Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber or room. The fundamental principle behind HBOT is to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream and delivered to tissues throughout the body. Here's how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works:

Pressurization: During HBOT, the patient enters a specially designed chamber that can be pressurized. The pressure is typically increased to levels higher than atmospheric pressure (sea level pressure) and is measured in atmospheres absolute (ATA).

Increased Oxygen Levels in Blood: Breathing pure oxygen at increased pressure leads to a significant increase in the amount of oxygen that can be dissolved in the bloodstream. This occurs because the concentration of oxygen in the lungs and blood is directly proportional to the pressure of oxygen in the environment.

Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: With elevated levels of dissolved oxygen in the blood, oxygen is transported more efficiently to tissues, even to areas with restricted blood flow. This can be especially beneficial for areas with compromised circulation, such as those affected by wounds or tissue damage.

Promoting Healing: HBOT is believed to promote various healing processes in the body. It can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and improve tissue oxygenation. These effects can help in wound healing, tissue repair, and recovery from certain medical conditions.

HBOT is successful in treating wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, gangrene, burns, decompression sickness, mountain sickness. Outside of the FDA-approved uses for HBOT, there are now over 120 internationally recognized indications for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to be effective according to multiple published medical studies.

Benefits of HBOT:

Increased white blood cell function
Nerve healing factors
Increased oxygen perfusion
Neovascularization, Angiogenesis
Stem cell release
Vasoconstriction
Mitochondrial healing
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-microbial/microbiome balancing

HBOT may be helpful for the following:

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Diabetes

Low energy/Fatigue

Microbiome Imbalance

Lyme disease

Crohn's/Ulcerative Colitis

Multiple Sclerosis

Cerebral Palsy

Head Injuries

Concussion

Alzheimer's/Dementia

Brain Injuries

ALS

Anemia

Wound and scar healing

Post stroke care/recovery

Post-surgical care and healing

Autism

Bells palsy

Disc Herniation

Peripheral Neuropathy

Parkinson's

Is Hyberbaric Safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe alternative to many medical treatments offered to patients today.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is generally considered safe when administered by trained healthcare professionals in appropriate medical settings. However, like any medical treatment, it does come with potential risks and should be used judiciously and under medical supervision. Here are some key points to consider regarding the safety of hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

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Side Effects: The most common side effects of HBOT are related to changes in pressure within the chamber. These can include ear discomfort (barotrauma), sinus congestion, and changes in vision. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
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Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing pure oxygen under high pressure for extended periods can lead to oxygen toxicity, which can cause seizures and other central nervous system effects. Healthcare providers carefully monitor the oxygen levels and duration of treatment to minimize this risk.
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Fire Hazard: Oxygen supports combustion, so there is a fire risk within the hyperbaric chamber. All potential sources of ignition, such as electrical devices or clothing, must be removed before treatment.
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Contraindications: Certain medical conditions may make HBOT unsafe or require special precautions. These include uncontrolled seizures, certain types of lung diseases, ear infections, and a history of collapsed lungs (pneumothorax). Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid HBOT unless absolutely necessary.
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Claustrophobia: Some individuals may experience claustrophobia or anxiety in the confined space of the hyperbaric chamber. Providers can offer support and strategies to help patients manage these feelings.
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Barotrauma: Changes in pressure during HBOT can affect the ears and sinuses. Equalizing pressure during descent and ascent is important to prevent barotrauma, and patients are instructed on how to do this.

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