Ozone Joint Therapy (OJT) is a non-surgical reconstructive treatment for ligament and joint damage pioneered by Dr. Frank Shallenberger, the “father” of Medical Ozone in North America. It is a powerful treatment for several forms of musculoskeletal and joint pain, including chronic neck and back pain, degenerative and arthritic areas of the body, degenerated discs, and shoulder and elbow pain, to name a few. According to the American Academy of Ozonotherapy, because OJT therapy actually corrects the pathology of the disorder there is a 75% success rate, in which the chronic pain sufferer is able to become completely pain free.

Some injuries are able to heal faster than others because they have more adequate blood flow to the affected area. This allows healing factors and nutrients to better saturate the site of injury and repair the region. Injuries can be acute, or develop gradually from the natural degeneration of the moving parts of the body due to ongoing mechanical stress, and failures of tissue to repair. When there is poor blood circulation this can lead to decreased oxygen, nutrients, and healing factors reaching the site of injury, which causes impaired healing and a buildup of lactic acid. Increased lactic acid contained within injured tissue results in inflammation and pain. Poor circulation, limited oxygen, decreased supply of nutrients and healing factors, and a buildup of lactic acid around an affected area can make it very difficult for the immune system to effectively repair and heal. A pain-inflammation cycle is triggered which leads to further degeneration of the area and chronic pain. This problem can often be reversed permanently with Prolozone Injection Therapy.

This injection therapy works through three primary mechanisms. The first is that the introduction of oxygen facilitates the healing of damaged tissues. The second mechanism is due to Ozone’s unique molecular structure and reactivity which we have previously discussed. Ozone acts as a therapeutic oxidant which immediately improves oxygen uptake in the damaged tissue, stimulates growth factors for injury regeneration, and neutralizes damaging free radicals. Thirdly, the introduction of injected anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, and minerals improves blood flow to the affected area and reduces inflammation. This promotes better healing and the regeneration of damaged tissues. So, each component of Prolozone Therapy has a specific biological purpose. Procaine acts to re-establish cellular membrane potentials. Anti-inflammatory substances decrease edema and swelling. The use of vitamins and minerals provide necessary substrates for oxygen utilization, which in damaged tissues are usually deficient. And finally, oxygen uptake is directly stimulated by Ozone.

Prolozone injections should take place in a clinical setting by a trained medical professional. Generally, the doctor combines a precise mixture of ozone, procaine, anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamins, and minerals into a syringe and slowly injects this into the affected area with a needle. The mixture is able to quickly saturate the injured area, reduce pain, and begin to facilitate healing. The procedure is quite painless, asides from the initial poke of the needle, and is extremely safe. Other than the rare possibility of an allergic reaction to one of the liquid components, there are no contraindications to its use.

Quite often a degenerated or injured joint/area will take a series of 3-5 injections over 8-10 weeks to see significant healing. One can generally expect a 15%-25% improvement with each local injection. This being said, every patient’s body and healing response is unique. Some may require fewer or more injections depending on their specific condition and how they respond to treatment. It is not uncommon for an individual to notice dramatic results after a single Prolozone injection. Sometimes it is recommended that, both during and following treatment, patients undergo rehabilitative practices with a physiotherapist to correct any weaknesses that may have developed in the affected area.

• TMJ • Tennis Elbow • Sports Injuries • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Chronic Back pain • Chronic Neck Pain • Degenerated Discs • Degenerative & Arthritic Ankles • Degenerative & Arthritic Hips • Degenerative & Arthritic Knees • Dental Infections • Heel Spurs • Neuromas • Non-Union Fractures • Painful Scars • Pelvic Disorders • Plantar Fasciitis • Post-op Pain • Rotator Cuff Injuries • Sciatica • Sinus Infections