Uncategorized

Genital herpes is a common viral infection caused by a virus known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

On this page, you can find the following information:

• What is genital herpes?
• How is genital herpes spread?
• What are the symptoms of genital herpes?
• How is genital herpes diagnosed?
• How has my partner caught genital herpes?
• How is genital herpes treated?
• Counselling for genital herpes

Key points

1. Most people have mild symptoms or none at all. Others get a painful rash and blisters on their genitals and surrounding area. 
2. Genital herpes is usually passed on to others through sex.
3. It can be passed on when you have no symptoms and symptoms can appear many years after being infected.
4. There is an effective treatment if symptoms are causing you pain or discomfort.
5. The emotional impact of being diagnosed with genital herpes can be worse than the symptoms, so there is counselling support available.

What is genital herpes?

Genital herpes is a common viral infection caused by a virus known as the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

There are two types of the virus, types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2). As well as genital herpes, HSV can infect your mouth and cause cold sores. HSV-1 and HSV-2 infections look the same and you can only tell them apart by lab testing.

Because genital herpes can be passed to others through sexual contact, it is often referred to as a sexually transmitted infection (STI). 

As many as 1 in 3 adults has the virus that causes genital herpes. Once you have HSV it remains in your body and becomes active again from time to time.

On average, symptoms of genital herpes are likely to recur 4–5 times in the first 2 years after being infected with HSV. However, over time the virus tends to become active less often and each time you get symptoms they are less severe.

How is genital herpes spread?

Genital herpes is usually transmitted by having sexual contact (vaginal, oral or anal) with someone who carries HSV. You can get genital herpes through direct contact with an infected blister or sore, usually through sexual contact. You can also transmit or get the virus when you or your partner have no symptoms present (this is known as ’viral shedding’).

Most people who infect others don’t realise they are putting their partners at risk.

• Around 80% of people with genital herpes don’t know they have the virus because they have very mild symptoms or none at all.
• More than 75% of people who have genital herpes get it from people who are entirely unaware that they have it themselves.

Using condoms reduces your risk of passing on the virus by about 50%, but does not remove it completely.

You cannot catch genital herpes by sharing cups, towels or bath water, or from toilet seats. It can only be spread by close skin-to-skin contact.

HSV that causes genital herpes does not cause cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

The symptoms of genital herpes vary a lot. Most people (80%) have very mild symptoms or none at all.

Symptoms can vary from a mild area of irritation to more painful blisters or sores and generally feeling unwell. Common symptoms may include:

• irritation or sores on the vulva and entrance to the vagina
• sometimes sores on the cervix
• sores on your anus (bottom), buttocks and tops of your thighs.

If you are having a first episode of genital herpes, you are more likely to also feel generally unwell and have fever, headache and general bone and muscle aches. 

This may last for several days, during or after which reddened areas may appear on your genitals. These may develop into painful blisters. The blisters then burst, generally to leave sores that gradually heal, usually without scarring.

The severity of this first episode varies between people, but for some it may be severe and last for up to 3 weeks if not treated. These symptoms should quickly resolve with treatment. There is effective treatment available if symptoms are problematic.

How is genital herpes diagnosed?

The best way to find out if you have genital herpes is to have a sexual health check-up. This may involve a physical examination and a swab from the affected area to test for HSV. To confirm genital herpes the lab needs to find herpes simplex virus types 1 or 2 (HSV-1 or HSV-2) on a swab.

Diagnosis is easier if early ulcers or blisters are present.

Because it is possible to have another STI at the same time, a full sexual health check-up should be done.

Sexual contacts should be informed of the diagnosis and it may be advisable for them to have a sexual health check-up.

How has my partner caught genital herpes?

If your partner has only just been diagnosed with genital herpes, this does not necessarily mean that they have been unfaithful to you or sexually promiscuous in the past.

