Basically when vertebrae and discs become degenerated they lose height. This height loss causes a laxity of ligaments. Ligaments function asthe primary stabilizers of the joints and they connect bones to bones. Tendons provide support to a much less degree. Tendons primarily function to connect muscles to bones to provide purposeful movement. When the vertebrae and disc lose height this produces an effective laxity of the ligaments (See Illustration #13). Since ligament sare the primary stabilizers of the joints and they are lax when height is lost, instability, lack of endurance, aching and pain result. The bones and disc literally shake around causing friction. The friction causes a further wearing down of discs, cartilage and later even bone surfaces themselves. Wolf’s law states that bones respond to stress by making more bone. Therefore, arthritis spurring (spondylosis deformans) results as an attempt by the bone to stabilize the joint
Permanent Non-Surgical Stabilization of Degenerative Joints and Discs
An injection technique called reconstructive therapy (formerly known as proliferative therapy and sclerotherapy) has been shown to cause growth of cells and tissue to stabilize and strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons. The strength and anatomy realized is up to 40% over normal. A lax, unstable degenerated joint may have only 20% of its normal strength and structure. Normal strength and structure must be defined as 100%. Since reconstructive therapy is capable of strength and structure of 40% over normal (140%), reconstructions therefore may improve joint function over 100%.
How Does Reconstruction Therapy Work?
Rudolph Steiner, Hans Heinrich, Reckwig Hahnemann and many others recognize that inflammation is the body’s healing response. Inflammation has been studied in detail. It consists of a cascade of multiple biochemical events. These events are summarized as follows. (See Illustration #15).
In an injury or inflammation, blood or bleeding occurs in the traumatized area. White blood cells (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages) and platelets travel to the area. The injury releases irritants (kinins, cell membrane phospholipids) and other substances which cause activation of thewhite blood cells. They clear up the area by phagocytizing (eating) bacteria and other debris. In the process, the white blood cells and platelets release growth factors which cause three events of major importance. First, the growth factors causenew blood vessels to organize and form in the area. Second, the growth factors cause mitosis or cell division. Third, fibroblasts or healing cells become activated and lay down collagen or connective tissue. This rebuilds the traumatized inflamed area.
Reconstructive therapy involves the injection of biological irritants (in our case Calcium Gluconate or 50% dextrose) placed with a very fine slender needle at the precise areas which need to be tightened., stabilized and rebuilt. This starts the repair cascade as described. The injection solution is combined with a local anesthetic to provide some immediate relief.
Natural Regrowth of Joints
Today, Patient C. feels he is much stronger after receiving a special biological tendon, ligament and joint regenerative injection procedure at the McDonagh Medical Center. The injections gave his badly degenerated hips, back, knees and ankles increased stability. He is now walking a straight line and with a great deal less effort. He says it is great to be gaining health after 40 years of sliding backward. He has obtained an exercise bicycle to help strengthen his badly wasted calf and thigh muscles. He says he learned of the Clinic’s methods by reading literature of the National Health Federation.
These results were possible with a treatment method which causes a university proven regrowth of ligaments and tendons. Since ligaments and tendons encase joints, the joints themselves become 35% to 40% stronger with the technique. There is considerable evidence supporting similar results with cased including severe arthritis, other polio patients, spondylolisthesis (slippage condition of the spine), severe disc disease, failed orthopedic and neurosurgery, failed arthroscopic surgery, whiplash, migraines and many other sever cases even after years of disability. The patients improved ability to walk after years of crippling polio weakness which had developed into degenerative bone on bone arthritis was because he made repeat trips to Kansas City for theprocedure which stimulated his weakened joints toregrow weakened ligaments and tendons.
Injections of sodium morrhuate have been shown in scientific studies done by the University of Iowa to grow ligaments and tendons between 20% – 40% stronger than the tendons and ligaments injected with a non-active substance. The process produces a non-surgical tendon, ligament and joint reconstruction by taking advantage of the body’s own healing methods. Sodium morrhuate is a FDA approved substance which comes from cod liver fish-oil. By injecting into the area where the tendon or ligament attaches to the bone, controlled irritation causes fibroblasts (healing cells) to travel to the area and lay down connective tissue thus repairing the torn or relaxed area.
