Whether we make a definitive New Years’ resolution or not, most of us have the goal of improving our fitness level — be it taking a daily walk, improving our race split time, or playing with our grandkids. At some point a variation of the phrase “if it weren’t for my bum knee/shoulder/back, I could do a lot more” comes out of our mouths. Most of us have old injuries that may limit or downright prohibit activity. We have worn out tendons, ligaments, cartilage, etc. and we don’t like the invasive option of surgery. Prolotherapy often is the solution. (click here for a thorough history and explanation of prolotherapy)

Do you roll your ankle every time you take a hike? Does your knee click when you are playing basketball? Does playing with the grandkids leave you with a backache? These are all signs of an unstable joint. Barring frank ruptures or tears, prolotherapy can improve the integrity of the joint, increase stability and strength, and reduce pain. Prolotherapy has given many professional athletes a competitive edge, limited injuries, and increased the length of their active career. As a physician I have had the privilege of treating many of these athletes. I was trained at the Hackett Hemwall Foundation started in the 1960’s by Dr. Gus Hemwall who was mentored by Dr. George Hackett the pioneer of prolotherapy. A young C. Everett Koop, former US Surgeon General, was one of his patient success stories.

Prolotherapy is not a stand-alone solution. After a thorough history and orthopedic exam, we will determine what structures are involved. The injection solution is customized to your specific injury. Most patients need a series of injections to rebuild the joint. Supportive treatments of acupuncture, electrical-stimulation, massage, exercise rehabilitation, and chiropractic care are all part of a comprehensive plan to optimize your fitness.