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Clinics in Bedford
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The UK's Leading Prolotherapy & Prolozone Therapy Clinic

London │ Manchester │ Bedford

Prolozone Therapy: An Advanced Form Of Prolotherapy

About Prolozone Therapy

What is Prolozone Therapy? It is an advanced form of prolotherapy in the UK which has built a reputation for achieving results when all other treatments have failed. Published research indicates that it supports the recovery of and strengthens the following structures of the body: joints, cartilage, spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, meniscus, labrum, and bursa. We treat all areas of the body, including the head, neck, jaw, back, shoulders, knees, hips, arms, legs, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles, feet, toes, pelvis, ribs, sacroiliac joints, sacrum, coccyx, acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and sternoclavicular (SC) joint.

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What is the difference between Prolozone Therapy and standard Prolotherapy?

Prolozone Therapy uses a concentrated form of oxygen. Standard Prolotherapy use an irritant in the form of sugar (dextrose solution) to cause an inflammatory response. This inflammatory response helps to stimulate healing but has the following limitations: Standard dextrose prolotherapy can be extremely painful and sometimes requires gas and air during the procedure. The pain experienced during a Prolozone Therapy procedure is minimal.

It takes much longer to reach the repair phase with standard dextrose Prolotherapy, meaning that Prolozone Therapy achieves results in a faster time-frame.

Standard dextrose Prolotherapy requires many appointments, whereas Prolozone Therapy only requires a few, making it much less expensive for the patient.

Prolozone Therapy also has the ability to spread further around the treatment site, meaning it not only has a positive effect on the injury itself, but also the surrounding tissues and joints that may also have been under strain due to compensation.

Our patients have reported Prolozone Therapy has helped them to achieve results where standard dextrose Prolotherapy has either failed or only provided temporary relief.

PLEASE NOTE: We do also offer standard dextrose Prolotherapy for individuals who would prefer to have it for any reason.

Why Choose Us?

  • Extensive Experience – Our award-winning clinic has been performing Prolozone Therapy longer than any other clinic in the UK. Over 10,000 injections have been performed to date. We have had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
  • Increased Safety & Comfort – Our extensive experience has inspired the development of our unique, safer injection approach called the ProloSafe® Technique, which requires the use of smaller needles compared to what is normally used by other clinics.
  • Longer Lasting Results – If deemed appropriate, we prescribe tailored exercise programs alongside the treatment to help to strengthen and stabilise the muscles around the injection site.
  • Comprehensive Examination – We use precision biomechanical scanning technology to help accurately identify misalignments, imbalances, and areas of inflammation in the body that fail to show up on MRI and X-ray scans. Spending up to 90 minutes during each appointment with our patients gives us the time to carefully identify and treat these issues during the same appointment as the injections. This combined approach significantly enhances the results achieved from the injections and prevents an individual’s symptoms from returning.
  • Trusted Technology – Much of the treatment and examination technology we use at the clinic is used by elite professional sports teams, including Manchester United FC and the Team GB Olympic Team.

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Patient Reviews

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PRACTITIONER - Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons) Ost Med, PG.Cert

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of Prolotherapy and Prolozone Therapy, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

He first trained in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy and continued on to complete further training with the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Mr Eaton developed his treatment and examination approach through the process of treating his own chronic pain and is committed to making sure his patients experience the same life-changing effects that his treatments had on him.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the success rate of prolotherapy and prolozone therapy?

Our clinical audits show that 95% of our patients experience results with our treatment.

Our success rate is higher than typically stated in studies, as we often combine the treatment with other advanced rehabilitation treatments within the same appointment as the injections to enhance the results.

For the 5% of patients who fail to experience results, we help point them in the direction of another practitioner or therapy that may be able to help.

How long does it take for the treatment to work?

The speed at which an individual starts to experience symptom relief depends on the type of condition or injury they have when they come in to see us.

Some patients experience relief after a few hours, some after a few days, and some not until a few weeks after their third appointment. 70% of our patients start to experience results after just one appointment.

What happens during a Prolotherapy consultation and examination?

Your practitioner will start by taking down a full medical case history. This will involve asking you detailed questions about your current symptoms and any previous conditions or incidents that may have had an influence.

Many individuals come to see us because they have failed to experience relief with other therapies. Sometimes, we find that the issue wasn’t necessarily with the other therapies themselves but with the practitioner performing that therapy, who may not have accurately assessed and examined the individual properly to start with and, therefore, not applied the therapy appropriately.

This is why we conduct a thorough examination using precision biomechanical technology to help identify issues and imbalances in the body that previous practitioners may not have identified. The information that our technology provides helps us to perform more targeted and effective treatment for our patients.

Is prolotherapy offered on the NHS?

