Mistletoe Injection Therapy for Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic disease in Canada, affecting around 6 million Canadians (1 in 5 adults). While the prevalence of OA rises with age, it is not an ‘old person’s disease’ as once thought, nearly one-third of people with OA were diagnosed before the age 45. The onset is gradual and it most often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the hands, hips, knees, and spine. Pain is the main symptom of OA, which usually worsens with exercise and is relieved by rest. Morning stiffness is also common and is diminished with movement. As osteoarthritis progresses, joint range of motion is reduced, and tenderness, as well as grating sensations, may develop. For many, osteoarthritis can lead to disability, poor mental and physical health, and reduced quality of life. Working-aged Canadians with arthritis are twice as likely to report not being in the workforce compared to those without arthritis (52% vs. 25%).

Mistletoe injection therapy is a natural, fast-acting, and safe therapy, which has been used for Osteoarthritis since the 1920s. Mistletoe therapy has proven its superiority over other treatments because it supports the body’s natural self-healing processes. Mistletoe has been shown to provide sustained pain relief and improve mobility, even when compared with pharmaceutical medication.

What are the Benefits of Mistletoe injection therapy?

• Relieves pain
• Improves mobility
• Fast acting
• No interaction with medications

How does Mistletoe injection therapy work?

It is a stimulatory therapy that gently promotes the inflammatory cascade and the body’s healing processes. It improves circulation to the joint area, which supports collagen synthesis and normalizes the structure of the extracellular matrix. Mistletoe has an analgesic effect as well, as it selectively inhibits COX-2, an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain.

What should I feel?

The therapy includes small superficial injections in the skin around the painful joint, using thin insulin needles. You may have mild swelling, some redness or itching at the injection site. This is a positive reaction and shows that you are activating the local immune system. This reaction will go away after a few days. Fever is rare, but may occur and does not affect the impact of the treatment. There are no long-term side effects.