In arthritis, the ligaments, the main supporting fibers of the joints, become relaxed because the disc or cartilage has become worn thin or it has been ruptured which causes slack in the ligaments. The joints have become unstable and friction develops when they are used.
Bones respond to friction and stress by making more bone. This results in bony spurring arthritis. A normal weight bearing joint has discs or cartilage which acts as spacers to keep the ligaments tight;they also act as shock absorbers. Ligaments and tendons do not heal well on their own because of their lack of blood supply. The injection therapy works through the bodys own healing mechanism to rebuild the weakened ligaments, tendons and joints. The controlled irritation of the injection technique causes a dilation or widening of the vessels in the treated area and this aids the accumulation of the fibroblasts which produce the new protein tissue.
Persons that may benefit from the therapy frequently have one or more of the following symptoms or conditions.
Signs and Symptoms That May be Helped
Arthritis in any joint in the body
Any popping, grinding, clicking or snapping in a joint (all of these signs of joint loosening and instability)
Any joint which is only partially helped by osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments/manipulations (or when adjustments or manipulations help but don’t hold)
Manipulation frequently makes big improvements quickly. If prolonged manipulation is necessary this is an indication of joint instability and injection reconstructive therapy may be helpful.
Any musculoskeletal problem which hasfailed with surgery and other methods
Any condition which is helped by a brace, splint, crutch, walker, lift or wheelchair.
People that need these aids frequently have weakened or lax joints.
Deep aching which is alleviated some by constantly changing positions
Symptoms of decreased strength and endurance Increased pain with increased activity (swimming, biking and walking may be exceptions)
Various conditions such as osteoporosis with compression fractures, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and spinal defects such as scoliosis and spondylolisthesis (slipped spine).
Any joint which swells chronically may be acandidate for resolution with this therapy. Swelling may be an indication of chronic friction from instability.
Any joint, tendon, ligament, cartilage, for which cortisone, Indocin, Naflon, Clinoril, Feldene, Motrin or other antiinflammatory arugs has been used may respond to reconstructive joint injection therapy.
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears and temporal mandibular joint dysfunction may also respond to joint reconstruction injection therapy because joint, ligament, tendon, disc and cartilage weakening are involved.
Indications for, and Symptoms of, Someone Who May Benefit from Non-Surgical
Reconstructive Therapy Symptoms indicating aproblem that may be helped by
reconstructive therapy are:
Pain in any joint whichhas lasted for longer than 6 weeks
Any popping,snapping or cracking joint
Any joint, tendon orligament which has had surgery but is painful or weak
Anyone who must change positions every30 minute be- cause of deep aching pain
Anyjoint, tendon or ligament that is helped by a braceor support
Any joint, tendon or ligament thatswells after use
Anyone who has been placed on aspirin or arthritis medicine
Persons with shoulder pain or pain when sleeping on the shoulder
One who notices frequent joint dislocation
When a joint is generally worse with activity and better with rest (swimming and bike riding may be exceptions to this)
When osteopathic orchiropractic adjustments/manipulation help but don’t last
Shoulder pain when moving or lifting an arm
When muscle relaxants or arthritis medications failto resolve a problem within 6 weeks
When cortisone shots or nerve blocks have provided onlytemporary relief
Weakness and lack of enduranceof the arm and shoulder
When surgery has failedor as an alternative to surgery
When a shoulderor joint is helped by a sling, brace or splint
If aligament/tendon sprains and tears or arthritis has been diagnosed
If the shoulder pain can be described as deep aching or pulling. Other painsare possible
If there is shooting shoulder pain ortingling and numbness
Questions Indicating Reconstructive Therapy
1. Have you been advised by a physician to takeaspirin or an equivalent like Nalfon, Feldene, Clinoril, Naprosyn, Motrin or acortisone like medicine like Prednisone for joint, tendon or ligament problems?