• Your partner may have caught genital herpes from you. You can carry the virus without knowing you have it as some people have no symptoms. 
• It is also possible that your partner caught the virus from a cold sore on your mouth or face during oral sex. You can pass the virus on even if you don’t have a cold sore at the time of contact.
• Your partner may have contracted the virus from a previous sexual partner, even several years ago. The virus can remain inactive in your body for long periods.

How is genital herpes treated?

Genital herpes is best treated with antiviral tablets, which stop the herpes virus from multiplying. You can also use the following simple treatments to ease the symptoms, but they don’t stop the virus from multiplying. You still need antiviral tablets.

Simple treatments for the relief of discomfort

• Wear loose underclothes, preferably cotton (not nylon), to help minimise discomfort and allow healing. 
• Use plain water or saline solution with cotton wool to clean and soothe the area. To make a saline solution, use 1 teaspoon of salt in 600ml of water or a handful of salt in a shallow bath.
• Don’t use scented soaps, bubble bath, etc in the area, as these may irritate it.
• Using a hairdryer on its lowest setting to dry the area may be more comfortable than using a towel.
• Pain relief medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen may ease the pain. Check with your pharmacist or other health professional whether taking these is suitable for you.
• Ice wrapped in a face cloth or flannel and placed over the sores for 5–10 minutes may be soothing. Don’t apply ice directly to the sores as this can cause ‘ice burn’.
• If you find peeing painful, try applying Vaseline® to the area or sitting in a warm bath before urinating (peeing) or using a pump bottle full of water and spraying water on yourself while peeing.  
• You can also try applying a pain relief cream (a local anaesthetic) such as lignocaine cream to the painful area. This is applied 5 minutes before peeing and should be used for a maximum of 1–2 days.
• Drink plenty of fluids as this dilutes your pee and may help reduce stinging.

Antiviral tablets to stop the herpes virus multiplying

Antiviral medicines taken by mouth, such as valaciclovir or acyclovir, are the most effective in controlling symptoms, although they can’t cure genital herpes. They stop the virus from multiplying in body cells where the virus is present. The medicine only works while you are taking it. The infection can come back when you stop taking it.

Antiviral tablets are used in the following two ways:

• To treat outbreaks as they happen (episodic treatment): The aim is to shorten the time each outbreak lasts and to relieve symptoms. This works best when taken as soon as you get symptoms and before the blisters appear.
• To prevent or reduce recurrences (suppressive therapy): If you get frequent or severe recurrent outbreaks, your doctor may recommend you take antiviral tablets every day to help prevent recurrences. Suppressive therapy is taken continuously, every day, for months or years. Suppressive antiviral therapy may help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.

Antiviral creams bought over the counter from the pharmacy are not recommended as a treatment for a first episode or recurrent genital herpes as they are of little benefit. Antiviral tablets are the preferred treatment. 

Counselling for genital herpes

If you have just found out that you have genital herpes, it is likely you will have a lot of questions. A diagnosis of genital herpes often comes as a shock. 

For many people who have genital herpes, the physical symptoms are outweighed by the emotional stress relating to the diagnosis. There are many misconceptions about genital herpes, including the belief that it is associated with promiscuity.

Seeing a counsellor may be a good idea to discuss any concerns you may have. Counselling offers a way of dealing with your concerns.

For more information see the NZ Herpes Foundation or talk with one of their trained counsellors on 0508 11 12 13 free call (landline only) 0508 11 12 13 or 09 433 6526 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday).

Learn more

Genital herpes – the facts NZ Herpes Foundation
Herpes myths vs facts NZ Herpes Foundation
Recognising genital herpes NZ Herpes Foundation
Herpes and relationships NZ Herpes Foundation
Herpes in pregnancy NZ Herpes Foundation
Images of genital herpes DermNet, NZ
Genital herpes NHS, UK
Genital herpes Healthy Sex, NZ

Reference

1. The key facts about herpes NZ Herpes Foundation

Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection (STI) in New Zealand. It affects people of any gender. Chlamydia can be easily treated with antibiotics, but if not treated, it can cause infertility.

