What diseases is ozone therapy primarily used to treat?

Ozone therapy—also known as tri-oxygen therapy—involves dissolving ozone gas into physiological saline for intravenous injection. Alternatively, ozone may be administered directly into the rectum, skin, or vagina. So, what conditions is ozone therapy primarily used to treat? Below, we provide a detailed explanation.

Primary Indications for Ozone Therapy

Ozone therapy is mainly employed in orthopedics—for example, to treat osteoarthritis and lumbar disc herniation—as well as acute and chronic soft-tissue injuries, often yielding excellent therapeutic outcomes. Beyond orthopedic conditions, ozone therapy is also applied in neurology, including post-stroke sequelae (e.g., after cerebral infarction or intracerebral hemorrhage) and post-herpetic neuralgia, with notably favorable results. Ozone treatment devices feature high efficiency, rapid action, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effectively eliminating bacterial vegetative cells, bacterial spores, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms. However, strict adherence to indications and contraindications is essential before initiating ozone therapy to prevent adverse effects from inappropriate use. Clinical response must be closely monitored throughout treatment to allow timely adjustment of the therapeutic regimen. During therapy, patients should ensure adequate rest and avoid excessive physical exertion. Diet should be light and bland; consumption of raw, cold, spicy, or otherwise irritating foods should be avoided.

Knowledge Expansion: Common Methods of Ozone Administration

1. Bagging Technique

Prior to treatment, the distal limb is moistened with distilled water or physiological saline and then sealed within a specialized ozone-resistant bag. Medical-grade ozone gas is introduced into the bag via tubing until fully inflated; excess gas is subsequently recirculated through the ozone generator for purification and reuse. Treatment duration typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.

2. Major Autohemotherapy (MAHT)

Approximately 100 mL of venous blood is drawn into an anticoagulant-containing, sterile blood bag. An equal volume of medical ozone–oxygen mixture is then injected into the bag. The blood–ozone mixture is gently agitated clockwise for 3–5 minutes to ensure thorough oxygenation and ozonation, after which the treated blood is reinfused into the patient. Typically, treatments are performed every other day, with 10–15 sessions constituting one full course.

3. Intra-Articular Injection

Intra-articular ozone injection involves ultrasound- or fluoroscopy-guided joint puncture, followed by injection of ozone at varying concentrations directly into the affected joint space, tailored to the patient’s specific condition. Typically, 5–20 mL of therapeutic-concentration ozone is injected into periarticular tissues and the anterior-medial aspect of the joint.

4. Rectal Insufflation

A volume of 50–500 mL of medical-grade ozone gas is delivered into the rectum via a dedicated insufflation device. Treatment duration is 5–10 minutes. Prior to administration, patients undergo bowel cleansing (enema). This modality helps restore metabolic balance and may be combined synergistically with other ozone therapies such as major autohemotherapy.

The above outlines the principal clinical applications of ozone therapy. We hope this information proves helpful to you.