Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? There’s Hope with Prolotherapy
Unexplained joint instability, stretched skin, or pain that feels like a torn ligament are signs you shouldn’t ignore. That’s when you should see your local integrative or functional medical provider. After a thorough assessment, you might find out you have Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).
Once you receive a diagnosis, the next step is determining how to treat it. Recent research has highlighted the potential of prolotherapy as a safe and effective remedy for symptoms related to EDS. We explain what EDS is and share the results of a recent study examining the use of prolotherapy to treat this condition.
What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects the collagen in the body’s musculoskeletal framework. EDS is characterized by overly flexible joints that are prone to dislocation, stretchy skin that is slow to heal from wounds, and joint pain. In particular, this condition contributes to lower back or pelvic pain by affecting the sacroiliac joints, which connect the lower spine to the pelvic bones.
There’s collagen everywhere in the body, supporting the joints, skin, organs, and blood vessels. This makes EDS and sacroiliac joint instability difficult to diagnose because it can be hard to pinpoint the source of the pain and other symptoms. Although there’s currently no cure for EDS, many treatment options exist. Blatman Health and Wellness Center offers prolotherapy, a more natural approach to relieving symptoms and restoring mobility.
Benefits of Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy, also known as proliferative therapy, is a regenerative injection treatment for joints and tissues. Many people turn to prolotherapy to treat torn tendons, sports injuries, and other joint-related issues. When performed at Blatman Health and Wellness Center by a qualified provider, prolotherapy can increase motor function, boost tendon and joint strength, and provide long-term pain relief.
Prolotherapy is non-invasive and involves injecting a natural irritant into the pain or injury site. The substance consists of a salt (saline) or sugar (dextrose) solution, which stimulates a healing response to unkink the cords in ligaments and tendons. The injected substance also promotes the growth of new tissue to strengthen your joint. Because the injectable is natural and not a synthetic irritant, there’s virtually no risk for an allergic reaction.
Despite the benefits of prolotherapy, you should be aware of the possible side effects, such as nerve or tissue damage, which is extremely rare. There might also be some bruising, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site, which will subside after a few days.
Prolotherapy as a Treatment for EDS
Sacroiliac joint instability is a common problem among people with EDS. To address this issue, researchers tracked patients aged 13 to 55 who underwent prolotherapy for sacroiliac joint instability associated with EDS. Study participants received up to three injections of a sclerosing agent to close blood vessels, a saline solution, or platelet-rich plasma.
After treatment, participants noted reduced sacroiliac joint pain and improved functional outcomes. They also reported higher levels of satisfaction and improved abilities with exercise and daily living. All participants also indicated feeling less apprehensive about physical movement after prolotherapy.
In light of these promising findings, the researchers note that their sample size is limited to 10 individuals. They call for further studies with larger samples to confirm the results and improve treatment options for people with EDS.
Holistic Treatment Options for EDS
If you’ve received an EDS diagnosis or believe you might be experiencing symptoms of this condition, hope for lasting healing is within reach. If you live in Cincinnati or New York City, you have multiple options for regenerative medical treatments. Many satisfied patients have turned to Dr. Blatman, a board-certified expert in integrative and holistic medicine. You can trust him and his dedicated team for personalized care that focuses on you, not just your symptoms. At Blatman Health and Wellness Center, we provide non-invasive, natural solutions to reduce your pain and help you get moving again.