Key points

1. Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is quite easy to catch through sexual contact.
2. Chlamydia can cause serious problems if you don’t get it treated. However, it is easy to treat.
3. When treated early, chlamydia does not cause any long-term complications. Left untreated, serious and permanent damage can occur.
4. Most people who have chlamydia don’t show any symptoms but you can still infect other people, so regular sexual health check-ups are important.

How is chlamydia spread?

In nearly all cases chlamydia is transmitted through sexual contact.

• You can get chlamydia by having unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex with someone who has chlamydia.
• You can still get chlamydia even if the person you’re having sex with does not ejaculate (cum). 
• Chlamydia can also be spread through other types of sexual contact such as mutual masturbation, fingering or the use of sex toys.
• One simple way to protect yourself is by using a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse.

Another way of transmitting chlamydia is from mother to baby during birth. If this occurs, your baby may develop an eye or lung infection. This needs urgent treatment.

What are the symptoms of chlamydia?

Most people who are infected by chlamydia don’t notice any symptoms and so don’t know they have it.

• If you do have symptoms, they may not appear until a few weeks after you have sex with an infected person.
• Symptoms can appear 1 to 3 weeks after infection, many months later or not until the infection has spread to other parts of your body.
• Chlamydia can be transmitted to other people even if you don’t have symptoms.
• If you have the infection but no symptoms, you can remain infectious for months or even years without knowing it.

Common symptoms, if they do occur, may include the following:

• unusual vaginal discharge (fluid)
• unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after sex)
• lower abdominal pain (including pain during sexual intercourse)
• soreness or redness at the opening of your penis
• clear or whitish discharge from your penis
• testicular (ball) pain or swelling
• discomfort when passing urine (peeing)
• rectal (bottom) discharge or discomfort.

Chlamydial infection of your throat can occur, but is uncommon and usually does not cause any symptoms.

How is chlamydia diagnosed?

The best way to find out if you have chlamydia is to have a sexual health check-up.

• A urine (pee) sample is used to test for chlamydia.
• Women may also need to have an examination if a full check-up is being done.
• If rectal infection is suspected, a swab is taken from just inside your anus (bottom).

How is chlamydia treated?

Chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotics such as with doxycycline, which is taken as a course of treatment over 7 days, or with azithromycin which is a single-dose treatment.

It is important to finish all the antibiotics, otherwise the infection may not be properly treated.

Condom use during the treatment period

• Avoid having sex without a condom during treatment because the infection can still be transmitted. Use condoms for 7 days after the start of treatment and until 7 days after all current sexual contacts have been treated.
• If you are on a combined oral contraceptive pill, use a condom for 14 days when having sex, as antibiotics can affect the reliability of the contraceptive pill.

After completing the treatment, phone your doctor or return to the clinic for a follow-up after 3 months to check you have not been re-infected.

Do sexual contacts need treatment?

If you have had sex without a condom with your sexual contact/s it is very likely they are infected with chlamydia. This means they need to have a sexual health check-up and be treated for chlamydia regardless of symptoms or test results.

Why is treatment of chlamydia important?

When treated early, chlamydia does not cause any long-term complications. Left untreated, serious and permanent damage can occur.

It may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). This is when female reproductive organs, found in your pelvis, become inflamed. PID may cause ectopic pregnancies (where the pregnancy develops in your fallopian tubes instead of your uterus), infertility (when the fallopian tubes become damaged by scar tissue preventing further pregnancy) or chronic pelvic pain.

If not treated, chlamydia can spread to testicles, leading to pain and swelling. Chlamydia may occasionally cause infertility in men.

Sometimes chlamydia may trigger a condition called Reiter’s disease (sexually acquired reactive arthritis) which causes inflammation of your eyes, skin and joints.

Chlamydia can be passed from mother to baby during birth. The baby may subsequently develop eye and/or ear infections or pneumonia.

How can I prevent getting chlamydia?

