Prolotherapy is a medical treatment in which a doctor will inject a non-chemical saline-like solution into a joint to intentionally cause inflammation. Chronically weak or damaged tendons and ligaments have a difficult time healing due to a relatively poor blood supply. By causing controlled inflammation in a weak tendon or ligament, your body's natural healing process may be enhanced, thus strengthening the joint naturally. Prolotherapy typically uses a type of dextrose water and is injected directly into the weak or damaged tissue. The inflammation it causes in the tissue will initiate healing. It is not advised to exercise vigorously after a prolotherapy, but light exercise is encouraged.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Light cardiovascular exercise is highly encouraged after a prolotherapy treatment. By moving your entire body and increasing your heart rate, blood flow to the tendons and ligaments increase. Increased blood flow can assist the healing process in the affected areas. Light walking or pedaling on an exercise bike are encouraged, keeping in mind that vigorous activity should be avoided.
Resistance Training
Light resistance training is acceptable for some types of prolotherapy, but you should exercise caution when performing any type of resistance training when your joints are vulnerable. If you received prolotherapy treatment in a specific tendon, it is best to avoid placing resistance on that muscle for several days. If the treatment was on a ligament, some light resistance can be placed on the joint. Choose a weight that is light enough for you to be able to perform at least 30 repetitions.
Balance Training
Balance training is highly recommended following prolotherapy treatment. This will help improve proprioception in the affected areas. Proprioception is your body's ability to determine joint position in space. When you have a damaged tendon or ligament, proprioception can be limited. Examples of balance training exercises include standing on one leg or performing standing exercises while on an unstable surface such as a balance board or BOSU ball. Be sure to stand near a stationary object like a counter or wall so that you can catch yourself if you begin to lose your balance.
Flexibility Training
Flexibility training is recommended in between prolotherapy treatments, however it is best if you stretch with the assistance of a certified personal trainer or physical therapist. Overstretching the tendons and ligaments can hinder the healing process, but light stretching can enhance it. Have a professional gently stretch the muscles around the treatment area, holding each stretch for no more than 30 seconds. This will improve circulation and increase flexibility in the joint.
References
- "Prolotherapy injections, saline injections, and exercises for chronic low-back pain: a randomized trial"; 1:29(1):9-16; Spine; 2004.
- "Physiology Of Sport And Exercise"; Jack H. Wilmore and David L. Costill; 2004.
- Prolotherapy.org: What Is Prolotherapy; 2011.
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