What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, promoting faster healing and recovery for various conditions by boosting tissue oxygenation.
What Will Happen During my HBOT Treatment?
During your HBOT session, you will sit or lie down comfortably inside the hyperbaric chamber while breathing concentrated oxygen through a face mask.
Pressurization: Over a few minutes, our patient care team will gradually pressurize the chamber to 1.3 ATA (atmospheres absolute).
During the session: While inside the chamber, you can relax, read, use an electronic device, or even take a nap as the oxygen works to promote healing and recovery.
Depressurization: At the end of the session, we’ll slowly depressurize the chamber. Once completed, you’ll be able to resume your day as normal.
What Conditions Can HBOT Treat?
HBOT is used to treat a variety of physical and cognitive conditions, including:
Infections:
COVID
Shingles
Mold
Herpes
Sepsis
Neurological Disorders:
TBI/Brain Injury
Parkinson's
Shingles
Migraines
Dimentia
Spinal Cord Injury
PTSD
Cerebral Palsy
Digestive Disorders:
Crohn's
Celiac
IBS
Diverticulitis
Ulcerative Colitis
Autoimmune Disorders:
MS
Lupus
Psoriasis
Inflammatory Conditions:
Long Covid
Fibromyalgia
Arthritis
Stress
Menopause
Wounds and Injuries:
Diabetic Ulcers
Radiation Damage
Crush Injuries
Non-healing wounds
Carbon Monoxide poisoning
Is HBOT Safe?
Yes, HBOT is considered a safe treatment when performed under medical supervision. Mild side effects such as ear discomfort or temporary vision changes can occur, but severe complications are rare. Your healthcare provider will screen you for any risks before beginning treatment.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of HBOT sessions required depends on the specific condition being treated and your overall health goals. Many individuals begin to notice improvements after 10-20 sessions, but chronic or complex issues may require more.
Your treatment plan will vary based on the health issues you are managing:
Surgical outcomes: 10-20 sessions, with 5-10 sessions before surgery and 5-10 sessions post-surgery to aid recovery.
Underlying conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or smoking-related issues: 20-30 sessions may be more appropriate to promote healing and mitigate complications.
Interstitial cystitis: Typically requires 30 sessions.
Post-cancer surgery or wound healing: Often requires 40 sessions to aid in recovery after cancer treatments.
Chronic and neurological conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease, autism, traumatic brain injury, or stroke: Repeated series of 40 sessions may be necessary, depending on the severity and presence of other health issues.
Many physicians recommend an initial series of 40 sessions, each lasting 60 minutes, at a frequency of 5-6 days per week to achieve optimal outcomes.
Our staff will work closely with your physician to customize the frequency and duration of treatment based on your specific condition and current health status.
How Long Before I Notice Results?
Response times vary between individuals. Some people may notice improvements immediately, while others may take 20-40 sessions before experiencing significant changes. In some cases, family or friends might observe improvements before the patient does. Even when visible changes aren’t immediately apparent, positive effects are occurring on a cellular level, contributing to long-term healing.
Important note: A prescription is required to receive mild HBOT treatments and/or to purchase a portable hyperbaric chamber.
Are There Any Reasons a Person Should NOT Undergo Mild HBOT?
While mild HBOT is generally safe for most individuals, there are a few absolute contraindications:
Pneumothorax: This is a collapsed lung, and entering a hyperbaric chamber can worsen the condition due to pressure changes.
Air-trapping emphysema: Individuals with this condition are at risk for lung rupture during HBOT.
Additionally, if you are taking certain medications, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting HBOT. Some medications may need to be paused or adjusted:
Cis-Platinum: A chemotherapy agent that may interfere with HBOT.
Doxorubicin (Adriamycin®): Another chemotherapy drug that could interact negatively with oxygen therapy.
Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon®): A topical cream used for treating bacterial or fungal infections that may require discontinuation before HBOT.
Always discuss your full medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider before beginning HBOT to ensure it's the right treatment for you.
What are the Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The benefits of mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) stem from the increased delivery of oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body. This enhanced oxygenation promotes a variety of healing processes, including:
Enhanced oxygen delivery to injured tissues: This accelerates recovery by supplying more oxygen to areas that are damaged or deprived.
Faster healing of overused or traumatized tissue: HBOT promotes the repair and regeneration of muscles, ligaments, and other tissues affected by injury or overuse.
Increased blood vessel formation: Stimulates the development of new blood vessels, improving circulation and supporting long-term healing.
Reduced inflammation: HBOT helps reduce swelling and inflammation, aiding in pain relief and faster recovery.
Advanced wound healing: It is particularly effective for non-healing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers or radiation injuries.
Improved infection control: Higher oxygen levels boost the body’s natural ability to fight infections, as oxygen has an antibiotic effect.
Preservation of damaged tissues: HBOT can help minimize further damage to tissues that are at risk, improving recovery outcomes.
Elimination of toxins: Helps reduce or eliminate the effects of toxic substances in the body.
Reduction of gas bubble obstructions: HBOT can help dissolve gas bubbles in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of decompression sickness.
Stem cell proliferation and mitochondrial function: Enhances stem cell activity and boosts energy production in cells, supporting overall healing.
Immune system regulation: Helps normalize immune responses, which can be beneficial for conditions involving immune dysfunction.