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Integrative Orthopedics  

Naturopathic, Non-Surgical Options for Joint & Soft-Tissue Pain

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Chronic joint, tendon, or ligament pain can limit your ability to do the things you love — whether that’s staying active, exercising, working, or simply moving comfortably through daily life. While orthopedic surgery can sometimes be necessary, many people want to explore less invasive options first.

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At Synergy, we offer an integrative orthopedics approach focused on supporting the body’s natural healing potential. Using targeted injection therapies — Prolotherapy, Prolozone Therapy, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) — along with nutritional and supplement support, we aim to reduce pain, address inflammation, and improve joint stability without surgery.

This approach is especially suited for people who want effective, naturopathic options before considering surgical intervention, or who hope to improve function and quality of life while delaying or avoiding surgery when possible.

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A Practitioner Who Understands Injury — Personally

Dr. Jennifer Wicher, ND, is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in Monrovia, California, with both professional and personal experience in musculoskeletal care. As a lifelong athlete, Dr. Wicher understands firsthand how joint, tendon, and ligament injuries can affect not only physical performance, but also confidence, consistency, and overall quality of life.

This personal background strongly influences her clinical philosophy. Rather than focusing solely on managing symptoms, Dr. Wicher emphasizes supporting tissue healing, restoring joint stability, and addressing inflammation from a whole-person, naturopathic perspective. Her goal is to help patients return to movement as safely and comfortably as possible — while exploring conservative, non-surgical options whenever appropriate.

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Prolotherapy

What Is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy (short for proliferation therapy) is a non-surgical injection therapy designed to support healing in ligaments, tendons, and joint-supporting structures. The treatment involves injecting a natural solution — most commonly a concentrated dextrose (sugar) solution — into targeted areas where tissues are injured, weakened, or unstable.

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How Prolotherapy May Help

The injection is intended to trigger a mild, controlled healing response that may:

  • Increase blood flow to under-healed tissue

  • Stimulate collagen production

  • Strengthen ligaments and tendons over time

  • Improve joint stability

  • Reduce chronic pain related to soft-tissue weakness or degeneration

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Prolotherapy is typically performed as a series of treatments, allowing the body time to respond and rebuild tissue.

Common Uses

  • Knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle pain

  • Ligament laxity or chronic sprains

  • Tendonitis or tendinosis

  • Degenerative joint pain or early arthritis

  • Back or neck pain related to ligament weakness

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Prolozone Therapy

What Is Prolozone Therapy?

Prolozone Therapy builds on prolotherapy principles by incorporating medical-grade ozone, a highly active form of oxygen. Ozone may be injected into joints or surrounding soft tissues, sometimes alongside supportive nutrients, to create an environment that encourages healing.

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How Prolozone Therapy Works

Many chronic orthopedic conditions occur in tissues with poor circulation and low oxygen delivery. Prolozone Therapy aims to address this by:

  • Enhancing oxygen utilization at the cellular level

  • Supporting circulation to damaged or degenerated tissue

  • Helping reduce inflammation

  • Promoting improved joint comfort and mobility

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Some patients report quicker symptomatic improvement than with prolotherapy alone, although outcomes depend on the individual and the condition being treated.

Conditions Often Addressed

  • Arthritis and degenerative joint changes

  • Chronic joint pain (knees, hips, shoulders, spine)

  • Sports injuries and overuse injuries

  • Tendon or ligament injuries

  • Neck and back pain related to degenerative conditions

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PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections

What Is PRP?

PRP therapy uses the body’s own healing components. A small amount of blood is drawn and processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors, then injected into the affected joint or soft tissue.  Platelets play a key role in tissue repair and naturally release growth factors that support regeneration and healing.

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When PRP May Be Used

PRP may be appropriate for conditions involving more advanced tissue damage, such as:

  • Moderate to advanced osteoarthritis

  • Chronic tendon or ligament injuries

  • Partial tears

  • Cartilage degeneration

  • Injuries that have not improved with other conservative treatments

Because PRP uses your own blood, it is considered minimally invasive and does not involve foreign or implanted material.

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Integrative Orthopedics: A Whole-Body Approach

From a naturopathic perspective, injection therapies are most effective when combined with nutritional and lifestyle support. Chronic pain and degeneration are influenced by systemic inflammation, nutrient status, circulation, and overall metabolic health.

Your individualized care plan may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory dietary guidance

  • Targeted supplements to support connective tissue and joint health

  • Strategies to optimize circulation and recovery

  • Guidance on safe activity and movement

This integrative approach is designed to support long-term joint function — not just short-term pain relief.

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Is Integrative Orthopedics Right for You?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Want non-surgical options for joint or soft-tissue pain

  • Have chronic injuries that haven’t fully responded to rest or physical therapy

  • Are trying to delay or avoid orthopedic surgery

  • Prefer a naturopathic, whole-person approach

  • Want minimally invasive treatments with realistic recovery expectations

Because every condition and person is different, determining the right approach starts with a conversation.

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Free 10-Minute Phone Consultation

To help you explore your options, Dr. Jennifer Wicher offers a free 10-minute phone consultation to discuss your specific condition, answer questions, and determine whether integrative orthopedic therapies such as prolotherapy, prolozone therapy, or PRP may be appropriate for you.

This brief call allows you to:

  • Share your symptoms and health history

  • Ask questions about treatment options

  • Understand potential next steps before committing to care

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📞 To schedule your free 10-minute phone consultation, please call our office.
Our team will be happy to assist you and find a convenient time to connect.

 

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