete may be treated weekly or every other week.

The anesthetic in the solution used during Prolotherapy sessions often provides immediate pain relief. The pain relief may continue, after the effect of the anesthetic subsides, due to the stabilizing of the treated joints because of the inflammation caused by the Prolotherapy injections. This pain relief normally continues for a few weeks after each treatment. Between the second and fourth weeks, the initial stabilization induced by the Prolotherapy subsides, and because the initial growth of ligament tissue is not complete, some of the original pain may return during this "window period" of healing. The patient is typically seen for follow-up four to six weeks after the treatment so progress can be accurately assessed, avoiding evaluation during the "window period." Prolotherapy is performed every four to six weeks because most ligaments and tendons heal over this time frame.

As the healing progresses, the number of injections required per treatment usually decreases. The pain generally continues to diminish with each treatment until it is completely eliminated, often after four to eight sessions. In some cases, athletes or other chronic pain patients will not experience pain relief after their first or second Prolotherapy treatment. This does not necessarily mean that the therapy is not working, but rather it is an indication that the ligaments and tendons are not yet strong enough to stabilize the joints. The amount of collagen growth required for stabilization of the joint is different for each person. A patient who experiences pain relief at rest, but not during activity requires further treatment to strengthen the area. If Prolotherapy treatments are continued, there is an excellent chance of achieving total pain relief with the resumption of all previous activities, including athletics. For the rare person who feels no relief with the third treatment, we do a nutritional assessment to see if there is something impairing the healing process. Some people want to do all of this on the first visit, which is often ideal because all aspects of healing can be initially addressed. Remember that Prolotherapy starts the healing process, the body grows the stronger tissue. The healthier the person, the more the tissue will be stimulated to grow with each treatment. If a person has a depressed immune system because of hormonal problems, nutritional deficiencies, or other medical problems (e.g., diabetes, etc.), these will decrease the body’s ability to heal. Smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol have the same effect. This is where techniques like metabolic typing, nutritional counseling, and overall natural medicine care are encouraged.

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Ross Hauser, M.D. Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more Ask A QUESTION
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Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services,
715 Lake Street Suite 600 Oak Park, IL 60301
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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.

Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services 715 Lake Street Suite 600 Oak Park IL, 60301