Hypermobile joints, characterized by a greater-than-normal range of motion, can often lead to pain and instability in affected individuals. Finding an effective treatment approach for this issue can be a challenge. Enter prolo-acupuncture, an innovative therapeutic technique that combines the benefits of prolotherapy and acupuncture to provide relief for hypermobile joints. In this blog post, we’ll explore what prolo-acupuncture is, how it works, and how it may help treat hypermobile joints.
What is Prolo-Acupuncture?
Prolo-acupuncture is a relatively recent term in the field of alternative medicine that merges the principles of prolotherapy and acupuncture. Prolotherapy, or proliferation therapy, is a non-surgical procedure involving the injection of an irritant solution into injured or weak connective tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. The goal is to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and strengthen the affected area. This is an expensive procedure, not covered by insurance.
Acupuncture, on the other hand, normally only thought of as a practice to balance the flow of energy, can do much more. Termed “prolo-acupuncture”, an acupuncture needle is inserted into the connective tissue, without injecting an irritant solution. This has the same goal as prolotherapy, without the high cost.
How Does Prolo-Acupuncture Work?
The idea behind prolo-acupuncture is to harness the benefits of both treatments to provide more effective pain relief and joint stabilization. This approach aims to promote the body’s healing response by creating a mild inflammatory response at the site of the affected joint while also stimulating energy flow and encouraging the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. The dual-action approach may lead to improvements in joint stability, pain relief, and overall function.
Treating Hypermobile Joints with Prolo-Acupuncture
Prolo-acupuncture can potentially be beneficial for hypermobile joints in several ways:
- Strengthening connective tissues: Prolo-acupuncture can help strengthen and tighten weak or lax ligaments and tendons that contribute to joint instability and hypermobility. This can help improve joint support and potentially reduce the risk of injury.
- Pain relief: Acupuncture can help alleviate pain associated with hypermobile joints by stimulating the release of endorphins and promoting relaxation.
- Improved proprioception: Prolo-acupuncture may improve proprioception, or the body’s ability to sense joint position and movement. This can lead to better joint stability and a reduced risk of injury.
Conclusion
While prolo-acupuncture has been an effective treatment option for hypermobile joints clinically, it’s important to note that there has not been a lot of western style research done on it’s efficacy. If you’re considering prolo-acupuncture as a treatment option, feel free to call us at 510-629-9456 to discuss the potential benefits and risks, and determine if it’s appropriate for your specific condition. By exploring innovative approaches like prolo-acupuncture, individuals with hypermobile joints may find a path to improved joint stability and pain relief.