by Dr. Timothy Schwaiger
A recent article in the American Journal Physical Medicine Rehabilitation reported on successful treatment of Tennis Elbow using Prolotherapy. In the study, patients received either prolotherapy using a dextrose solution, a dextrose-morrhuate solution or “watchful waiting”. Those receiving the dextrose solution actually gained more grip strength as compared to the group receiving dextrose-morrhuate solution. *
Both of these solutions are traditional solutions developed by Drs. Hackett and Hemwall. I use both of the above solutions in my practie, but only use the dextrose-morrhuate solution when I do not get sufficient results with the dextrose-lidocaine-saline solution. Unlike the use of cortisone which suppresses inflammation but doesn’t really doesn’t get to the cause of the problem, prolotherapy stimulates repair of ligaments and tendons through temporarily causing inflammation to the area. The solutions used stimulate the production of various growth factors, which in turn strengthen the weakened ligament or tendon attachments to bone.
Dr. Schwaiger will be giving a free talk and demonstration on prolotherapy in our office on Tuesday September 17 at 7:00pm. Please let us know if you want to join us! You can register for the class here or call the office at 925-949-8604.