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Statistical Analysis
A matched sample paired t-test was used to calculate the difference in responses between the before and after measures for pain, stiffness, and crunching. Using the matched sample t-test on all three variables, all p values reached statistical significance at the p<.0000001 level.
No Other Treatment Options Subgroup
As previously noted, 39% of patients prior to Prolotherapy were told that there were no other treatment options for their pain. They had seen an average 3.3 medical doctors for their pain which they had experienced for an average of 5.1 years.
In analyzing just these patients, their before and after Prolotherapy values for pain, range of motion, stiffness and crunching can be seen in Table 3. All reached statistical significance to at least the p<.0000001 level.
The starting and ending pain levels for these patients can be seen in Figure 7. Eighty-one percent of these patients had greater than 50% pain relief. Eighty-nine percent of them ended with greater than 75% of normal motion after Prolotherapy, whereas prior to it only 27% had that amount of motion. In regard to exercise ability, only 17% could exercise more than 30 minutes before Prolotherapy but after Prolotherapy this increased to 46%.
As a group, prior to Prolotherapy they were taking on average 1.3 pain medications, but after Prolotherapy only 0.4 pain medications. Twelve of these patients had completely stopped their pain medications after Prolotherapy. As of the follow-up, 25 of the patients were taking no medications and 12 were taking one pain medication, whereas prior to Prolotherapy 14 of the patients were taking two or more pain medications.
Before receiving Prolotherapy, 57% experienced some depressed feelings, but after Prolotherapy, this dropped to 14%. The three patients on medications for depression were able stop taking them after Prolotherapy. Fifty-nine percent of patients had some anxious thoughts prior to Prolotherapy, but after Prolotherapy only 27%. The two patients that were taking medications for anxiety were able discontinue them.
Ninety-five percent of these patients knew someone who benefited from Prolotherapy and an equal number recommended it to someone. Ninety-seven percent of this subgroup felt that the Prolotherapy changed their lives for the better.
Surgery Only Option Subgroup
Twenty-one percent of patients, prior to Prolotherapy, were told by their physician that surgery was their only option. As a group, they had seen an average of 3.4 physicians for their pain which they had experienced on average for 53 months.
This group of patients’ before and after values for pain, stiffness and crunching with Prolotherapy can be seen in Table 4. All reached statistical significance to the p<.0000001 level.
The starting and ending pain levels for all of these patients can be seen in Table 4. Ninety percent of these patients experienced greater than 50% pain relief. Fifty-five percent experienced greater than 75% pain relief. Ninety percent of them ended with greater than 75% of normal motion after Prolotherapy, whereas prior to Prolotherapy, only 15% possessed that amount of motion.
Prior to Prolotherapy the patients were taking on average 1.5 pain medications, but after Prolotherapy only 0.4 medications. Nine of these patients had totally stopped their pain medications that they were taking prior to Prolotherapy. Twenty months on average after their last Prolotherapy session, 13 were on no medications and seven were taking one pain medication, whereas prior to Prolotherapy nine of the patients were taking two or more pain medications.
Before receiving Prolotherapy, 50% felt they had some depressed feelings but after Prolotherapy it was down to only 15%. Fifty-nine percent of patients felt some anxiety prior to Prolotherapy but afterwards only 10%.
In regard to exercise, 85% said they could exercise less than 30 minutes per day using the affected shoulder before Prolotherapy, but after Prolotherapy only 20% were so limited. Ninety percent of the patients said Prolotherapy helped them sleep better. In regard to work situation, two of these patients who were completely disabled were able to get back to work because of Prolotherapy.
Ninety-five percent of these patients knew someone who has benefited from Prolotherapy and an equal number had recommended it to someone. Ninety-five percent also felt that the Prolotherapy changed their lives for the better.
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