Unfortunately, the treatment isn’t offered on the NHS at this point in time.

What is the recovery period after each injection?

Most patients can resume their daily activities straight away after the treatment. However, modifying any strenuous activity for a few days is advised.

Are there any side effects?

It is normal to experience pain and discomfort around the procedure site for a few days as part of the repair process, but it shouldn’t stop you from continuing your daily activities.

It is common to experience temporary bruising at the treatment site. For the first 6-12 hours after the procedure, an ice pack may help for no longer than 10 minutes at a time. Thereafter, only heat is advised.

Do I have to avoid doing anything after the treatment?

We advise you to avoid public hot tubs, swimming pools, and lakes for three days following each appointment to prevent the treatment site from being exposed to bacteria. You are allowed to shower or bathe during this time.

How safe is the treatment?

According to the International Scientific Committee of Ozone Therapy, Ozone does not cause side effects or allergic reactions and generally does not interact with other drugs.

When administered in tailored amounts by a qualified practitioner, the chances of experiencing adverse reactions are extremely small. For example, a German study on 384,775 patients evaluating the adverse side effects of over five million treatment appointments found that the rate of adverse side effects was only 0.0007 per application.

Will I get treatment on the first visit?

We always leave enough time during your first visit for treatment. If you are a complex case and multiple areas need treating, then please notify the receptionist upon booking, as you may require a double-slot appointment.

How long has the treatment been around?

The treatment has been used in Europe since the 1950s. It is most commonly used in Germany, where over 7,000 practitioners offer it to help provide chronic musculoskeletal symptom relief.

Does prolotherapy actually work?

Multiple peer-reviewed research studies have proven the effects of dextrose prolotherapy injections and prolozone therapy.

How long does prolotherapy last?

Most individuals experience permanent results, although some structures, such as cartilage, require annual single-appointment top-up treatments.

What can go wrong with prolotherapy?

As it is a non-medicinal substance, side effects are low. The most common are bruising and temporary discomfort around the treatment site.

What is the average cost of prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy injections cost as little as £245. The price will depend on how many areas you are having treatment.

Is prolotherapy a permanent fix?

This depends on your complaint, age, medical history and how well the body can heal and repair itself.

What not to do after prolotherapy?

Resting the area and avoiding swimming pools for at least 3 days after treatment is advised. This is general advice for any type of injection therapy.

Who is a good candidate for prolotherapy?

Published research indicates that it supports the recovery of and strengthens the following structures of the body: joints, cartilage, spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, meniscus, labrum, and bursa. We treat all areas of the body, including the head, neck, jaw, back, shoulders, knees, hips, arms, legs, elbows, wrists, fingers, ankles, feet, toes, pelvis, sacroiliac joints, sacrum, and coccyx.

How painful is prolotherapy?

Depending on your pain threshold and complaint, dextrose Prolotherapy treatment can be very uncomfortable for some people as it involves the injection of an irritant solution. Prolozone Therapy, on the other hand, is much more tolerable.

Is prolotherapy a quackery?

No, an extensive number of comprehensive studies prove its effectiveness.   

Who is not a candidate for prolotherapy injections?

Individuals with acute medical conditions such as infectious diseases.

What clinic locations do you have?

We have clinics in London, Manchester and Bedford.

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What is prolotherapy, and how can it help with chronic pain? Prolotherapy uses injections, often involving a dextrose solution, to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain. This article covers everything you need to know about prolotherapy.

Key Takeaways

  • Prolotherapy is an injection-based treatment aimed at alleviating chronic musculoskeletal pain by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
  • Clinical evidence supports prolotherapy’s effectiveness in treating conditions such as chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and tendinopathies, offering significant pain relief and improved mobility.

What is Prolotherapy?

An illustration depicting the concept of prolotherapy, showing a syringe and anatomical structures.

Prolotherapy injections, also known as proliferation therapy, are a method for resolving chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions. This non-conventional medical technique enhances the body’s natural healing process by administering precise injections to bone, muscle, and connective tissue pain areas. Prolotherapy is geared explicitly toward mending and fortifying weakened tissues and presents a hopeful avenue for individuals plagued by persistent pain disorders.

Within this regenerative injection therapy, dextrose prolotherapy injections utilize a concentrated sugar solution to incite the body’s reparative processes. The irritant present in these injections triggers the body’s healing response, which promotes regeneration and repair of compromised tissues.

Prolotherapy has proven effective in alleviating joint pain, particularly in areas such as the knee, shoulder, and sacroiliac joint, by promoting healing and improving overall joint stability.

Consequently, those undergoing prolotherapy treatment often report substantial relief from discomfort and increased functional movement. Thus, prolotherapy stands out as an advantageous option compared to more intrusive surgical interventions when it comes to managing chronic pain.