Anyone who is sexually active can catch chlamydia. You’re most at risk if you have a new sexual partner or don’t use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, when having sex. You can help to prevent the spread of chlamydia by:

• using a condom every time you have vaginal or anal sex
• using a condom to cover the penis during oral sex
• using a dam (a piece of thin, soft plastic or latex) to cover the female genitals during oral sex or when rubbing female genitals together
• not sharing sex toys. If you do share sex toys, wash them or cover them with a new condom between each person who uses them.

Learn more

The following links provide further information on chlamydia. Be aware that websites from other countries may contain information that differs from New Zealand recommendations.

Chlamydia Sexual Health Society, NZ
Chlamydia Ministry of Health, NZ
Chlamydia Family Planning NZ
Chlamydia NHS, UK
Chlamydia Healthy Sex, NZ

References

1. Chlamydia guideline Sexual Health Society, NZ
2. Treatment of sexually transmitted and other genital infections BPAC, NZ

Resources

Support

Phone Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 any time of the day or night for advice on any health issue, no matter how small. In an emergency, phone 111 for an ambulance.

Find a Family Planning clinic Family Planning, NZ 
Auckland Sexual Health Service Freephone 0800 739 432
More support groups

Brochures

 Chlamydia information guide

Ministry of Health, NZ, 2008

 Chlamydia – patient leaflet

NZ Sexual Health Society, 2017

Related topics

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) | Mate paipaiSexual health overviewOverview of contraception methods | Rongoā ārai hapūtangaCondomsPelvic inflammatory diseaseBACK TO TOPCredits: Health Navigator Editorial Team . Reviewed By: Dr Matthew Reid, Public Health Medicine Specialist, Canterbury and West Coast DHBs

Also known as non-specific vaginosis or gardnerella vaginitis

• Overview
• Clinicians

Bacterial vaginosis is an infection in a woman’s vagina caused by an overgrowth of bacteria.

Just like on our skin, it is normal to have bacteria within the vagina. However, with bacterial vaginosis, the ‘normal or good’ bacteria are taken over by other bacteria. This change in balance results in the symptoms some women experience.

Who is at risk?

It is not completely understood why some women develop bacterial vaginosis and others don’t. It is more common:  

• in women with more than one sexual partner
• when women change sexual partner
• in women who have sex with other women.

It is also possible that the problem bacteria can be transmitted on fingers or sex toys.

Symptoms

Some women have no symptoms and bacterial vaginosis is found during examination for something else such as a cervical smear test. Other times women notice an abnormal vaginal discharge or an unusual odour which may be worse after unprotected sex.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made following a medical examination (a discharge or odour is noticed) or by taking a vaginal swab test. Another clue can be a change in the normal acidity of the vaginal fluid to become more alkaline.

In some sexual health clinics, the team can look under the microscope to see what bacteria are present on the swab. Most other clinics send the swab off to the community laboratory to be processed. Results are normally available in two to three working days.

If you do have bacterial vaginosis, ask if you can have a full sexual health check as it is common to have chlamydia or other sexually transmitted infections at the same time.

Treatment

Treatment for bacterial vaginosis varies depending on several factors. If a woman does not have any symptoms, in most cases no treatment is needed. However, if a woman is about to have a gynaecological procedure (such as insertion of an intrauterine device or termination of pregnancy) where the risk of infection spreading to the womb (uterus) is higher, then any bacterial vaginosis infection should be treated first.

Standard treatment for bacterial vaginosis is a seven-day course of metronidazole tablets. Metronidazole is an antibiotic and is best taken with meals to reduce possible side effects such as nausea or upset stomach. It is also important NOT to drink alcohol while taking metronidazole, otherwise people can suffer severe hangover effects.

Alternative treatments include vaginal creams or other antibiotics, but these may not work as well.

Does my partner need to be treated?

Treating the male partner of an infected woman does not seem to prevent recurrences so is NOT routinely recommended.

Can bacterial vaginosis recur?

Yes, bacterial vaginosis can recur, sometimes within a few weeks. If this happens, see your nurse or doctor for further treatment. This may include a longer course of antibiotics and checking for any other infections.