2. Have you had joint, tendon or ligament pain orlack of endurance for longer than six weeks?
3. Do you get only temporary relief frommanipulation/adjustments or other body therapies such as rolfing massage, physical therapy, hot packs and others?
4. Have you been told you have arthritis, degenerative joint disease or worn cartilages or discs?
5. Have you had orthopedic or neurosurgery and still have pain?
6. Do you have a joint that slips out of place or buckles?
7. Does a splint or brace help the joint?
8. Do you have to change position of a joint every 30 minutes
Reconstructive Therapy Increases Structure and Strength
Harold Walmer, D. O. of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, practitioner and researcher of reconstruction therapy since 1952, noted George Hackett’s, M. D. animal studies with reconstructivetherapy. Dr. Walmer became interested in thelarger areas of attachment of ligament and tendons to the bone after reconstructive therapy. Under his direction two scientific studies at the University ofIowa repeated and expanded Dr. Hackett’s studies. The Iowa studies revealed up to a 40% increase inattachment strength over normal health tissue. Dr.Walmer extrapolates that this may be the reason patients have such marked responses to reconstruction therapy. If a patient has severe arthritis or injury, only 20% of normal strength and anatomy may be present. Since reconstruction therapy can increase structure and strength to 40%above normal, patient improvements of over 100%are possible.
How Long Does it Take to Reconstruct a Joint?
This varies upon a number of factors. Severity ofthe problems, amount of use and weight bearing, intestinal absorption and elimination, diet, mental attitude and over all health status are some of theelements which control the rate of reconstruction. In very general terms which may not apply to anindividual case, it takes from several months to a year or longer, working 2 to 4 times a month to obtain maximum regrowth of tendons, ligaments and joints. Long distance patients can also obtain success by working intensively, obtaining treatment when they can. Patients are advised that the treatment should be viewed as similar to building a home. Once the results are obtained, they are assets that are permanent. For quickest results, weekly treatments are done. Patients may work slower if they wish. Some long distance patients elect to work intensively for 1 day – 2 days or even a week or longer before returning home. They return as they can until they receive maximum benefits.
What are the Results of the Therapy?
Successful therapy results in a permanent strengthening of the treated area. As a result thepatient is usually able to return to activities which formerly they were unable to do.
Therapy Benefits
Each treatment session results in more and moretissue being laid down in the needed areas. As a result the joints continue to become stronger. The patient notes more endurance in that they can do more activities as well as activities they couldn’t do before. The main side effect of the treatment is less pain as the result of the joint being stabilized. Also, snapping, clicking and popping sounds go away. The patients can usually feel the joint becoming stronger with each treatment they receive. Results Are Permanent
Once a patient receives enough therapy to reconstruct the joint, tendon and/or ligament, the results are permanent. We have had patients who were involved in major auto accidents within 1 – 3 years after their joints had been reconstructed and the treated joints were found to remain strong even after their accidents. A positive outlook and persistence are necessary. One must be like a farmer growing a crop. He must work at it doing what is needed with enough repetition to regrow the tissues. To be complete this may take agrowing season or two. Once you’ve gotten yourresult there is no going backwards. You make headway and keep going from there. The Clinic doctors are very excited about the therapy and have had it themselves and have provided it to hundreds of patients. The therapy has been written up favorably in The Lancet, a well respected medical journal.
What Areas Can be Treated?
All joints can be treated. The treatment has alsobeen successful in cases of migraine headaches,carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain of almost all types, disc herniation, failed surgery, sciatica, arthritis, back fractures, unstable joints which slip out, heel spurs, tennis elbows, rotator cuff tears, knee and hip problems and temporal mandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), ankle dysfunctions, and other problems.
Failed Herniated Disc Surgery Successfully Treated
Patient S. C., is a 45 year old businessman referred to the clinic by his local doctor inBettendorf, Iowa. He had surgery for herniated disc three years earlier. He said his local doctor helped his back considerably, but he still lacked endurance and had pain down his right leg into his foot. X-ray and examination revealed weakness and instability of the lower back and the sacroiliac joint. His doctor continued to place him in balance with non-thrust adjustments and periodic non-surgical tendon, ligament and joint reconstructiontherapy treatments eventually leading to his full recovery. He could now do all of his activities and didnt have to stop to rest or change position or take pain pills as he did before. He states, I can really feel thereconstructive effects taking place in my low back. It’s altogether different.
