Prolotherapy Testimonials: SI Joint Pain

Bonnie Anderson, Bookkeeper

I had all but given up hope of finding relief from two bulging spinal discs and an unstable sacroiliac joint. My mobility was very limited and I was in constant pain, but I was told surgery would not solve my problems.

I saw a pain management doctor for five years who prescribed all kinds of medications. I used a TENS unit. I also saw three orthopedic doctors, and an acupressurist who referred me to an orthopedic specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital. I was told surgery would not fix my problem. I tried decompression therapy through a local chiropractor, and three different courses of physical therapy, which only made things worse. Epidural injections helped for a short while. I even had radio frequency denervation in my lower back and sacroiliac joint.

Nothing helped for very long.

I turned to the internet to research other forms of treatment and found a few articles about prolotherapy but could not find a practice in my home state of Pennsylvania where I could go.

Things got so bad that my pain doctor wanted to increase my pain medications and surgically implant a stimulator in my spine, but that would only mask my pain and limit my mobility.

I did not know where to turn. I developed other medical issues, and suffered from depression.

Luckily, I had an appointment with my family doctor, who was well aware of my continuing problems with chronic pain. He asked if I had considered prolotherapy, and told me about a great doctor in the D.C. area, just a little over two hours from my home. My doctor himself had started learning the techniques of prolotherapy from Dr. Mayo Friedlis, and said he was sure Dr. Friedlis could help me.

I started my treatments with Dr. Friedlis in November 2006, and while I did not expect miracles, I was hopeful enough to give it a try.

I responded well, and after about 10 prolotherapy treatments my pain was reduced by about 85% and I was off all my pain medications. With my increased mobility, my other medical conditions started to improve, too.

When my progress stalled, Dr. Friedlis suggested Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to kind of get me the rest of the way. Five months after my final PRP treatment, I am almost pain-free.

I have made huge improvements thanks to Dr. Friedlis. I don't know what I would have done without him.