Ozone is used in a similar injectable method to prolotherapy called prolozone treatment. In comparison to conventional prolotherapy, the joint heals substantially more quickly when ozone is used. This is due to the fact that ozone, a highly reactive chemical, may induce fibroblastic joint healing when injected into a joint capsule.
From the American Academy of Ozonotherapy website:
Dr. Frank Shallenberger invented and popularised the homeopathic/oxygen-ozone injection method known as Prolozone®. It works well for many types of musculoskeletal and joint pain, including degenerative discs, shoulder and elbow discomfort, rotator cuff injuries, degenerative and arthritic hips and knees, and chronic neck and back pain. Prolozone frequently corrects the pathophysiology of the illness, which increases the likelihood that a chronic pain patient may get lasting pain relief by 75%.
A long-term remedy for chronic pain, prolozone is a type of non-surgical ligament restoration. Prolozone is a connective tissue injection therapy that uses ozone gas and collagen-producing agents to rebuild weaker or injured connective tissue in and around joints. To repair the injured regions, these compounds are injected into the damaged connective tissue in and around a joint.
All that is required to end chronic pain is the restoration of the connective tissue.
Ozone is used in Prolozone Therapy, an injectable method comparable to Prolotherapy. In comparison to conventional Prolotherapy, the joint heals substantially more quickly when ozone is used. This is due to the fact that ozone, a highly reactive chemical, may boost the fibroblasts’ capacity for joint healing when injected into a joint capsule.
The Latin word “proli” (which means to regenerate or re-build) and the English word “ozone” are the roots of the term “prolozone.” Literally, it implies using ozone to rebuild tissues. It’s critical to comprehend what Prolozone genuinely entails. Because the procedure results in the proliferation (growth, production) of new ligament tissue in regions where it has weakened, the term “prolo” is short for “proliferation”.
Ligaments serve as the body’s shock absorbers by holding bones to one another in joints. They are structural “rubber bands” that do this. Ligaments may not recover to their former strength or endurance if they are damaged or weaken. Additionally, once wounded, ligaments won’t naturally contract to their previous length. This is partly due to the inadequate blood supply to ligaments, which causes sluggish and occasionally incomplete recovery. The fact that ligaments contain a lot of nerve endings adds to the difficulty since pain will be felt where the ligaments are injured or come free.
Our joints can be compared to a door’s hinge. The door simply won’t open or close properly until the hinge is replaced, and our joints are no different. There is some progressive and natural degeneration of the body’s moving components, whether we are athletic or just becoming older, as a result of continual, repeated mechanical stress and tissues’ inability to heal. This may result from nutrient deficiency, poor circulation, ageing, and inflammation. The ligaments, tendons, and cartilage weaken and dry as a result. As a result, the joint becomes more loose and experiences increased anomalous mechanical stress and shearing forces. Torsion and abnormal shearing forces exacerbate joint dysfunction. As a result, the ligaments gradually separate from the periosteum, the outermost layer of the bone. The body fills the gap left by the pushing on the periosteum with new bone. Osteophytes are the name for these fresh bone growths. The first indications of degenerative arthritis in & around the joint are these. Reduced range of motion due to osteophytes and joint laxity puts tension on neighbouring muscles, which are then either over or underused, leading to further dysfunction and discomfort.
What does the Ozone do?
By enhancing the use of oxygen, ozone promotes circulation and boosts energy generation in cells. So that stem cells and blast cells have the resources they require to divide and proliferate, it decomposes into peroxides, which have been demonstrated to induce growth factors. Tissues can mend when circulation and cell membrane stability increase.
Ligaments, partly torn connective tissue, and slack structures are all repaired and tightened by plasmozone. Prolozone breaks the cycle of pain and inflammation. This enables the injured tissues to be hydrated and fed through an increase in blood flow and improved circulation. This leads to an improved range of motion and less discomfort by enabling the development of a healing environment within the joint.
Prolozone functions by supplying oxygen that produces energy to the deepest regions of your joint. Ozone, which I refer to as the miracle healer, works its wonders here. Cellular growth factors like Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-B) are strongly stimulated by ozone. This potent cytokine stimulates cartilage cells to create the matrix proteins required by the body to produce the white material that makes up cartilage.
TGF-B enhances the organization of matrix proteins. It shields the cartilage’s outside surface. It controls the action of enzymes that break down other proteins and substances linked to inflammation. That’s a one-two-three healing punch. Ozone injections in or near joints promote tissue regeneration, the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes, and a reduction in inflammation. Can your cartilage really regenerate with this? It does repair cartilage, as shown by post-treatment knee X-rays that clearly demonstrate a rise in cartilage thickness.
The membranes of the cells that ozone comes into touch with respond nearly quickly. The membrane’s oxidation kick-starts the cells. Ozone has a strong effect on immune cells. They will release a wave of cytokines, which are potent molecules that promote healing. These are the incredibly brief proteins that immune cells communicate with one another. In addition to offering defense against infection, immune cells help clear away waste and control inflammation.
What is the difference between Prolozone vs Prolotherapy?
Prolozone promotes healing by using oxygen.
Prolotherapy causes fibroblast hypertrophy and growth (which strengthens ligaments) by using inflammation.
People who use prolozone may have very little to no discomfort and quicker pain relief. It operates swiftly, which makes it less costly.
Prolotherapy can cause discomfort and prolong the healing process.
According to preliminary findings, prolozone is capable of repairing damaged knee and hip cartilage.
Lax ligaments and tendons can benefit from prolotherapy. (Prolozone might also be useful for this)