Severe Shoulder Sprain Relieved
Patient R., a 25 year old warehouse worker, was placing some stock above his head when the load shifted and he felt a ripping in his right shoulder. He received x-rays and treatment for a sprain ofthe shoulder and was told nothing more could be done. His shoulder became so bad he couldn’t even take it out of the sling to feed himself. He sought out a skilled chiropractor who definitely helped him although he still wasn’t strong enough to return to work. After a number of months of pain and realizing he had to do something, he went to a doctor experienced in this therapy at his mothers urging. The doctor examined him and told him that his pulled ligaments and tendons needed strengthening. He took the recommended injections and received marked relief, improved strength and endurance. He was able to return to work. He said, My only regret is that I didn’t get the treatment earlier, when my mother told me about it. It could have saved me months of pain and lost income.
Knee Successfully Reconstructed After Four Failed Surgeries
Patient C. H., 28, stated that prior to seeking reconstructive therapy, he had been to 20 institutions for his right knee. The problem was aresult of multiple motorcycle falls he had taken while motor-cross racing as a teenager. Eventuallyhis knee became so loose it just hung over the side of the motor- cycle.
He had surgery to stabilize the knee. The first surgery was an open surgery to repair his ligaments and tendons. This operation helped some, but his knee was still painful and loose. He ended up getting three more surgeries. Still his knee would swell and cause pain. He’d have to walk on crutches because of pain. He had started his family and it bothered him that he couldn’t play with his children as other young fathers could. He received reconstructive therapy and after a few months he said, My knee is really strong now, Ieven play volleyball without pain or swelling. Before I heard about reconstructive therapy Ithought I was going to have to learn to live with pain and weakness.
Rotator Cuff Tear Resolved With Surgery
Patient R. is a fireman from Missouri. He has been a fireman for 35 years. Two years ago while using a heavy piece of equipment in a rescue, the equipment jammed causing a violent jerk to his left arm. He saw the fire department’s orthopedic surgeon who took x-rays and a CAT scan. The doctor ordered rest, physical therapy, ice treatments and medication. This didnt work. R.suffered daily pain and couldnt use the arm without increasing the pain. The fire department doctor said an x-ray with dye applied in the shoulder should be done. After going through the procedure, he was told he had a rotator cuff tear and the ONLY way to fix it was surgery. The fireman’s daughter, who was an experienced nurse, told him, Dad, don’t get surgery. I’ve seen so many people who have not gotten any better and many got worse.
He decided to get a second opinion at a medical school. The specialists there reviewed the x-rays and scans and took some more x-rays of a different type. After evaluation, the specialist told the fireman: You have a rotator cuff tear, the ONLY way you’ll get better is to have surgery. Remembering his daughter’s advice, he decided to check one more specialist. Following exam, x-rays and review of previous x-rays, he again heard he had a rotator cuff tear and must have the surgery. By this time he had suffered with the shoulder for over a year and he wasn’t working. He went ahead and scheduled the surgery.
Fortunately, prior to his surgery, a relative of his told him that there was a special technique for problems like his and she thought he should look into it. He scheduled an appoint- ment. The doctor examined him, his x-rays, and told him if his body had a good healing ability, he thought he would benefit from reconstruction therapy. He decided totry it.
After his first treatment he noted a marked improvement. Contrary to instructions, after his fourth treatment he was doing so much better he used a pick-ax to break up and repair his drive. This caused a set back. His doctor explained that many times after a patient starts feeling better they want to do too much too fast. Since reconstructive therapy is a building treatment, it takes a while for the new tissue to become fully strengthened,heavy work should be avoided until the area isstrengthened.
Reconstructive therapy’s main effect is strengthening of the area; the main side effect is less pain. Usually a patient notices loss or lessening of pain early in the treatment process. Nonetheless, it takes time to build new tissue and fully strengthen the area treated. The fireman resumed treatment and fully recovered. Illustrations #16 & 17 that follow, show how a shoulder can be reconstructed.
