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ESPN MAGAZINE 3/29/2004

PLACEBO EFFECT

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 cuffs, 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

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Prolotherapy

A Multi-Disciplinary Clinic For Professional and Amateur Athletes and Chronic Pain Sufferers
11645 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 120 Los Angeles, CA (310) 231-7000

Patient's stories herein, and the language used, is intended to inform and educate. HOWEVER, it does not imply that you or anyone else will receive the same outcome.

Prolotherapy and other modalities mentioned are medical techniques that may not be considered mainstream. As with any medical procedure, results will vary among individuals, and 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.

Neither Dr. Darrow, nor any associate of Joint Rehab offer medical advice on this website. This information is offered for educational purposes only. Do not act or rely upon our information without seeking independent professional medical advice. The transmission of this information does not create a physician-patient relationship between you and Dr. Darrow or any associate of Joint Rehab. Neither Dr. Darrow, nor any associate of Joint Rehab guarantees the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or adequacy of any resources, information, apparatus, product, or process available at or from this transmission. The photos in this Web site feature models for illustrative purposes and do not depict real patients.

JOINT REHABILITATION & SPORTS MEDICAL CENTER, INC IS HIPAA COMPLIANT. HIPPA IS SHORT FOR THE HEALTH INSURANCE PORTABILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT. HIPAA PROTECTS PATIENTS' PRIVACY & PERSONAL HEALTHCARE INFORMATION.