Placebo Effect

darrowespn2 Placebo EffectESPN 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

Written by Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D.

To Learn More Call 1-800-REHAB10. As one of the leading prolotherapy practicioners, Dr. Marc Darrow, M.D. developed the Prolotherapy Institute to educate patients, their caregivers and the medical community about the benefits of Prolotherapy. Dr. Marc Darrow is a Board Certified Physiatrist specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is also an Assistant Clinical Professor at University of California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, where he trained, and teaches Prolotherapy to the doctors in their residency training.

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Prolotherapy, PRP, AGE MANAGEMENT MEDICINE, and other modalities mentioned are medical techniques that may not be considered mainstream. As with any medical TREATMENT, results will vary among individuals, and there is no implication that you will HEAL OR receive the same outcome as patients herein. there could be pain or substantial risks involved. These concerns should be discussed with your health care provider prior to any treatment so that you have proper informed consent and understand that there are no guarantees to healing.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS WEBSITE IS OFFERED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSED ONLY AND DOES NOT IMPLY OR GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE. THE PHOTOS USED MAY BE MODELS AND NOT PATIENTS.
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