Reconstruction Therapy Successful as Alternative to Surgery
Patient L. D., came to the clinic with a diagnosis of herniated lumbar disc. Her examination findings revealed back pain, acute lumbar muscle spasms, loss of low back range of motion, absent Achilles reflex on the right and pain on straight leg raising at 45 degrees. These are all strong signs of herniated discs. She and her mother were orientedtoward biological medicine and did not wish surgical removal with its high risk of failure. After x-ray examination, it was decided that gentle manipulation and non-surgical tendon, ligament, and joint reconstruction therapy would beperformed. She had the therapies and made such dramatic progress she could soon return to work to finish her senior year of college at the University of Michigan. She said, “Gentle manipulation and reconstruction therapy did the trick for me. My life was coming apart by the seams and with just a few treatments, I could see things were going to be different.
In another case, Patient R. H. was scheduled for lumbar disc surgery the next morning. He had severe pain in the back and into his leg. Myelogram and CAT scans showed a bulging lumbar disc. He dreaded surgery. He knew several people from his industrial job who had had back surgery and they were just not the same. A friend of his told him about the alternatives offered at clinics doing reconstructive therapy. This is just what he was looking for and he called and made an appointment. He noticed that each time his back and leg were getting much better with non-surgical tendon, ligament and joint reconstruction therapy. In a short time his pain was considerably reduced and in three months he was able to go back to his job without any restrictions on his activities.
Double-Blind Human Study Demonstrates Reconstruction Success
In a study at the Sansun Medical Clinic of Santa Barbara, California led by Robert Klein, M.D., a rheumatologist and Thomas Dorman, M. D.,an internist, they conducted the most difficult task of a double blind human study in the most difficult cases of continuous low back pain patients whohave suffered for ten years or longer. They divided 81 patients who have had surgery, medications, manipulations/adjustments, exercise, physical therapy and other treatments which failed to provide adequate relief for 10 or more years.
One group was given manipulation and a reconstructive solution of dextrose, glycerine and phenol. The other group was given the same manipulations and normal saline injections. Great care was taken to insure that neither the patient nor the physicians knew which solution was injected. Both groups were given a total of sixsessions of treatment. The results were tabulated and then the code was broken. It was found that 88% of the group injected with the reconstructive solution had moderate to marked improvement.They reported their findings in the prestigious British medical journal, The Lancet on July 18,1987.
If This Therapy is So Good, Why Aren’t More Doctors Using It?
Specially trained doctors throughout North America, Europe, and New Zealand are using thistherapy. There are many reasons why there are not more doctors using it. First, this therapy is not taught in medical school. It is only taught in special post-graduate courses. Second, many doctors are too busy in their practices to take the time necessary to stop their practice and obtain thespecialized training. Dr. McDonagh learned of this treatment and took training because he received the treatment and experienced a very good result. Third, Many doctors have not been made aware ofthis therapy because the substances used are notpatented and therefore, large pharmaceuticalcompanies are not interested in marketing it todoctors because there is no profit in it for them. Pharmaceutical companies generally spend millions of dollars marketing drugs on which theyhave a patent.
Dr. McDonagh teaches M. D.’s & D. O’s the art of this therapy in seminars. He has presented a scientific paper showing the excellent results of reconstructive injection therapy, especially whencombined with EDTA Chelation therapy, inachieving very rapid pain relief and joint healingbefore the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopedic Surgeons in Las Vegas, Nevada inSeptember, 1991.
Synergism
Reconstructive injection therapy for abnormal spine or joint problems is uniquely effective inreturning these joints to normal, pain-free stability and function. A series of injection treatments isusually required, and healing is quickened whenpatients follow a healthful life-style and diet.
The combining of reconstructive injection therapy and EDTA chelation therapy, however, produces a powerful synergy, unseen heretofore. Results are quite impressive. The following case histories were so impressive that the patients wanted their stories told, and gave us signedreleases as well as affidavits attesting to the truth of the stories.
