Naturopathy / Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy is a safe and effective injection therapy used to treat connective tissue injuries anywhere in the body. Many chronic pain conditions such as back pain, sciatica, sports injuries, headaches, and tendonitis can be caused or aggravated by ligament or tendon instability or tears. The connective tissue instability or tears can linger in an unhealed and dysfunctional state indefinitely unless treated properly. This is the reason why many people only achieve temporary relief from continued therapy until the ligament or tendon damage is treated specifically and repaired.
To heal an injured ligament or tendon, a solution of dextrose and procaine is injected into the damaged structure. The injection creates an irritation that triggers the body to activate platelets and white blood cells in the area, which release growth factors that stimulate stem cell growth. The stem cells replicate and provide new cells to fill the gaps in the damaged tissue and provide extra support and cushion for joints.
With successive treatments, the new tissue can provide enough support to allow the tendon or ligament to perform normally. Typically tendon and ligament injuries require between three and six treatments. Nutrition and fitness are the most important factors for proper and rapid healing. Smoking and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) use are the biggest hindrances to healing. The use of prolotherapy with massage and physiotherapy can help achieve the most rapid and long-lasting healing process.
Meet Dr. Bastien!
Dr. Bastien is a naturopathic doctor who brings more than 10 years of experience with prolotherapy and naturopathic medicine to the team at NSSM. He believes in an integrated approach to achieve long term success in treating chronic and acute pain.
Dr. Bastien received his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from SFU specializing in rehabilitation and health and then went on to receive his naturopathic training from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). Following his naturopathic training, he pursued training in prolotherapy, neural therapy, IMS, ultrasonography, and traumatic brain injury treatment.
He was an instructor at BINM in the physical medicine department for 8 years, teaching aspiring doctors to utilize spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy to treat pain and dysfunction.
Dr. Bastien is a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA) and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
A Few Questions to Determine if Prolotherapy May Be Right for You
• Do you have lingering pain from an injury that keeps returning in spite of treatment?
• Is it painful to sit or stand for long periods?
• Do you frequently injure your back doing minor activities such as picking up a sock from the floor?
• Is it difficult to put on your socks in the morning?
• Do you have limited flexibility that doesn’t improve with stretching?
• Does it hurt to raise your hand above your head?
• Do you get headaches at the end of every work day?