To prevent bacterial vaginosis recurring you could consider temporarily avoiding sexual contact or, if you have sex with a new partner, making sure he uses a condom.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs or pokenga pūaha mimi) can affect any part of your urinary system – kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. UTIs are also known as cystitis or bladder infections.

Key points about UTIs

1. About 1 in every 2 women will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. The most common is cystitis, an infection that affects your bladder.
2. Symptoms of a UTI include burning or pain when peeing and needing to pee more often and more urgently.
3. UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, but they are not always needed.
4. Self-care includes taking pain relief and drinking plenty of water. There is no strong evidence that cranberry products help.
5. In rare cases, the infection can spread to your kidneys. This is known as pyelonephritis and needs urgent medical care.

See other pages for UTIs in pregnancy, UTIs in men and UTIs in children.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is a bacterial infection in some part of your urinary system. Your urinary system includes all the organs involved in making and releasing urine (pee): 

• Kidneys – these filter your blood to remove waste and extra water to make urine (pee).
• Ureter – two thin tubes of muscle, one on each side of your bladder, through which urine flows from your kidneys to your bladder.
• Bladder – where you store urine until you need to pee.
• Urethra – when you pee, urine passes along your urethra, a central tube that carries urine out of your body. 

When the infection is just in the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis), this is called a lower UTI. If it travels up to affect one or both kidneys as well (pyelonephritis) then it is called an upper UTI. This can be more serious than a lower UTI, as the kidneys can become damaged by the infection.

What causes a UTI?

An infection in your urinary system may be caused by: 

• sexual intercourse
• problems in the structure of your kidneys, bladder or tubes
• irritation of the urethra by chemicals (eg, soaps, perfumes, vaginal hygiene sprays, spermicidal tubes)
• ulcers or inflammation near your urethra
• unprotected sex
• sexually transmitted infection (STI), eg, chlamydia
• radiation therapy which can irritate the lining of the bladder
• bacteria from your anal area (bottom) entering your bladder via your urethra – the urethra is shorter in women than in men so it is easier for bacteria to reach the bladder and cause infection in women. The picture below shows how this can happen.

Travel of bacteria from rectum to urethra. Image credit: 123rf

Who is at risk of developing a UTI?

UTIs can occur at any age and are more common if you:

• are pregnant (read more about UTI in pregnancy)
• have had UTIs in the past
• have diabetes, kidney failure or a weakened immune system
• have other urinary tract problems such as urinary stones or inadequate emptying of the bladder
• have a condition that makes it difficult to fully empty the bladder such as constipation
• have been through menopause – the changes in the tissues of your vagina and urethra after menopause make it harder for them to defend against infection
• use a urinary catheter (a long, thin tube used to drain urine)
• engage in unsafe sex.

What are the symptoms of a UTI? 

If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you should see a doctor. Your symptoms could mean that you have a UTI or another condition like an STI or pyelonephritis.

Symptoms of a UTI include:

• pain or burning during or immediately after peeing (dysuria)
• needing to pee more often than usual during the night (nocturia)
• pain in your lower tummy (abdomen)
• feeling the need to pee more often
• needing to pee without much notice
• suprapubic pain (pain just above your pubic bone)
• recent antibiotic use
• urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish.

Older women may have no symptoms or fever. Often the only symptoms are being more muddled, sleepier, incontinent, off your food, or just feeling generally unwell. Confusion and sleepiness can put older adults at risk of falls.

How is a UTI diagnosed?

To diagnose a UTI, your GP will examine you and ask you questions about your general health. Sometimes that might be enough to diagnose a UTI. Your doctor may want you to provide a urine sample to identify what bacteria is causing the infection. Your doctor may also do a blood test and check your temperature and heart rate. 

How is a UTI treated?

The main aims of treatment are to relieve your symptoms, treat the infection and prevent the infection spreading to your kidneys.

