Prolozone vs PRP, what’s the difference?
PRP injects platelets concentrated from your own blood, delivering growth factors into the treated tissue. Prolozone injects an oxygen-ozone mixture with nutrients and a local anaesthetic, aiming to reduce inflammation and improve the local oxygen environment. PRP requires a blood draw and costs more per injection but has the stronger published evidence base. Prolozone is less expensive, involves no blood draw, and is typically done as a longer series.
The practical differences at the visit
PRP begins with a blood draw and a spin in a centrifuge, which adds time to the appointment. Prolozone does not require a draw, so visits are shorter. Both involve numbing the area first, and both commonly produce a day or two of soreness afterwards.
PRP is more often a single injection or a short series; Prolozone is more often a longer series spaced one to two weeks apart.
Where each tends to be considered
PRP is often the first consideration for tendinopathy and for mild to moderate joint arthritis, where its evidence base is strongest. Prolozone is frequently considered for ligament laxity, joint instability, and chronic pain where inflammation appears to be a significant driver, and where cost is a meaningful factor.
They are not mutually exclusive — some treatment plans use both for different structures or at different stages.
Being straight about the evidence gap
PRP has substantially more published research behind it than Prolozone does, particularly for knee osteoarthritis and several tendinopathies. Prolozone is used widely in practice with patients frequently reporting benefit, but it is not FDA-approved to treat any condition and the formal evidence is thinner.
That difference should factor into your decision alongside cost and convenience, rather than being left out of the conversation.
More about Prolozone Injection Therapy
Work out which one your tissue needs
Book a consultation with our Folsom naturopathic team to review your condition and decide between the two honestly.
Bring recent lab work if you have it — we’ll review it with you.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It compares two therapies in general terms and does not claim or imply any outcome for any individual. Prolozone is not FDA-approved to cure, treat, or prevent any disease. PRP use for orthopedic conditions is generally off-label. Which option is appropriate for you can only be determined after an in-person evaluation with a licensed provider.