Connective Tissue

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Connective Tissue In order to understand just how Prolotherapy helps relieve chronic ligamentous and tendon pain, it is necessary to know just what makes up these structures. Collagen is the major component of most connective tissues and constitutes approximately 25 percent of the protein in mammals. For practical purposes the physical behavior of ligaments and tendons is mostly dependent on their main component, collagen, and the ground substance in which the collagen fibers find themselves-water and Proteoglycans. The cells and the connective tissue structures in which the cells find themselves (water, collagen, and proteoglycans) are the key components to understanding Prolotherapy, inflammation, and healing. The Connective Tissue Cells The majority of cells in connective tissues, such as muscle, fascia, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, are fibroblasts and chondrocytes. Fibroblasts synthesize collagen and proteoglycans in the muscles, fascia, ligaments, and tendons; whereas, chondrocytes are involved in the formation of cartilage. Fibroblasts and chondrocytes are considered stable cells in that they normally do not replicate often, but can regenerate connective tissue and cartilage at a rapid rate in response to a stimulus. The connective tissue cells (fibroblasts, chondrocytes, and osteocytes from bone) that secrete the connective tissue matrix are quiescent (quiet) in adult mammals. However, all proliferate in response to injury, and fibroblasts, in particular, proliferate widely, constituting the connective tissue growth in response to inflammation. This concept is vital to understanding Prolotherapy. The collagen in ligaments, for example, is thought to remain relatively inert metabolically with a half-life on the order of 300 to 500 days. This is a turnover rate even slower than bone collagen. This means that half of the collagen contained in ligaments and tendons is produced only every one to one and a half years. Of course, if the body sustains an injury or receives Prolotherapy this all changes. Both the original injury and Prolotherapy stimulate the inflammatory process, specifically fibroblast and chondrocyte proliferation. If fibroblasts, for example, were not encouraged to replicate it would take them one to one and a half years to repair half of the ligament and tendon injury every time an athlete was injured. Fortunately, fibroblasts and chondrocytes can be stimulated to replicate at a much faster rate by both the original injury and Prolotherapy.

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Ross Hauser, M.D. Dr. Hauser received his M.D. from the University of Illinois, Chicago; completed his residency at Loyola-Hines VA-Marianjoy Hospitals in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; and received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Hauser is the Medical Director and co-founder of the physician-run, comprehensive natural medicine clinic, Caring Medical & Rehabilitation Services in Oak Park, Illinois. Dr. Hauser is one of the leading experts in the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries with Prolotherapy. He, along with his wife Marion, have written seven books on the topic of Prolotherapy, a comprehensive book on the natural medicine approach to cancer, as well as a myriad of articles and newsletters for the general public. Read more Ask A QUESTION
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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.