On regenerative medicine: What is prolotherapy and how does it work?

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Prolotherapy, short for proliferation therapy, is used to treat orthopedic and vein problems. Because of the regenerative nature of the treatment, it is also called regenerative injection therapy. The treatment is also known in other various names, including sclerotherapy, ligament reconstruction therapy, fibro-osseous injection therapy, and proliferative injection therapy.

Prolotherapy seems like a new breakthrough in medical science, but the practice is linked back to the Romans in 500 B.C., when joint dislocations were treated with hot branding irons to help fuse the torn ligaments. Through the years, advancements were made, including the development of injectable medicine.

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This treatment involves injecting the patient with a proliferant, a mild-irritating solution that contains anesthetic agents and natural substances, into the region of tendons or ligaments with injured or weakened tissues. The proliferant helps in the growth of healthy tissue at the affected area by stimulating the body’s defense mechanism The treatment is usually administered every one or three weeks, as determined by the physician. Some patients may experience pain during the injection and mild swelling and stiffness after the treatment. These discomforts, however, will pass and can be reduced with pain relievers.

The rate of success from prolotherapy may depend on the patient’s medical history, ability to heal, and the type of solution used. The American Osteopathic Association of Prolotherapy Regenerative Medicine (AOAPRM) reports that 85 to 90 percent of patients with low back pain with hypermobility experienced reduced pain, while a 90 to 100 percent success rate was reported for patients treated for varicose veins.

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Dr. Rachna Mehra, a physician who specializes in regenerative medicine, recommends prolotherapy for the cure of arthritis, tendinitis, back and neck pain due to disc disease or instability, bursitis, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff injury, among others. To set an appointment, go to this website.

Finding serenity and good health through yoga

Many physicians consider yoga a mind-body type of complementary and alternative medicine practice. In fact, researchers from Boston University School of Medicine, New York Medical College, and the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons found that yoga is effective in treating patients with stress-related psychological and medical conditions such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and cardiac diseases. With science confirming the health benefits of yoga, a growing number of physicians are now recommending the ancient discipline in managing stress and improving overall wellness.

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Yoga has many styles, forms, and intensities. One of the most common styles of yoga is Hatha, which is highly recommended for stress management. Patients who are just starting to practice yoga may favor Hatha for its slower pace and easier movements.

There are two basic components of yoga. These are:

• Poses or postures which are a series of movements designed to increase strength and flexibility. Yoga poses range from easy ones like lying on the floor to difficult postures that stretch one’s physical limits.

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• In yoga, breathing signifies vital energy. Yoga teaches that controlling breathing can help control the body and relax the mind.

Apart from helping reduce stress and anxiety, other health benefits of yoga include:

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• Improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. 

• Reduction of risk factors for chronic diseases such as heart diseases and high blood pressure. Physicians also note that yoga has helped patients suffering from depression, pain, and insomnia.

Yoga is one of the holistic services offered at Dr. Racha Mehra's wellness and longevity center. Learn more about this holistic service at Dr. Mehra’s official website.