Cortisone versus prolotherapy shots

Many orthopedic physicians and doctors treat musculoskeletal and sports injuries with cortisone injections as a “quick fix” for pain relief.

by Dr. Fred G. Arnold — 

Many people are confused about whether to use cortisone or prolotherapy for treating painful joint conditions. It must be understood that cortisone and prolotherapy are not the same treatment, and the effects of each are dramatically different.

Cortisone, like prednisone, is a corticosteroid and has numerous adverse and harmful side effects on bone, joint and soft tissue healing. On the other hand, prolotherapy is a safe and recommended treatment for painful musculoskeletal conditions.

Prolotherapy strengthens bones, tendon-bone attachments and muscles, and strengthens and rebuilds ligament tissue. Cortisone does not. Cortisone leads to progressive, harmful arthritic changes, suppresses the immune system, inhibits growth hormone and inactivates vitamin D. Prolotherapy does not.

Cortisone shots can permanently damage bones, ligaments, muscles, cartilage and tendons, which results in a weakening of the joint, progressing to degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, fractures and muscle weakness. The joint becomes structurally weakened, which increases the pain, the need for more cortisone shots and perhaps eventually surgery.

Many orthopedic physicians and doctors treat musculoskeletal and sports injuries with cortisone injections as a “quick fix” for pain relief. The unsuspecting athlete returns to the playing field thinking his condition is cured, when it is actually weakened by the cortisone injection.

Many athletes overstress their weakened joints, causing permanent damage that can lead to a chronic use of pain medications. Cortisone also can cause tendon rupture, particularly of the Achilles tendon. Prolotherapy is a proven orthopedic treatment to reduce pain and strengthen weak joints, without the negative side effects of cortisone.

Fred G. Arnold, D.C., N.M.D., specializes in prolotherapy/pain rehabilitation services. He is one of the few physicians in the nation with both naturopathic and chiropractic degrees. 602-292-2978 or www.prolotherapyphoenix.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 31, Number 3, June/July 2012.