The American College of Osteopathic Pain Management and Sclerotherapy is meeting at the Hilton in Phoenix at the Tapatio Cliffs Resort. Most people think that it's a little bit vacation and a little bit work. In fact, the classes start at 8:00 AM with a one hour break for lunch and ends around 5:30 with intensive lecturing and then injection lab. When we're done we do usually go out for dinner (and maybe a glass of wine or two). The conference cost $750, the flight $250 and the room about $800 for the room. Food and lost income add up to a total cost of about $8000 to attend a conference. Why? To provide better care. Drug companies don't sponsor "alternative" treatment conferences. There are no subsidies and the doctors all pay their own way. Why? Because they care about their patients and want to give them an alternative to surgery. Prolotherapy (also called sclerotherapy) is an amazing alternative to all sorts of treatment for pain and musculoskeletal problems. It's inexpensive, effective and incredibly safe. Why doesn't everyone know about prolotherapy? Good question!
Prolotherapy is a simple procedure that involves injecting a small amount of sugar water, anesthetic and other mild medications into the ligaments and connective tissues. Most doctors haven't even heard of prolotherapy because they are part of a system that promotes a process from a pain complaint to medication to surgical referral and eventual aggressive medical intervention. Anything that is foreign to conventionally trained doctors generally results in a negative response. Unfortunately many patients are intimidated and unwilling to insist on better consideration. Education, motivation and excellent treatment are the responsibility of doctors AND patients. Until patients demand better care, not more of the same overly-agressive care, there will be fewer and fewer options beside surgery and drugs. It's time for patients to stand up for their rights. Prolotherapy should be a part of every pain treatment plan. The risk is minimal and the potential benefits are enormous!
