Prolotherapy News and Articles

Listen to KFGO Interview with Dr. Kramer, June 24, 2010

Radio host Tom Blair, of the popular Fargo radio station KFGO, interviewed George Kramer, MD, on June 24, 2010 about the remarkable results of Prolotherapy treatments. Tom talked with Dr. Kramer about one of his patients from the Fargo area who avoided shoulder surgery and made a full recovery with Prolotherapy. Dr. Kramer also talked about the new advancements in Prolotherapy treatments.

You can listen to the full interview, in 4 parts, by clicking each of the links below.

Interview, Part 1
Interview, Part 2
Interview, Part 3
Interview, Part 4

20-Year History of Chronic Body Pain Cured with Prolotherapy

Abstract: This article discusses the case of 57 year-old Bill B, a dentist, who suffered from chronic pain from ligamentous laxity and degenerative disc disease in the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spine. His headaches and back pain were treated successfully with Prolotherapy even after many years of other treatments with failed results.

Remarkable Recoveries From the Journal of Prolotherapy
Journal of Prolotherapy. 2009;2:99-100.
By George H. Kramer, MD

Dr. William B. is a 57-year-old dentist who had a 15 or 20 year history of low back, thoracic, neck pain and headaches. He had surgery on his spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord from bone spurs but he was left with a lot of pain below that area, to the sacrum and the hip. He also had chronic neck and thoracic pain. Extensive treatment over the years included attending a pain clinic, multiple medications including OxyContin, Percodan, and Neurontin, radiofrequency ablation of the facets, nerve root blocks, and facet injections that were all of little benefit. He had an SI joint injection at the Mayo Clinic that helped him temporarily. He had a course of acupuncture that helped some. He went through an intensive back and neck strengthening program using computerized strengthening that helped the strength but did not change his pain level. He tried massage and yoga that actually increased his pain. An inversion traction table increased his pain. He had multiple neurology evaluations and EMG’s that were negative. He did have hyperreflexia in the lower extremities since his thoracic surgery.

At the time of his first visit what was most bothersome was low back and hip pain, right greater than left near the SI joint. This increased with prolonged standing and sitting. Secondly, his work as a dentist required him to be twisted in a bent over position and turning his head to the right causing left-sided neck pain and right-sided headaches, which were constant for one and a half to two months. He had chronic thoracic pain on the left side below the area of the surgery, which was constant. This was particularly noted with twisting and golf. A night splint for TMJ helped his headaches somewhat. He had difficulty sleeping, had pain in the low back with standing, pain in the neck and thoracic area that affected his work especially bending over patients, and he couldn’t exercise in the gym, or play golf without significant pain.

An MRI of the thoracic spine showed some mild disc protrusions in the thoracic area and evidence of surgery. A lumbar MRI showed degenerative changes at multiple levels and some degenerative facet changes at L4-5. His cervical MRI showed C3-4, C4-5 and C5-6 disc degeneration with foraminal narrowing and bridging at C5-6.

He really had no change in pain for several years before his first Prolotherapy visit except for some increase in his neck pain. He had shoulder surgery in the past and multiple knee surgeries including ACL reconstruction and medial and lateral menisectomies. He would get right intermittent knee pain. On examination he had tenderness typical of ligament instability and attachment pain over the cervical facet columns, right greater than left and at the base of the skull, and right side of the head. He had some anterior shoulder tenderness and some limited range of motion of the shoulder. There were degenerative changes in the knee examination and some evidence of loss of joint space. He had tenderness at the iliolumbar and SI ligaments and facet columns L1 to the sacrum that is typical for ligamentous cause of low back pain. There was evidence of spinous processes removed from previous surgery.

He had Prolotherapy to the head attachments, the neck and the low back. After the first visit, one month later, he had marked improvement that he stated was “vast improvement or 80% improvement overall.” He had very little pain of the vertex of his head and very little neck pain. He started to have some tightness just prior to follow up visit and the low back was also much better. He only had some mild coccyx pain near the tailbone and occasional spasm.

After the second treatment he noticed further improvement. He had almost no headaches since the second Prolotherapy treatment. He was quite pleased with his progress. He reported having some flare in the left lower thoracic and lumbosacral area if he over exercised. The patient was instructed in strengthening exercises. He had a third treatment to the neck and low back after which he had no return of his headaches, and had some mild right SI pain with elliptical exerciser and high resistance training, but he was unable to do much of any exercise before having Prolotherapy. He noted some more left low thoracic area and right shoulder pain. He was treated to the thoracic and right shoulder and noticed very little pain at follow up. He was left with some tailbone residual pain, but was exercising 20-minutes once or twice a day and the shoulder was much improved. He was treated additionally with the shoulder and the thoracolumbar area. He continued to have very little pain in the neck, the low back and mainly pain the mid thoracolumbar junction below his surgery. He had two more treatments on his neck and shoulder. He was able to golf, play racquetball, do his work as a dentist, and exercise on elliptical, Stairmaster and lift weights without chronic pain.

