Michael Cronin, N.M.D.

Michael Cronin, N.M.D.
Specialty: Prolotherapy &
Naturopathic Medicine

Years practicing: 27
Medical school: National College of Naturopathic Medicine

What inspired you to become a prolotherapy doctor?
I did my residency in physical medicine, and that included acupuncture and a hands-on approach to treating pain. Prolotherapy was a natural extension in that it had a more effective treatment for chronic joint injury and osteoarthritis. I had patients that had failed more conservative therapies so I learned more about prolotherapy. I had a desire to help people be active in terms of exercise and sports; pain is a very frequent cause of physical inactivity, poor sleep and depression, as well as weight gain.

What’s involved with prolotherapy?
We use platelet therapy. We draw a person’s blood, spin it to separate the platelets, then inject the platelets into the injured areas to stimulate a more aggressive healing response.

Do you feel naturopathic medicine is more effective than allopathic medicine?
Naturopathic medicine improves the healthy functioning of a body and has fewer side effects. It works with the underlying cause of injury and not just suppressing the pain.

What types of naturopathic treatments do you practice?
We do use a lot of natural anti-inflammatory, such as fish oil, as well as homeopathic medicines. On the anti-inflammatory diet we recommend avoiding foods that people are allergic to, which frequently includes dairy and the nightshade family of foods, to clean up the excess sugar intake.

How do you feel about the use of herbs for healing purposes?
We have an herbal pharmacy in our clinic. Plant medicines are safe, effective and alternatives to over-the-counter medicine. They reduce inflammation and enhance tissue healing.