Question
QUESTION: Hi, I have a quick question. Is prolotherapy or prolopuncture good for a labrum tear?

thanks

ANSWER: Carley,

Prolotherapy is not an appropriate treatment for a labrum tear.  It would be a more appropriate treatment for something like an unstable ankle (e.g. from multiple ankle sprains) or for certain types of back pain.   The labrum is a deep shoulder structure that is made of cartilage and will not respond to a prolotherapy injection.  Significantly torn labrums need surgical repair.  Minor ones often alleviate over time.

'Hope this helps.  If you need more info or clarification, please don't hesitate to send another email.

Dr. G'

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Wow!!! That was fast. Thank you. Can Glucosamine with MSM and receiving therapeutic ultrasound over joints force blood flow into the avascular tissues for the labrum to heal better on it own?

thanks again

Answer
Hi Carley,

There's no evidence that glucosamine sulfate or MSM or hyaluronic acid will work.  I've treated lots of folks who have minor labral tears, "SLAP" tears mild biceps tendon defects where it attaches to the labrum).  Sometimes it helps to avoid what provokes the labral tear, like overhead reaching or overhead lifting, or throwing, or pull-ups, etc, and giving it some time.  I've focussed on improving the quality of the soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint complex, and improving the mechanics, and then monitoring the patients symptoms and objective signs (like clicking in the joint or weakness on strength testing).

'Best,

Dr. G'