Placebo Effect

ESPN MAGAZINE 3/29/2004

Just because an athlete shoots up doesn’t mean he is on juice. Could be he is hooked on sugar. That’s the idea behind Prolotherapy, an alternative to surgery that is catching on with jocks and celebs alike. From turf toes to torn rotator cuff, Prolo patients receive anesthetic-laced sugar-water injections directly into an injury once a week for four to eight weeks. Theoretically, these $250 sessions stimulate the immune system and cause proliferation (hence “Prolo”) of collagen and cartilage. The results? “Ligaments that are 50% thicker and as much as 400% stronger,” says LA physiatrist Marc Darrow, whose clients include Chiefs wideout Johnnie Morton (pelvic pain) and actress Sally Kirkland (knee and foot).

Dr. John McShane, a sports-medicine specialist who works with the Phillies is dubious. “There are no studies to back up these claims,” McShane says. “If a ligament is injected, it become inflamed, and scar tissue is created.” Which doesn’t mean it is stronger. Still, Dr. Darrow is hardly discouraged by detractors-or by cancel appointments. “A lot of my patients I never see again,” he says. “That either means they’re healed or they hate me.” Heavyweight Lamon Brewster is firmly in the former camp. “My knees, my back-everything feels great,” he says. “The best recovery I’ve ever had.” Sweet!—EDDIE MATZ