Testimonials

Dr. Lovegrove saved my elbow with Prolotherapy

For the last year and a half I have suffered from pain in my right elbow. During numerous visits to various doctor’s offices the diagnoses ranged from “forearm sprain” to the much dreaded “tennis elbow.” I tried rest, ice, heat, medications, creams, massages, elbow braces, soaks, ultrasound, months of physical therapy strengthening exercises, all to no avail: the pain persisted. One of the physicians I saw even told me “there is nothing else I can do for you; you will just have to learn to live with the pain.” I refused to believe that!

Stubborn as I am I inquired about other treatments and Prolotherapy was brought to my attention. I had never heard about this so I spent several weeks researching it. I learned that it is a series of injections of a dextrose solution applied to the source(s) of the pain. The solution acts as an irritant and promotes an inflammatory reaction by the body to heal hard-to-mend areas. Since ligaments and tendons receive poor blood supply the body sometimes needs a little kick, so to say, to repair injuries in certain areas. I learned that not many physicians know of nor perform this technique but was fortunate to find Dr. Patrick Lovegrove right here in Mt Pleasant.

From the moment I met and talked with Dr. Lovegrove, I knew I was in the right place. He is knowledgeable, patient, kind, and was as determined as I was to heal this stubborn injury to my elbow. He took the time to talk to me about the pain and carefully examine the exact origin areas. After it was established where the pain originated, by palpating all areas around my elbow, Dr Lovegrove injected the dextrose solution. It was painful but I was made to feel comfortable and Dr Lovegrove explained exactly what to expect during healing. It took several visits and sets of injections to get to all the sources of pain, one of them being deep in the annular ligament, but in the end, I am finally pain free after over a year and a half!

Dr. Lovegrove also recommended supplements, stretches and massage techniques to maintain the healing process of the elbow – new cartilage continues to grow and strengthen for 6 months. With these techniques, I am able to use my elbow, and enjoy my life, without continuing pain.

Prolotherapy works. It worked for me to heal my elbow. I have learned that there are a number of conditions that it can help, such as back pain, TMJ, misdiagnosed carpal tunnel syndrome, and even migraines to name a few. This community is fortunate to have a physician knowledgeable in the technique, Dr. Patrick Lovegrove, right here in Mt Pleasant. I am eternally grateful to him for not giving up and saving my elbow.

Finally, and what I find most appealing about Dr. Lovegrove’s approach, is the art of helping the body to heal itself. Our bodies are incredible, but we have forgotten this in this hectic world of fast food, fast fixes, and fast lives. When you come to Lovegrove Health Solutions, you will not just get a quick fix to an ailment, you will receive a personalized plan to promote holistic healing so that you will not need any quick fixes in the future. To me, this is invaluable! What about you?