He was quite pleased with his progress and expressed frustration that he had not found Dr. Kramer and Prolotherapy 15 years earlier. He continues to practice dentistry and exercises regularly managing his mild discomfort well, which was previously incapacitating and was not helped with any multiple medical interventions other than Prolotherapy and exercise.

Letter to Dr. Kramer from Dr. William (Bill) B:

Dr. Kramer,

I would like to tell you about my story. I had back surgery about 15 years ago, along with two shoulder surgeries in the past 10 years. I have been through many programs, steroid injections done in the hospital, physical therapy programs involving strenuous exercise. Despite this therapy I still had constant pain in my back and shoulder. I tried every exercise to strengthen the area, but the result was still constant pain. A Russian friend of mine recommended Prolotherapy which I replied, “I have never heard of it.” He was an athlete in Russia and said it was common treatment for athletic injuries.

That’s when I did my research and found Dr. Kramer. It took several months and repeated treatments, but I was able to get healing and strength in the area that was causing pain. Now I am happy to say that I can go to the gym several times a week without the painful after affects I used to suffer. If you have tried many therapies and had no luck, don’t give up, I didn’t!

Bill B., DDS

At 50, Lehman Back in the Game with the Help of Prolotherapy

Major Champion and former Ryder Cup Captain, Tom Lehman struggled at the end of last season with a severe case of tendinitis, an overuse injury described as pain and swelling from microtears in the connective tissue in or around the tendon. Says Lehman, “Tried this and tried that and couldn't get it fixed, and finally did this thing called prolotherapy, which worked” .

Past medical treatments for such injuries may have required surgery and a lengthy recovery. A relatively new treatment for this type of injury, prolotherapy, also called non-surgical ligament reconstruction, is non-invasive.

Patients respond to prolotherapy differently, much as with any form of medical treatment, but most only need a few treatments. “So I had a series of treatment in November, December and started practicing towards the end of December and getting ready for the season,” says Lehman.

By Alan L. Hammond, GolfersMD News
Mar 23, 2009

For additional information, click here.

Prolotherapy (Regenerative Injection Therapy) Rebuilds Painful Joints and Tendons

Golfers Feel the Pain and the Relief
Back pain often stops golfer's careers and in fact four or five golfers suffer low back pain at some point. Many have returned to golf when they did not think it was possible with Prolotherapy or Regenerative Injection Therapy.

Many golfers pains thought to be tendonitis are really worn out or degenerative conditions like shoulder tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, or chronic sprains or strains. Most tendon or ligament problems and degenerative arthritis involve worn or frayed connective tissue that can be rebuilt with Prolotherapy or Regenerative Injection Therapy (R.I.T.).

Prolotherapy can help about 80% of joint problems, degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease causing neck or back pain or tendon problems.

What is Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy or Regenerative Injection Therapy (R.I.T.) has been rebuilding joints, tendons and ligaments for over 60 years. U.S. Olympic Team Skiers say they would not be skiing without it. New York Times and ESPN are talking about it. For over 16 years Dr. George Kramer has been helping golfers who did not think they could golf again or thought they would have to live with their back, shoulder, knee, wrist or other pains.

Prolotherapy stimulates a low-grade inflammation to start the healing process. The New York Times article, by Jane Brody, Health Columnist, is titled “Injections To Kick Start Tissue Repair” and is a good description of what Prolotherapy does. See www.GeorgeKramerMD.com to read the article.

Prolotherapy (R.I.T.) is an effective therapy where small amounts of natural substances are injected to stimulate healing and regenerate new connective tissue, rebuilding ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Prolotherapy does not just cover up the pain, but actually heals and cures the condition. Many golfers say, “a few injections are nothing when it gets me back on the course”.

Superior to Cortisone
Commonly used anti-inflammatories or cortisone slows the healing process, covers up the pain, can weaken tendons, and actually accelerate degenerative arthritis. Sports medicine specialists now recommend what Prolotherapists have for years: to avoid ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories in the first several days after an injury such as an ankle sprain/strain. We need the right amount of inflammation to stimulate healing and anti-inflammatories shutoff the healing process. Prolotherapy can provide the kick start for healing and tissue repair.

Golfers Back in the Game
Prolotherapy restores function and relieves pain in degenerative joints, tendons and ligaments. Most pain in those areas are due to degenerative wear and tear. This can be called degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis. Regeneration of connective tissue and cartilage is possible with Prolotherapy (see website for x-ray of knee cartilage growth after Prolotherapy). Many golfers with knee arthritis have avoided knee replacement or surgery for degenerative cartilage tears with Prolotherapy. Now they can walk the course again pain-free. Hand and wrist pain and arthritis can be relieved with Prolotherapy so the club can be gripped and swung through fully. Shoulder and elbow pain stopping your backswing or pull through has been improved for many golfers. A golfer needs the right diagnosis to evaluate the cause of a condition and not just cover up the pain. Prolotherapy can rebuild and strengthen tissue. Prolotherapy coupled with the good nutrition and proper exercise can help you get back in the game pain-free. Prolotherapy can cure and not just cover up the pain, and have you golf pain-free for good. Ed Fiori has used Prolotherapy with success keeping him on the Pro-Tour.

