Understanding the Cost of Ozone Therapy
As ozone therapy continues to increase in popularity across North America, many individuals are interested in learning more about this unique form of functional medicine. A common therapy in Europe, ozone therapy provides relief and treatment for a wide variety of chronic conditions. However, most patients assume that this form of functional medicine comes with a high price tag.
How much does ozone therapy cost? Ozone injections averages between $30 to $300 per session. Ozone administered intravenously, on the other hand, can range anywhere from $100 to over $1,000 per session. Many factors can influence the cost of ozone therapy including the way the ozone is administered, your geographical location, and the condition the ozone therapy intends to treat.
Unfortunately, due to the relative newness of ozone therapy to the United States, this type of functional medicine is not covered by health insurance. However, some functional medicine providers may offer payment plans to reduce the overall cost of ozone therapy.
In this post, we will discuss some of the basics surrounding ozone therapy, answering some of the most common questions. We will also discuss a few of the many benefits of ozone therapy. We hope this information proves to be educational as you pursue improved health and overall wellness.
What is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy is a functional medicine treatment evolving from the initial medical use of ozone gas in the early 1800s. A popular medical treatment through Europe since the early 1950s, ozone therapy has continued to grow in popularity across America for the past 25 years.
Ozone therapy is a general term referring to a number of treatments that utilize ozone gas in various forms. Ozone, a form of oxygen that is blue in color, contains three oxygen atoms instead of the two oxygen atoms found in regular oxygen. This additional oxygen atom provides ozone with its incredible medical properties, earning it the reputation of “supercharged” oxygen.
The ozone used in ozone therapy comes from a medical-grade ozone generator. It can be delivered to the body in a variety of ways including injections, intravenous therapies, and other formats.
Ozone therapy requires a high level of education and expertise. For this reason, it is important to receive ozone therapy from trained professionals. It is best to look for a functional medicine doctor or a holistic doctor that has been certified through Advanced Ozone Certifications as well as the American Academy of Ozone Therapy.
Conditions Treated By Ozone Therapy
There is an increasing number of health conditions that ozone therapy can treat. Some of the most common ailments that are relieved through this type of functional medicine include the following:
- Macular Degeneration
- Chronic Age-Related Conditions
- Auto-Immune Diseases
- Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Acute Wounds & Injuries
- Chronic Fatigue
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Pain
- Neurologic Disorders
These are, of course, just a few of the areas in which functional medicine practitioners have seen ozone therapy to be helpful. It is important to remember that each patient is unique and will have a unique response to this form of therapy. If you believe that ozone therapy could be beneficial to your condition or ailment, it is best to speak with a functional medicine practitioner in your area!
Types of Ozone Therapy
As mentioned previously, ozone therapy is administered in a variety of ways depending on the intent of the treatment. Perhaps the most common, and effective, form of ozone therapy is autohemotherapy. During this type of ozone therapy, the patient will first have a small amount of blood removed. This blood is injected with medical-grade ozone, resulting in ozonated blood. Finally, the ozonated blood returns to the body through an injection or IV.
This form of ozone therapy provides benefits for the entire body and can be used to treat a variety of systemic conditions or concerns.
For patients that desire a more localized effect, there are other forms of ozone therapy. A few other forms of ozone include ozonated IVs, ear insufflations, nasal insufflation, and rectal insufflations. When you meet with a functional medicine doctor to discuss ozone therapy, they will recommend the type of ozone therapy that would be best suited for your unique situation.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy
There are countless benefits to ozone therapy. Some of the most popular benefits of ozone therapy include the following:
Ozone Therapy Regulates the Immune System
Ozone is incredibly effective in regulating the immune system. This includes calming down an overactive immune system in the case of an autoimmune disease. However, it also includes stimulating the immune system to help fight a chronic infection or condition.
This unique attribute of ozone makes ozone therapy incredibly beneficial for patients suffering from a systemic condition that originates in the immune system such as an autoimmune disease, inflammation, or other concerns.
Ozone Therapy Improves Circulation
Ozone enhances the flow characteristics of blood allowing it to more effectively carry oxygen to the cells. Lack of circulation is the culprit in a number of inflammatory conditions. Additionally, an increase in circulation can expedite the healing of acute injuries and wounds throughout the body.
Because ozone improves circulation, ozone therapy is incredibly beneficial for patients suffering from poor circulation or inflammation. Some even believe that ozone therapy is an effective wrinkle treatment!
Ozone Therapy Improves Immune Defense
Ozone, more than any other type of therapy, increases antioxidant protection and immune defense. Patients with a chronic disease or condition often suffer from a deficit in this area, leading to additional health concerns and ailments.
How Quickly Does Ozone Therapy Work?
The speed at which patients will notice relief following ozone therapy will depend heavily on the condition they are experiencing. While some may notice relief following their first treatment, others may require several sessions of ozone therapy.
Ozone therapy, particularly autohemotherapy, has a cumulative effect. This means that patients continue to experience the relief and impact of ozone therapy through a number of sessions.
In some cases, functional medicine doctors combine ozone therapy with other services such as high-dose vitamins, or other forms of pain relief. This well-rounded approach is one of the key benefits of pursuing holistic medicine.
Who Can Receive Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy, like many other forms of healthcare, does come with a certain level of risk. For this reason, it is important to pursue this form of treatment through a fully-trained practitioner. In most cases, adults and adolescents are candidates for ozone therapy.
Finding an Experienced Ozone Therapy Practitioner
So, who offers ozone therapy? The best place to start when looking for an experienced ozone therapy practitioner is to contact your local holistic or functional medicine doctor. In some situations, chiropractors will offer ozone therapy as well.
Always be sure to ask the practitioner about their certification and training in ozone therapy. Not only will this minimize the risk associated with ozone therapy but will ensure that your treatment is effective and efficient. After all, since the cost of continued ozone therapy can be quite high, it is important to know you are getting your money’s worth.
Although many patients are hesitant to pursue ozone therapy because of the cost, this form of treatment can provide incredible results in just a few sessions! If you are unsure of the cost of ozone therapy, it is best to schedule a consultation with your local ozone therapy clinic. During this consultation, you can discuss your various health concerns, determining a plan towards relief.
Regardless of the cost, ozone therapy can be a great way to finally achieve the relief and overall wellness that you deserve!
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