Prolozone Therapy is a regenerative injection technique developed by Dr. Frank Shallenberger that delivers a precise blend of ozone gas, vitamins, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds directly into painful joints, tendons, discs, or soft tissues. The name combines 'prolo' — short for proliferative — with 'ozone,' reflecting the therapy's goal of stimulating the body's own repair processes rather than just masking pain. It is practiced by integrative and naturopathic physicians and is used for musculoskeletal conditions that have been resistant to physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.

When ozone is injected into damaged tissue, it triggers a controlled, localized oxidative signal that prompts cells to ramp up their natural healing and energy production. This boost in cellular activity helps restore the oxygen supply to oxygen-starved (hypoxic) tissues — a key reason why injuries become chronic in the first place. The accompanying nutrients and homeopathic agents reduce inflammation and support connective tissue rebuilding, making the environment far more favorable for lasting repair.

Prolozone is delivered entirely by injection and is tailored to the body part being treated. Knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, and ankle joints receive intra-articular injections. Spinal discs and nerve roots can receive epidural or intradiscal injections. Tendons and ligament attachments receive periarticular injections, and trigger points in muscles can also be treated. The injection protocol, volume, and ozone concentration are individualized by the treating physician.

• Chronic knee pain and osteoarthritis
• Low back pain and disc herniation
• Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
• Hip pain and osteoarthritis
• Neck pain and cervical disc problems
• Tendinopathy and tendon injuries
• Ligament laxity and sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Carpal tunnel and wrist pain
• Fibromyalgia and widespread musculoskeletal pain

• Progression of joint degeneration in early-to-moderate osteoarthritis when used as part of a comprehensive joint health program
• Repeat musculoskeletal injury in areas of ligament laxity by restoring structural stability

Prolozone is an injectable therapy and cannot be obtained through food. However, several dietary strategies directly support the tissue repair and ozone-response pathways this treatment targets. Prioritize vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, bell peppers, strawberries) because vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis — the same process prolozone aims to stimulate. Sulfur-rich foods like eggs, onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables support connective tissue crosslinking and have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) and walnuts help reduce the chronic joint inflammation that prolozone works to resolve. Bone broth provides glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — the amino acid building blocks of collagen and cartilage. Antioxidant-rich foods (berries, dark leafy greens, beets) help the body manage the mild oxidative signals that ozone therapy relies on without tipping into harmful oxidative stress. Avoid ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and vegetable oils high in omega-6 fats, as these promote the chronic inflammation that slows tissue repair.

• Temporary soreness, aching, or swelling at the injection site (very common, usually resolves within 24–72 hours)
• Mild bruising at the injection site
• Temporary flare of the treated pain (can occur in the first 1–2 days and is often considered part of the healing response)
• Skin redness or warmth around the injection site
• Lightheadedness or vasovagal response during the injection (uncommon)
• Headache, particularly after cervical or spinal injections (uncommon)
• Infection at the injection site (rare with proper sterile technique)
• Nerve irritation or temporary worsening of radiating symptoms after spinal injections (rare)
• Pneumothorax risk with thoracic injections if improperly placed (rare, technique-dependent)

• Recommended daily: Typically 1 injection session per affected area every 2–4 weeks; each session involves 1–5 mL of ozone-nutrient solution per injection site at an ozone concentration of 10–40 mcg/mL, titrated by the provider to the tissue and patient tolerance.
• Best time of day: Sessions are performed in a clinical setting at whatever time is scheduled with your provider; no time-of-day restriction applies.
• With or without food: Eating a light meal before treatment is recommended to reduce the risk of lightheadedness or vasovagal response during the injection.
• Time to effect: Initial improvement is often noticed within the first 24–72 hours after the first or second session; meaningful functional improvement typically builds over a course of 3–6 sessions spanning 2–4 months.
• How long to take it: A standard initial course is 4–6 sessions. Many patients achieve durable results and require no further treatment or only occasional maintenance injections (every 6–12 months). The need for additional sessions is reassessed based on symptom response after each treatment.