By: Dr. Tanuj Palvia, MD.
When the word “degenerative” is scribbled all over an MRI report I am reviewing with a patient, I am often met with an expression of fear and anxiety. As I always like to tell patients: degeneration, to some degree, is a natural process. We all begin degenerating from the moment we exit the womb.
Sure some of us degenerate faster than others, and when this is accelerated, it can give rise to many painful associated conditions, such as arthritis. “Arthritis” is the word that describes the degenerative condition of joints, and it can happen in any patient population, not necessarily only those who are elderly or deconditioned.
Specifically, the body’s joints become painful from injury or degeneration due to mechanical stress and failure of tissues to repair. This can be exacerbated by lack of nutrients, lack of circulation, aging and inflammation. As a result, the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage become dehydrated and weaker, contributing to the cycle of increasing laxity, abnormal mechanical stress, and shearing forces on the joint. This leads to further degeneration and worsening arthritis.
Prolozone therapy is a non-surgical technique that is used in decelerating or even reversing this process. It is a connective tissue injection therapy of collagen-producing substances and ozone gas which can reconstruct damaged or weakened connective tissue in and around joints, thereby alleviating pain.
It is believed that prolozone therapy works by improving oxygen utilization in a localized area of damaged connective tissue, allowing it to heal and restore function. The addition of ozone causes the structure to heal much more quickly than in traditional Prolotherapy. This is because ozone is a highly reactive molecule and when injected into a joint capsule it is able to stimulate the fibroblastic joint repairing abilities.
Prolozone Therapy has been found to be useful for many musculoskeletal conditions including degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, neck pain, back pain, joint pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies, and ligament sprains.
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to any of these conditions, ask your provider about Prolozone Therapy. If you’re in the New York area, give us a call or contact us using the form below: