Prolotherapy Austin is a treatment that uses injections of a proliferative agent, such as dextrose or platelet rich plasma, into the affected area in order to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Prolotherapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, including low back pain and neck pain.
There are several structures in the thoracolumbar region that can be treated with prolotherapy, including the spine, muscles, and ligaments. The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), sacral (pelvic), and coccy (tailbone). The spinal cord runs through the central region of the spine and is covered by vertebrae, along with nerve roots. The thorax, which contains the ribs and heart, forms a protective covering around the spinal cord.
The thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) is a sheet-like structure that connects all components within the TL region. Its primary fascial functions are to stabilize and support structures in the area such as muscles and bones, provide proprioceptive feedback for movement purposes, and reduce stress on ligaments in order to decrease injury risk. When there is damage to this fascial network due to trauma or overuse injuries through exercise or manual labor, this can lead to pain and decreased mobility in structures in this region. Prolotherapy injections can help to stimulate healing within the TLF, leading to pain relief and improved function
In addition to the TLF, other structures in the thoracolumbar region that can be treated with prolotherapy include the:
Muscles: The muscles in this region are responsible for movement of the spine and extremities. These muscles can become injured or strained from overuse or repetitive motions, leading to pain and decreased mobility. Prolotherapy injections into these muscles can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, resulting in pain relief and improved function.
Ligaments: Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to other bones and hold them in place. They can become injured or strained from overuse or repetitive motions, leading to pain and decreased mobility. Prolotherapy injections into these ligaments can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, resulting in pain relief and improved function.
Spine: The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae that are divided into five regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), sacral (pelvic), and coccyx (tailbone). The spine plays a vital role in supporting the body and protecting the spinal cord. Prolotherapy injections into the spine can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, leading to pain relief and improved function.
If you are experiencing chronic pain in the thoracolumbar region, prolotherapy may be an effective treatment for you. Prolotherapy is administered by a trained health care professional, such as a doctor of chiropractic, family medicine physician or nurse practitioner. There are many benefits to prolotherapy injections, including relief from chronic pain and improved function.
Does prolotherapy work for tendonitis?
Prolotherapy is frequently used to treat tendonitis (inflammation of tendons). Tendons are tough cords of fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. They can become injured or strained from overuse or repetitive motions, leading to pain and decreased mobility. Prolotherapy injections into the affected tendon(s) can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing, resulting in pain relief and improved function.
Is prolotherapy safe?
Prolotherapy has been used for decades with no major side effects reported. There is always a small risk of infection, bleeding or nerve damage. Your practitioner will review these risks with you before starting treatment. The specific risks associated with your treatment will be determined by your health care provider based on your individual health history.
If you are experiencing chronic pain in the thoracolumbar region and would like to explore the possibility of prolotherapy, please contact your local doctor of chiropractic or family medicine physician. They will be able to refer you to a practitioner who can help assess your individual situation and determine if prolotherapy is a good option for you.
Schedule your appointment now (512) 337-7722
Comments