Prolozone Therapy Injection

---

Prolozone Therapy is an injection-based regenerative treatment that combines principles of prolotherapy with medical ozone. It was developed by Dr. Frank Shallenberger and is used to support the healing of ligaments, tendons, and joint structures involved in chronic musculoskeletal pain.

This therapy is commonly used for conditions such as:

• Chronic neck and low back pain
• Degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis
• Shoulder, rotator cuff, and elbow injuries
• Hip and knee pain
• Disc-related pain
• Plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome

How Prolozone Works

Prolozone therapy involves injecting a precise oxygen–ozone mixture into or around injured joints, ligaments, or connective tissues. Ozone is a highly reactive form of oxygen that, when applied locally, may stimulate cellular signaling pathways involved in tissue repair, collagen formation, and improved local oxygen utilization.

Compared with traditional prolotherapy, ozone is thought to accelerate the healing response by enhancing fibroblast activity and local metabolic processes. The goal is to support the body’s natural repair mechanisms rather than simply suppress symptoms.

Treatment Schedule

A typical treatment plan consists of:

• One injection session per week
• A series of approximately 3 sessions, depending on the condition and patient response

Some patients may require additional treatments based on severity, chronicity, and individual healing response.

What to Expect After Treatment

• Mild soreness or achiness at the injection site is common for 24–48 hours
• Healing and symptom improvement often begin after this initial inflammatory phase
• Many patients experience progressive improvement over weeks

While tissue repair can be long-lasting, results vary by individual, underlying condition, biomechanics, and lifestyle factors.

Prolozone vs. Cortisone Injections

• Cortisone injections primarily reduce inflammation and pain temporarily but do not promote tissue repair
• Prolozone therapy aims to support connective tissue healing and joint stability, potentially leading to longer-lasting improvement without suppressing the body’s repair processes

History and Safety

Medical oxygen–ozone injection therapy has been used in Europe since the 1950s, particularly for spine and joint-related pain. Published medical literature describes ozone injection therapy as minimally invasive and generally well tolerated when properly administered.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Prolozone therapy may be appropriate for patients who:

• Have chronic joint, ligament, or tendon pain lasting >3 months
• Have degenerative or overuse-related musculoskeletal conditions
• Have not achieved sufficient relief with physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections
• Wish to avoid or delay surgery
• Are generally healthy enough to undergo injection-based procedures

A medical evaluation is required to determine whether Prolozone is appropriate for your condition and anatomy.

Is It Safe?

When performed by trained medical professionals, Prolozone therapy is generally well tolerated. Ozone has been used medically for decades in Europe and other parts of the world. Common side effects are mild and temporary and may include localized soreness, stiffness, or swelling for 24–48 hours. Serious complications are rare when proper technique and dosing are used.