69 Muscle and Joint Injuries – Alternative Therapies
Zoë Soon
- Alternative therapies include:
- Prolotherapy
- Shockwave therapy
- Prolotherapy:
- Involves injecting a sugar solution (dextrose) into a problematic region.
- Used when there are issues with healing or repairing, and traditional treatments are ineffective.
- Injection causes local damage, leading to local inflammation.
- Local inflammation increases blood supply, oxygen, and nutrient delivery, potentially stimulating tissue repair.
- Shockwave therapy:
- Utilizes shockwaves to induce microtrauma in ligaments or tendons.
- Microtrauma aims to stimulate inflammation and increase blood flow to support tissue healing.
- Common usage scenarios:
- Employed when cortisone injections, anti-inflammatories, orthotic footwear, or physical therapy fail to produce desired results.
- Risks of shockwave therapy:
- Potential for cavitation bubbles, leading to capillary damage, bruises, swelling, pain, and numbness.
- Additional information:
- FYI pictures forthcoming to illustrate various therapies.
