In non-injured ligaments or tendons, collagen fibers are flexible and have some elasticity. But, they are not supposed to stretch very far. Injuries can stretch these fibers beyond their designed lengths. Or, wear and tear through repetitive motion can fray or tear them. When these tissues are stretched beyond their normal limits, wear out, or tear, pain is perceived.
Inflammation produces pain, which is a sign the body’s healing process is occurring. So initially, inflammation occurs as the body tries to heal the damage. Since the tendons and ligaments have a poor and limited blood supply, it is important not to shut down the initial inflammatory response. Shutting down the inflammation is equivalent to shutting down the healing cycle and YOU prevent yourself from healing correctly. In all cases that require Prolotherapy, the ligaments and tendons, whether through the use of anti-inflammatories, or because of a weakened immune system, or because of the severity of the injury, did not heal sufficiently. Injured, loose, or stretched out ligaments are often referred to as the condition of ligament relaxation, or ligament laxity. This is what produces the pain and discomfort, especially with movement because the connection of the ligament or tendon to the bone may be inflamed and the joint may move beyond its normal range of motion.
