Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT has been used to treat a variety of health conditions involving damaged or compromised tissue. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment uses varying atmospheric pressure levels, between 1.3 ATA and 2.4 ATA, to help the body absorb more oxygen. The most well-known use of this therapy is to treat decompression sickness, a hazard for deep-sea divers. However, helping the body absorb more oxygen is important in many healing processes.
HBOT allows oxygen to infuse with many types of liquids in the body including blood, plasma, and cerebral fluids. Healing begins when damaged tissue receives much-needed oxygen and circulation returns to the area.
HBOT is used in the treatment of:
injuries
Idiopathic Sudden Hearing Loss
post-surgery recovery
concussions/TBI and post-concussion syndrome
motor vehicle accidents
musculo-skeletal injuries
ulcers
edema
burns
inflammation
stroke
neurological and behavioral conditions including autism, nerve pain and nervous disorders
cancers
multiple sclerosis
infections
air embolism
gas gangrene
carbon monoxide poisoning
What A Typical Hyperbaric Treatment Is Like:
Hyperbaric treatment at Urban Wellness Group is a healing and re-energizing experience. Our practitioners have been trained to administer hyperbaric treatment safely and effectively.
Before any treatment begins, we want you to understand the procedure as much as possible. Our staff will take all the time you need to discuss and prepare you for hyperbaric therapy. We’ll cover evidence and rationale for the treatment so you can make an informed decision about your health.
The hyperbaric chamber itself is spacious and roomy. It allows plenty of room for movement, as well as a clear window to illuminate the interior. Hyperbaric treatment is administered using medical-grade technology. The treatment will be monitored. If there is any discomfort during treatment it is easy to contact the support staff and get questions answered or modify treatment as necessary.
While there are minor risks as with any medical treatment, hyperbaric therapy is extremely safe. All minor risks and any other concerns you may have will be discussed before treatment begins.
How Does HBOT Work?
To receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient lies down in a pressurized chamber and breathes normally. The patient will then breathe pure oxygen through a mask while inside the chamber. The use of medical grade oxygen or an oxygen concentrator will dramatically compound the effectiveness of the treatment. Within the chamber, the air pressure is carefully controlled and monitored to allow for greater absorption of oxygen.
The true benefit of HBOT is the ability of a compromised tissue to receive oxygen. Essentially, oxygen is given a boost to reach areas of the body where it’s needed most. It’s used to help the body heal itself.
The treatment typically lasts for 60-90 minutes. It’s simple, non-invasive, and effective.
Conditions Treated By Hyperbaric Therapy:
The New England Journal of Medicine has thoroughly documented the many uses of hyperbaric therapy.
There are many “off-label” uses for hyperbaric treatment as well:
Cancer
According to an article published in Targeted Oncology, researchers found “there is evidence that implies that HBO might have tumor-inhibitory effects in certain cancer subtypes.”
Autism
In a study published in BMC Pediatrics, children with autism treated with HBOT showed improvements in terms of overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, and eye contact compared to a control group.
Stroke
Post-stroke patients treated with HBOT showed improvements in neurological functions and quality of life, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. The study showed that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages.
Sports Injuries
HBOT has been used to treat sports injuries to help athletes return to competition faster than typical rehabilitation treatments. In an article in Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, researchers report that “results have proven to be promising.”
Inflammation
HBOT has been used to treat all kinds of inflammation. In a study published in BMC Pediatric, HBOT “significantly decreased inflammation” in patients as measured by CRP levels.
Neurological Conditions
Perhaps the most promising application of HBOT is in the treatment of neurological conditions. As noted in an article published by Medical Gas Research, “There is more evidence for using HBOT for neurological acute… with better clinical outcomes than any other single or combined treatment.”
This list only scratches the surfaces of the many ways hyperbaric treatment is used. Talk with our practitioners to learn if hyperbaric therapy can help with your health concerns.
Neuropathy & Nerve Pain
Neuropathy, including pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the extremities is a common side effect of Diabetes, HIV, Sciatica and other conditions. Research shows the oxygen-rich environment of HBOT can reduce nerve pain, regenerate lost nerve endings, improve circulation, reduce infection, and promote healing in the body.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can result from auto accidents, sports injuries, or even a simple slip-and-fall. The effects of a TBI can be long-lasting and life-altering. Fortunately HBOT has been show by recent studies to be effective in treating the effects of concussions and TBIs.
Click here to read about HBOT for the treatment of concussions and PTSD.