Medical Applications of Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy has emerged as a promising intervention for various chronic musculoskeletal conditions, offering relief, especially to those who have found little success with other treatments or are deemed unsuitable for surgical procedures. The technique is now being adopted by an eclectic group of medical professionals, including family medicine doctors, sports medicine experts and physiatrists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurologists, and anesthesiologists.

Prolotherapy has also shown effectiveness in treating neck pain, adding to its versatility in pain management. The procedure stands out due to its adaptability in managing a spectrum of pain-related issues and injuries, including chronic low back pain and knee osteoarthritis, as well as numerous tendon-related injuries. Such ailments often arise from repetitive use or trauma, causing a reduction in the affected individual’s quality of life.

Chronic Low Back Pain

Sufferers of chronic low back pain, which constitutes 2-8% of individuals initially encountering such discomfort, can find solace in the efficacy of prolotherapy. This treatment has garnered support from level B evidence for its ability to address non-specific back pain successfully. Ongley’s research reported an impressive statistic: 88% of the patients saw over half of their symptoms alleviated.

The studies above underscore the promise held by prolotherapy in achieving sustained relief for those battling with persistent lower back ache issues. By targeting and treating underlying reasons behind chronic low back discomfort, significant strides have been made towards effective pain management strategies.

Knee Osteoarthritis

Prolotherapy has been shown to be advantageous for those suffering from this condition. Through clinical research, it is evident that prolotherapy promotes better functional outcomes in individuals afflicted with this condition by elevating mobility and diminishing the disability associated with knee pain. The analysis conducted by Reeves et al. centred on assessing the efficacy of prolotherapy in treating both knee and finger osteoarthritis, yielding optimistic findings.

Tendon Injuries

Prolotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment for tendon injuries such as lateral epicondylitis and Achilles tendinopathy. When prolotherapy is augmented with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the growth factors contained within PRP can improve tendinopathy recovery.

When prolotherapy is combined with physical therapy, patients suffering from conditions like frozen shoulder pain experience expedited improvements in both range of motion and pain relief, this synergistic approach not only facilitates quicker healing but also substantially improves the quality of life for those affected.

How Prolotherapy Works

During prolotherapy, an irritant solution—typically a dextrose-based substance—is administered through injection to the site of discomfort in order to initiate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The intent behind this treatment is to bolster and direct these mechanisms by delivering specific injections that aid in repairing and regenerating tissues. Commonly utilized solutions for prolotherapy encompass hypertonic dextrose, as well as phenol-glycerine-glucose and morrhuate sodium mixtures.

Specifically, with dextrose prolotherapy, hypertonic dextrose serves as the main agent introduced into affected areas. This agent can elicit inflammation or promote tissue growth via non-inflammatory routes. The process involves stimulating growth factors crucial for mending soft tissues, thereby reducing pain and restoring damaged structures.

In emphasizing our intrinsic ability to heal ourselves, prolotherapy becomes an instrumental practice within the field of regenerative medicine. It leverages these principles with a focused application designed to enhance recovery processes naturally present within us.

Procedure and Techniques

The prolotherapy process typically starts with the administration of a local anaesthetic and then proceeds to the delivery of an irritant solution via injection into the target site. This technique focuses on areas experiencing pain, such as insertions of ligaments and tendons, as well as adjacent joint spaces, with the goal being to trigger the body’s innate healing abilities. There are variations in this method, ranging from standard prolotherapy to more advanced dextrose prolotherapy injections, which may employ different concentrations of dextrose for enhanced outcomes.

As part of regenerative injection therapy—a more sophisticated approach within this field—various strategies are used to promote tissue repair and accelerate recovery, setting it apart from conventional prolotherapy methods.

Following these injections, aftercare instructions typically include avoiding rigorous activities that could strain treated regions, applying ice locally to reduce swelling if needed, and keeping regular appointments with healthcare practitioners who will assess progress and gauge treatment success.

Variations in Technique

Dextrose prolotherapy, a more sophisticated form of standard prolotherapy, utilizes different dextrose concentrations to optimize outcomes. While conventional prolotherapy relies on irritant injections to promote healing processes, its effectiveness and patient responses can be inconsistent, prompting the exploration of enhanced methods, such as Prolozone Therapy.

Regenerative injection therapy represents an advanced iteration that potentially yields superior results compared with traditional approaches.

Benefits of Prolotherapy

Studies have shown that individuals undergoing dextrose prolotherapy may achieve considerable pain relief, which can persist anywhere between six months and a full year. In certain cases, patients have noticed benefits up to an impressive span of 15 years post-treatment. The primary goal of prolotherapy is to trigger the body’s own repair mechanisms, presenting it as a minimally invasive strategy for managing chronic pain.