Antibiotics

UTIs are treated with antibiotics, the common ones being nitrofurantoin, cefalexin and trimethoprim. Usually, a 3–5 day course of antibiotics is needed to treat the infection and to reduce the risk of it spreading to your kidneys and causing pyelonephritis. Your symptoms should begin to improve within the first 2 days of taking antibiotics.

If your doctor advises you to take antibiotics, it’s important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better before the course is finished. If your symptoms continue for more than 2 days after starting treatment, or if you get worse, see your doctor as soon as possible.

If you have recurrent UTIs (you keep getting them), or are at higher risk of complications, your doctor may give you a low dose antibiotic to take for a few months. How long you need to take the antibiotic depends on how often you are having UTIs.

Can I get antibiotics for a UTI from my pharmacy without a prescription?

Many pharmacists are now able to sell an antibiotic called trimethoprim for the treatment of UTIs in women. This is available without a prescription if you are a woman aged 16–65 years, you’re not pregnant and you don’t have any other complicating factors.

When ligaments and tendons are stretched, torn, or thinning the joint weakens and becomes painful. Prolotherapy repairs these areas through directed injections to the injured site. The result is growth and repair of connective tissue, and stabilization of the joint.

Joints typically do not get priority naturally from the immune system as other areas of the body do, causing joint injuries to linger. Prolotherapy stimulates a directed, strong and effective immune response for faster recovery and pain relief. Traditional treatments including steroid injections and surgery are more risky and often less effective.

This Procedure is recommended for:

• Athletic Injuries
• Low to Moderate Joint Degeneration
• Partially Torn Ligaments
• Osteoarthritis
• Joint Pain
• Decreased Mobility

Effectively Treats

• Partial Meniscal Tears
• MCL/LCL Tears
• Rotator Cuff Injury
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Adhesive Capsulitis
• Low Back Pain
• Sacroiliac Pain
• Degenerative Disc Pain
• Ankle Sprain
• More

Long-Term Pain Relief and Real Injury Repair

Prolotherapy is a regenerative therapy process that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It involves injecting a solution of medication to damaged tissues to induce low-grade inflammation in the affected area. It is a non-invasive alternative to surgical treatments and is used successfully for a variety of bone, muscle, and joint problems.

Prolotherapy injections typically contain a combination of dextrose (as an irritant), procaine (decreases pain signals) and B vitamins  (supports  cell regeneration) that together causes a localized inflammatory response which the immune system responds to with it’s own regenerative cells, helping to stimulate and repair the joint or site of injury. Several injections are usually indicated and are typically spaced four weeksa apart. Most patients respond best with two or three treatments.

Chronic pain and Prolotherapy ~

Chronic pain stinks.  It is down right is difficult to treat, causes high levels of stress, and negatively impacts many aspects of life.  I’ve been through chronic pain, and I have seen so many others who have been through it as well.  This is why I have sought long and hard for treatments that really work.  Among the various treatments that I have discovered that truly addresses pain, without any side effects, is prolotherapy.

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy is an injection therapy, which triggers the body to strengthen damaged ligaments and tendons.  This in turn stabilizes and strengthens the joint, reduces pain, and improves joint and spine mobility.

So how does prolotherapy work?

The essence of how prolotherapy works is through stimulating the growth of healthy ligaments and tendons, and by removing the damaged tissue.  To best understand this process, we will use a partially torn ACL as an example here. With prolotherapy, we are helping the body remember about the damaged tissue, so it can heal the old ACL injury.  The injection, which contains dextrose, triggers the body to create a localized inflammation at the ACL. The inflammation causes the local blood vessels to open, flooding the knee with fresh blood and oxygen.  The inflammation mobilizes and stimulates the body’s tissue builders, growth factors, fibroblasts, and cytokines to rebuild collagen, and strengthen the ACL. The body’s macrophages (think cellular Pac-man) arrive to clean up damaged tissue and rid the body of cellular debris.  The procaine in the injections gives immediate relief to the painful region. With a series of injections, spaced about one month apart, prolotherapy can effectively treat many types of joint and muscle dysfunction.

What is the history of prolotherapy?