Joyce Wunder, Housewife, age 58
Diagnosis: 1. Diabetes, type II
2. Generalized atherosclerosis
3. Sever degenerative arthritis, rightknee, for 20 years
This lady could not stand more than 3 to 5 minutes due to severe right knee pain. She required a four-legged aluminum walker device to get about her house. Pain became constant four months prior to her first treatment here, and her ability towalk was drastically reduced. She could not attend church, shop for groceries, etc. Told by two specialists that her only way out of this problem was knee replacement surgery, she came to this clinic for EDTA chelation therapy for her diabetic vascular problems, in preparation for this surgery.
After beginning EDTA therapy she elected to add reconstructive joint injection therapy to her treatment regime. She was given multiple small injections of morrhuate sodium proliferating solution into the tendons and ligaments of the knee joint. After four treatments she discontinued use of the walker device and can walk, stand and shop allday long without pain or limitation She was givenno manipulation, physiotherapy, prescription drugs, physical restriction advice, or any other treatment.
Mr. Houston Haugo, age 48
Diagnosis: 1. Diabetes, type II
2. Peripheral vascular disease of bothlegs and feet
3. Frozen left foot and ankle
This gentleman, a banker, had broken his right ankle and foot in a skiing accident 6 years before.The bony fragments were surgically pinned and he has had no functional problems with this foot. The left foot, however, had no flexion, extension orlateral rotation, it was frozen. A 3 cm by 6 cmfusiform arthritic calcification was present along the superior medial aspect of this foot. The foot and ankle were cold to touch, and without sensation of pain and proprioception. He complained of left lower leg pain above the ankle.
He began EDTA chelation therapy for his diabetic vascular problems, but continued to complain about his left foot and ankle. He exhibited a pronounced limp when walking. He requested reconstructive injection therapy to his left foot and ankle, and this treatment was added to his program. Multiple injections of minute amounts of proliferating solution were given into the ligaments and tendons of the left foot and ankle. After thesecond treatment, warmth and sensation returned and functional movement was 70% to 75% normal. After the fourth treatment he had normal function, no pain, and could walk normally. He was given no physiotherapy, manipulation, prescription drugs, advice as to physical restriction, or any other treatments.
Mr. Dean Swansen, age 70
Diagnosis: 1. Atherosclerosis
2. Lumbar disc compression syndrome
3. Arthritic deterioration and instability of spine
This patient gives a history of multiple falls and injuries to his back and hips during his career as a farmer, resulting in spurring, arthritic deterioration, disc compression, and destabilization of the vertebral column. For the past three months prior to his first visit to this clinic, he could not sleep uninterrupted more than one hour due to recurring pain. If he attempted to lay on his left side, additional excruciating pain would radiate into his left side and down the left leg. He was treated with EDTA chelation therapy for his vascular occlusive disease. In addition he elected to add reconstructive joint injection therapy to his treatment program. After one treatment of multiple small amounts of proliferating solution into the tendons and ligaments of the dorsal and lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, he was pain free. He stated the next morning, Doc, I slept the whole night through! He was given no prescription drugs, manipulation, physiotherapy, physical restriction advice, or any other treatment
What is the Future for this Therapy?
The doctors at McDonagh Medical Center and others, are actively working to make others aware of this therapy and to constantly improve uponmethodology. It is encouraging to not that even severely disabled polio and muscular dystrophy patients have responded to this therapy. The Doctors have applied the therapy to traumatically paralyzed patients with improvements noted.
A Final Word
This treatment, in a step-wise progression,can rebuild the tendons, ligaments and joints of thebody. As a side effect, the pain is eliminated, strength and function returns, pain medication is eliminated and the patient can resume his life with no functional limitation. Costs rarelyexceed 10% to 15% of the surgical treatment approach. Reconstructive Injection Therapyrestores the strength as mother nature intended, and is permanent. Surgical joint replacement is rarely permanent, but needs to be repeated periodically. Many side effects, deterioration, infection, etc. are also seen with the surgical treatment. It would seem a wise choice to take thismore natural approach of Reconstructive Injection Therapy.
