Particulates
The most common particulate proliferant used is pumice flour. These small particles on the order of one micron, are notable for their ability to attract macrophages, which immediately phagocytize (eat up) the particles. Once the macrophages are at the injection site and ingesting pumice granules, they are actively secreting polypeptide growth factors, which ultimately result in collagen tissue growth.Chemotactics
Chemotactics are proliferants that directly attract the immune cells to the injured area. Sodium morrhuate is thought to work in this way. Sodium morrhuate is the sodium salt of the fatty acid component derived from cod liver oil. Cold water fish oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid. These compounds serve as the direct precursors to inflammation mediators. In this way, Sodium Morrhuate may directly attract the immune system to the area. Sodium morrhuate most resembles Sylnasol, one of the first proliferants ever used in Prolotherapy.Growth Factors
Growth factors represent the future of Prolotherapy. As modern medicine makes advances in the regenerative mechanisms of the human body, many new growth factors are being discovered. Their effects are being tested as they directly stimulate the repair of various cells, organs, and diseases. Polypeptide growth factors act directly upon fibroblasts (which make collagen). Epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factors, fibroblast growth factors, and platelet-derived growth factors are now available for research and testing purposes. Physicians are already using Growth Hormone injections directly into joints to help regenerate cartilage. Many of these growth factors are available in homeopathic form to be taken orally during the Prolotherapy treatment course. As medical research continues, it is most assuredly certain that these growth factors will be incorporated into the technique of Prolotherapy.Summary
The basic mechanism of Prolotherapy is simple. A substance is injected, which leads to local inflammation. The localized inflammation triggers a wound-healing cascade, resulting in the deposition of new collagen. New collagen shrinks as it matures. The shrinking collagen tightens the ligament that was injected and makes it stronger. Prolotherapy has the potential of being 100 percent effective at eliminating sports injuries and chronic pain, but depends upon the technique of the individual Prolotherapist. The most important aspect is injecting enough of the solution into the injured and weakened area. If this is done, the likelihood of success is excellent.(published with permission in writing from:http://www.caringmedical.com)
