In the spring of my 4th year of medical school, I was fortunate enough to schedule an elective rotation in Prolotherapy with Dr. Ross Hauser, M.D., of Caring Medical and Rehabilitative Services in Oak Park, IL. Having nearly completed the traditional medical school requirements, I was excited to finally have the opportunity to explore patient care in an alternative environment. My goal was to learn about pain management, the struggles that pain patients are faced with each day, and what treatments have worked well for them, and helped them get back on their feet.

Within the first two days of my rotation, I was blown away by so many stories of recovery from chronic pain that were shared with me by the patients. I recall a conversation with a young man who described to me how he came to Caring Medical in such pain that he was bound to a wheel chair, and each day was consumed with seeking relief from this pain which he sustained following a traumatic fall. Several months later, this gentleman walked comfortably into the clinic for what he suspected would be the last treatment he would require on his lower back, which was 95% improved and no longer keeping him home from work. In 2 years of rotations, I had never encountered such a patient, and I had never heard of such a remarkable recovery. This encounter in particular peaked my interest, so like all good students; I felt the urge to do some reading.

My text for this rotation: “Prolo Your Pain Away” by Dr. Ross Hauser. This was not the typical textbook for a medical rotation; it was far too light (most of my books weigh over 6 pounds!), and the reading was easily understandable and written with a personal touch. The conclusions were presented clearly in a way that is meaningful to the lay person or the medical specialist. The book explained everything I needed to know about this treatment modality, and I grew eager to learn the hands-on side of Prolotherapy.

Dr. Hauser is an excellent teacher. He carefully described and labeled anatomical landmarks for me, and as I steadied my hand to administer my first Prolotherapy injection, I took solace in his presence, and the knowledge that Prolotherapy is a very safe procedure. Prior to this experience, I had given perhaps only one or two shots to very unhappy babies in a Pediatrics clinic. When I was done, I had given over 1,000 injections, and hopefully played a part in the recovery of over 10 patients.

My time at Caring Medical went by in a flash, and I want to share with you the concept that impressed me the most. Caring Medical does patient care better than anywhere else I’ve seen. Each patient has an entire care team that is well trained, knowledgeable, personable and dedicated to helping you Prolo your pain away. As a patient, you are made to feel welcome by the reception staff. On your first visit, you are given a tour of the clinic and the opportunity to have questions answered by the administrative staff. Next, one of the medical assistants will take a detailed history and get to know you and what you hope to gain from Prolotherapy. Lastly, Dr. Hauser will administer your Prolotherapy. Dr. Hauser does Prolotherapy every day. He has researched it, read about it, written about it and refined his technique under the guidance of the world’s foremost prolotherapists. As a student and patient, there is no one else in the world I would want to administer my treatment. After your treatment, the medical assistants will apply heat to the treated area, and keep you company as you prepare to wind down your visit.

If you have tried other treatments and been frustrated with poor results, and wasted time and money, I would suggest you read about and consider treating your pain with Prolotherapy. Pain stands little chance against you and your patient-centered team at Caring Medical.

Patrick Hobbins, MS-IV


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