This approach has been successful in lessening dependence on pharmacological interventions for some patients by providing lasting relief from discomfort. Reports indicate that those treated with prolotherapy often experience diminished symptoms associated with musculoskeletal ailments alongside enhanced functional mobility. Consequently, prolotherapy emerges as a promising avenue for individuals pursuing solutions for prolonged pain alleviation.

Prolotherapy vs. Other Treatments

When it comes to managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, prolotherapy stands out among other treatment options, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain medication. While these conventional treatments may offer temporary relief, prolotherapy has been shown to provide long-term pain relief and significantly improve joint function. This non-surgical treatment is particularly appealing to those looking to avoid the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

Moreover, prolotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments like physical therapy and chiropractic care to provide a comprehensive pain management strategy. By addressing the root causes of chronic musculoskeletal pain, prolotherapy not only alleviates discomfort but also enhances joint function, offering a holistic approach to long-term pain relief.

Research and Clinical Evidence

Extensive research has been conducted on the use of prolotherapy for ailments such as chronic low back pain, tendinopathies, and osteoarthritis. Studies indicate that dextrose injection, which is fundamental to prolotherapy, may increase fibroblast activity, leading to tissue repair and increased collagen production. In terms of effectiveness in managing chronic pain conditions, prolotherapy has outperformed saline injections and shown similar results when compared with other treatments like steroid injections, but without side effects.

Systematic assessments have determined that not only is prolotherapy a safe approach, but it also often results in high satisfaction rates among patients who receive this treatment. Its safety profile coupled with its efficacy supports its utilization especially for sports-related injuries by helping athletes recover faster from their traumas.

Recent Developments

The findings from systematic reviews which encompass a multitude of investigations reinforce the stance that prolotherapy stands as a feasible therapy choice for an array of chronic pain syndromes. These advancements underscore the promising capacity of prolotherapy to serve as a reliable and efficacious approach towards alleviating long-standing pain and improving quality of life for patients.

Prolotherapy in Sports Medicine

In the realm of sports medicine, prolotherapy has established itself as a reliable and economical option for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, with its ability to enhance healing processes in tendons and ligaments. Offered by an increasing number of specialists across diverse fields, such as family medicine and orthopaedic care, this treatment is gaining popularity among athletes seeking to reinforce loosened ligaments due to injury or repetitive use. By doing so, it helps preserve joint stability while mitigating the chances of future injuries.

The increasing adoption of prolotherapy in primary care practice highlights its growing accessibility and integration into healthcare settings, focusing on natural self-repair processes.

Evidence supports the efficacy of prolotherapy in addressing issues tied to joint instability—a situation that can significantly benefit those athletes experiencing recurring harm.

Safety and Side Effects

Prolotherapy is generally regarded as a safe and effective treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, including pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These minor side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days, making the treatment well-tolerated by patients.

It’s important to note that prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorders or active infections, may find prolotherapy contraindicated. Therefore, it is essential to discuss any health concerns with a qualified practitioner before undergoing treatment.

Contraindications and Considerations

Prolotherapy injections, while beneficial for many, are not universally applicable. Individuals suffering from acute infections like cellulitis or septic arthritis should steer clear of prolotherapy due to the potential for increased complications. Those experiencing acute gouty arthritis or recovering from recent fractures may find prolotherapy contraindicated and should explore other treatment options.

During the initial consultation phase, it is essential that healthcare providers conduct a comprehensive review of the patient’s medical history along with an analysis of their current symptoms. This process is pivotal in determining if prolotherapy injections are a suitable option and in spotting any risks that might be involved.

To reduce risks and optimize outcomes associated with prolotherapy treatments, only trained healthcare professionals should administer these injections. Their specialized training equips them with the necessary skills to perform this procedure safely and effectively.

Post-Treatment Care

Proper care after the prolotherapy treatment is critical to ensure the greatest possible advantage from the procedure. It’s important for patients to avoid heavy exertion and also resist taking anti-inflammatory drugs for a period of time post-treatment in order to facilitate the healing process.

It’s common for some local swelling and discoloration at the site where injections were administered. To support recovery and secure sustained pain relief benefits, patients should adhere closely to their healthcare provider’s guidance as well as partake in tailored rehabilitation exercises designed by professionals.

Summary

Utilizing the body’s innate repair mechanisms, prolotherapy presents an effective option for those dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain. This method of injection therapy has proven beneficial in addressing various ailments such as persistent low back discomfort and knee osteoarthritis, along with injuries to ligaments and tendons. Prolotherapy contributes to tissue regeneration while diminishing pain levels, leading to enhanced mobility and a better quality of life for numerous individuals.