This therapy goes way back into time.  Hippocrates had a barbaric version of prolotherapy using hot pokers pressed into the armpit to treat torn rotator cuff tendons.  Ancient day Egyptians were said to treat lame animals with hot branding techniques to stimulate recovery. Since the 1930s to modern day prolotherapy, injections include a combination of dextrose and procaine or lidocaine.  Over the last several decades prolotherapy momentum has been growing, and the therapy is being utilized by MD’s, DO’s, and ND’s.

Chronic Pain!  How did I get here?!  

Ligamentous laxity

Often the underlying cause for musculo-skeletal problems is from what is called ligamentous laxity.   Ligament laxity happens when you get injured, or is a result from chronic overuse of an area of the body.   If you do not allow that area of the body to fully heal, it can become a chronic problem, causing chronic pain.  When the ligaments are overstretched or partially torn, this causes the joint to be unstable, weak, and potentially damages other structures as well.  Often with a weak joint, the surrounding muscles go into spasm, with more pain and limitation in mobility. If the problem persists, nerves can become compressed, causing numbness, tingling, weakness, and even disability.  The key to full recovery is to identify and treat the underlying ligament laxity. This is why prolotherapy is so effective at treating chronic pain, because it addresses the ligament laxity.

What about inflammation and circulation?

It’s all about inflammation, but not likely how you think of inflammation.  Often times in naturopathic medicine, we are trying to combat systemic inflammation with diet, lifestyle, and supplements.  This is also true in musculo-skeletal problems. However in chronic injuries, and musculo-skeletal pain, we absolutely need inflammation, but only in the area that is injured.  Prolotherapy and other regenerative treatments are so effective because they actually draw circulation and a small amount of inflammation to the injured area, so the tissue can heal.  As you can imagine, the conventional model of NSAIDS and RICE therapy: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation, shuts down the inflammation cascade, shunts blood away from the problematic area, and predisposes us to developing a chronic musculo-skeletal problem.  Because of this, when one of my patient’s gets injured, I recommend therapies to promote circulation and to avoid using NSAIDS, so that the injury does not become a chronic problem.

Right treatment for the right patient

Prolotherapy is a phenomenal treatment for chronic musculo-skeletal pain that is a result from an old injury or from overuse.  Below is a list of some common conditions that prolotherapy addresses:

• Sciatica
• Osteoarthritis
• Compressed vertebral discs
• Partially torn ligaments or tendons of the knee or shoulder
• Tendonitis or tendonosis of the elbow or shoulder
• Plantar fasciitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chronic neck pain
• Chronic headaches
• TMJ syndrome
• And many more conditions

However, prolotherapy is not for everyone, and there are many conditions that cannot be addressed with prolotherapy.  Conditions that are not appropriate for prolotherapy include joint pain as a result from autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, or completely torn ligaments or tendons.  

PRP injections (or Platelet-Rich Plasma) is created from the patient’s own blood cells and is injected to accelerate healing and improve tissue integrity of the joints, ligaments, and soft tissue. Using state of the art equipment, each treatment ensures optimal levels of platelets, growth factors, and proteins for effective results. PRP is an ideal treatment option for many musculoskeletal problems from athletic injuries, joint degeneration, and osteoarthritis.

Available for injuries of the:

• Knee
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist & Hands
• Ankle & Foot
• Low Back
• Pelvic Pain

Typical Conditions Treated Include:

• Knee Injuries Degeneration
• Shoulder Injuries and Degeneration
• Low back pain
• Disc Degeneration
• Moderate to Severe Joint Degeneration
• Moderate to Severe Osteoarthritis
• Partial tendon and ligament tears
• Chronic Joint Pain

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR PRP THERAPY APPOINTMENTS

You can expect your platelet-rich plasma therapy visits to be a very comfortable and professional experience. To begin, your blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge. This process isolates the platelets, growth factors, and plasma proteins and concentrations of each will be based on individual needs. Local anesthetic is applied to treatment areas for procedure comfort.  After care will be discussed at length during your appointment.

