Prolotherapy is a common therapy used in cases of acutely damaged ligament and joint tissues as well as degenerative diseases of the joints such as osteoarthritis. Treatment consist of injections to the ligaments and tendons of the affected joints with a substance that stimulates the growth of new connective tissues.
Function of Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy stimulates the body to form new connective tissue when the natural healing process needs some assistance, states Dr. Ross A. Hauser of Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services located in Oak Park, Illinois. Hauser further explains that during prolotherapy sessions, patients receive injections of dextrose and a local anesthetic into the affected ligaments or tendons, leading to localized inflammation. The inflammation triggers a wound healing cascade, resulting in deposits of new collagen, the material that joints and ligaments are made from. The shrinking collagen tightens the injected ligament, making it stronger.
Time Frame
When receiving prolotherapy, you can expect to feel immediate relief of pain after treatment as a result of the anesthesia contained within the injection. The lack of pain may continue after the anesthetic subsides due to the stabilization of the joint. Movement and exercise of the joint is recommended as soon as possible after treatment to promote the growth of new tissue, and lead to faster healing. The amount of exercise is dependent on your level of fitness prior to prolotherapy.
Stretches
Before you begin any workout, you will need to stretch the injured shoulder to help with flexibility and prevent reinjury. The most basic stretch is the pendulum stretch, where you bend over, relax the shoulder and allow the arm to sway around in a clock-like fashion. Another beneficial stretch is performed by raising your hand or clasped hands above your head. End with shoulder abductions -- the raising of the arm to the side or shoulder extensions, which involve raising your arm to the front.
Resistance Band Exercises
Resistance band exercises provide resistance during a workout session, and assist a variety of exercises. Exercises such as internal and external rotations of the shoulder, along with forward and side elevations aid in the healing process by helping to strengthen the muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. These exercises can be performed in three sets of 10 repetitions.
Freeweight Exercises
Freeweight exercises may be beneficial following a prolotherapy session. You perform chest presses, shoulder presses, front raises, or side raises for three sets of 10. Some physical therapists suggest using a swissball while doing these exercises as they will help to place the focus on the stabilizer muscles of the shoulder.
Warning
Those attending prolotherapy sessions are advised to discontinue the use of anti inflammatory or narcotic drugs to reduce pain, as they have been found to slow the healing process. Should you become sore after a workout session, ice and rest your shoulder. Additionally you should stop your workout should it cause beyond ordinary pain or discomfort.
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