About Dr. Kramer
George Kramer M.D. practices Orthopedic Medicine; nonsurgical Orthopedics at his office in Minnetonka. He has used Prolotherapy (R.I.T.) for over 16 years with excellent results for many painful conditions. Please visit his website at www.GeorgeKramerMD.com for further success stories, outcomes survey results, the New York Times article and more information on Prolotherapy. Call 952-767-4800 for an appointment.

Tee Times, Minnesota Golf & Living
Jun 2008

For additional information, click here.

Acupuncture for Kids - Good Morning America Weekend

Dr. Kramer was featured on ABC's Good Morning America Weekend's Kids Receive Acupuncture for Ailments When Medicine's Not Enough, Parents Turn to Holistic Remedies When Conventional Treatments Fail.

For additional information, click here.

Heal Your Running Pains with Prolotherapy (Regenerative Injection Therapy)

Article by George Kramer, M.D., TC Running, March 14, 2009

Most runners have aches and pains that come and go but many have nagging injuries that just don’t seem to heal. Running injuries are often a breakdown of tendons, ligaments or cartilage (all connective tissue). Prolotherapy (Regenerative Injection Therapy) is the only treatment technique that rebuilds tendons, ligaments and joints through injection of small amounts of natural substances to stimulate healing and regenerate new connective tissue.

Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, hamstring tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and other running injuries involve wear and tear of the tendon or its attachment becoming weakened and painful. The body responds by trying to repair, but often needs help to stimulate the natural healing process. Prolotherapy can help about 80% of running injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, patellar tendonitis, IT band syndrome, hamstring origin pain or runners knee (patellofemoral or under the kneecap pain) or painful knees from degenerative or torn knee cartilage. Even back pain from degenerative disc disease, ligament instability with running can be helped.

What is Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy or Regenerative Injection Therapy (R.I.T.) has been used for over 60 years for rebuilding joints, ligaments and tendons. Olympic Ski Team members say they would not be skiing without it, and The New York Times, Adventure Magazine and ESPN are talking about it. For 16 years Dr. Kramer has been helping runners get back on the road after they thought they would have to give up running by using Prolotherapy.

Prolotherapy stimulates low-grade inflammation to start the healing process. The New York Times article by Health Columnist Jane Brody is titled, “Injections to Kick Start Tissue Repair”, which is a good description of what Prolotherapy does. See "www.georgekramermd.com" to read the article.

Prolotherapy is an effective therapy where small amounts of natural substances are injected to stimulate healing and regenerate new connective tissue, rebuilding ligaments, tendons and cartilage. Prolotherapy does not just cover up the pain, but actually heals and cures the condition.

Superior to Cortisone
Commonly used anti-inflammatories and cortisone shots interfere with the healing process, and can weaken tendons and actually soften cartilage and accelerate degenerative arthritis. Sports Medicine specialists now recommend what Prolotherapist’s have for years: to avoid ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories in the first several days after an injury such as an ankle sprain/strain. We need the right amount of inflammation to stimulate healing; anti-inflammatories shut off the healing process. Prolotherapy provides the kick start for healing and tissue repair.

Runners Back on the Road
Prolotherapy restores function and gets at the cause of pain and strengthens the joint ligaments and tendons. Most running injuries are from overuse and breakdown of connective tissue and that needs to be strengthened. Many runners with patellofemoral pain or degenerative menisci have avoided knee surgery with prolotherapy. Prolotherapy preserves the cartilage and can strengthen the ligaments without removing any tissue. Chronic heel pain, or plantar fasciitis, is treated with appropriate supports but also strengthening the arch and the heel through stimulating strengthening of ligaments and tendons. Hip pain and IT band pain responds well to prolotherapy as do many other running injuries.

A runner needs the right diagnosis to evaluate and correct the cause of the condition and not just cover up the pain. Prolotherapy can rebuild and strengthen tissue, and this coupled with good nutrition and proper exercises can help you get back on the road. Prolotherapy can cure, not just cover up the pain, and have you running pain-free for good.

For additional information or to see the full article, click here.

For more information, send email to drkramer@georgekramermd.com.

Injections to Kick-Start Tissue Repair

Personal Health Article, The New York Times, August 7, 2007

Prolotherapy involves a series of injections designed to produce inflammation in the injured tissue. To appreciate the value of such a seemingly counterproductive measure, you need to know something about connective tissue and how the body normally repairs it.

For additional information, click here.

Prolotherapy Outcome Survey

Survey shows over 80% of patients with chronic pain improve with prolotherapy.

An independent survey was done in 2005 based on 42 patients. Of these, 20 were treated in multiple areas and several attempted treatment after other treatments had already failed. Results show that over 80% experienced a decrease in pain and improved function and over 90% were satisfied with the treatment.

For additional information, click here.