PRP works over a period of 3-6 months.  Pre- and post-procedure protocols are discussed at length to ensure optimal treatment response. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to treat both chronic and acute conditions. This therapy has been used to treat a variety of health issues involving damaged or compromised tissue. We use an FDA-approved inflatable chamber called the Vitaeris 320, capable of treating at pressures up to 1.3 ATA. Hyperbaric therapy — also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HBO, or HBOT — is a medical treatment that uses an increase in atmospheric pressure to help the body absorb more oxygen.

A healing and energizing experience to help the body absorb more oxygen.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Auto Accident Injuries
• Autism
• Stroke
• Sports Injuries
• Inflammation
• Neurological Conditions
• Neuropathy & Nerve Pain
• Mental Health

Some of the conditions HBOT benefits :

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (concussion)
• Post-Stroke recovery
• Dementia, Alzheimers
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Autism
• Sports Injuries- recovery and rehabilitation
• Neuropathy, Nerve Pain
• Inflammation
• “Anti-aging” & Wellness

A healing and re-energizing experience provided in a spacious and roomy chamber. This low pressure hyperbaric therapy is extremely safe.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

HBOT allows oxygen to infuse with many types of liquids in the body including blood, plasma, and cerebral fluids. Healing begins when damaged tissue receives much-needed oxygen and circulation returns to the area.

Dr. Phillips, ND uses Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to treat both chronic and acute conditions. This therapy has been used to treat a variety of health issues involving damaged or compromised tissue. We use an FDA-approved inflatable chamber called the Vitaeris 320, capable of treating at pressures up to 1.3 ATA.

Hyperbaric therapy — also known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HBO, or HBOT — is a medical treatment that uses an increase in atmospheric pressure to help the body absorb more oxygen.

At sea level atmospheric pressure, the lungs can absorb a normal amount of oxygen from the air.  However, at an increased level of atmospheric pressure, the body can gather a much greater volume of oxygen and absorb it more easily. At Hawthorn Healing Arts Center, we use a hyperbaric chamber that increases pressure to 1.3 ATA which is the equivalent of the pressure felt when diving approx 10ft under water. Similar to diving down in a pool, the patient will be instructed to equalize pressure through pinching and blowing through the nose.

HBOT allows oxygen to infuse with many types of liquids in the body including blood, plasma, and cerebral fluids. Healing begins when damaged tissue receives much-needed oxygen and circulation returns to the area.

Over 10,000 clinical trials and case studies have been completed to test other health-related applications of hyperbaric treatment. The vast majority of results have reported overwhelming success. You can take a look at some of these studies in the related resources list at the bottom of the page.

How Hyperbaric Therapy Works

Before any treatment begins, we want you to understand the procedure as much as possible. Our staff will take all the time you need to discuss and prepare you for hyperbaric therapy. We’ll cover evidence and rationale for the treatment so you can make an informed decision about your health.

The hyperbaric chamber itself is spacious and roomy. It allows plenty of room for movement, as well as a clear window to illuminate the interior. Hyperbaric treatment is administered using medical-grade technology. The treatment will be monitored. If there is any discomfort during treatment it is easy to contact the support staff and get questions answered or modify treatment as necessary.

While there are minor risks as with any medical treatment, low pressure hyperbaric therapy is extremely safe. All minor risks and any other concerns you may have will be discussed before treatment begins.

To receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient lies down in a pressurized chamber and breathes normally. The patient will then breathe pure oxygen through a mask while inside the chamber. The use of medical grade oxygen or an oxygen concentrator will dramatically compound the effectiveness of the treatment. Within the chamber, the air pressure is carefully controlled and monitored to allow for greater absorption of oxygen.

The true benefit of HBOT is the ability of a compromised tissue to receive oxygen. Essentially, oxygen is given a boost to reach areas of the body where it’s needed most. It’s used to help the body heal itself.

The treatment typically lasts for 60-90 minutes. It’s simple, non-invasive, and effective.