Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen in a pressurized environment, at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). Increased pressure allows for oxygen to dissolve and saturate the blood plasma (independent of hemoglobin/red blood cells), which yields a broad variety of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. This noninvasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels in all organs of the body. The typical treatment lasts for 60-90 minutes, during which the patient lies down and breathes normally. HBOT has been demonstrated in several clinical studies to enhance the body’s innate ability to repair and regenerate. It is used as an adjunct therapy to complement and enhance the healing process in both chronic and acute conditions.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers several benefits to treat medical and nonmedical processes. The procedure works by depending on increased oxygen concentration, in addition to ambient pressure. The treatment additionally increases the oxygen in a user’s blood.

During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the air that we breathe and our body remains subjected to is significantly altered. Exposure to 100% oxygen with increased pressure enhances the supply of oxygen and kickstarts the body’s healing process.

Much like a bottle of sparkling water CO2 (carbon dioxide), gas bubbles are under pressure, this shrinks the size of the bubbles small enough that they dissolve into a liquid. So small that they cannot even be seen. When pressure is then released, the volume of each bubble increases, and thus the bubbles reappear. While a human being is under pressure (pressurized hyperbaric chamber), the oxygen molecules shrink so small in size that they are able to dissolve into the blood plasma. Along with breathing pure oxygen while in the chamber and pumping pure oxygen into the ambient air in the chamber, this exponentially increases oxygen delivery throughout the body. This also makes it possible for oxygen to reach inflamed tissue and support optimal cellular and organ functionality. Whether a professional athlete is recovering from a tough event, a person is looking to stay younger longer, or a brain-injured patient, (and many other medical issues) hyperbaric has countless benefits for all.

Oxygen therapy through a hyperbaric chamber is typically a painless procedure. However, users may experience sensations in their ears similar to altitude changes while driving on in an airplane or changing depths while diving. A feeling of “fullness” can occur as the eardrums adapt to atmospheric pressure changes.

Once inside of a chamber, users will initially hear air beginning to circulate within. As air pressure increases feelings of recurring fullness will gradually cease. Some individuals even choose to sleep or watch a movie during treatments.

Near the end of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the pressure gradually decreases. This phase is what we call decompression. During the decompression period, users will likely experience a “popping” sensation in their ears due to decreasing pressure.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can aid and alleviate various illnesses and diseases. A specialist should evaluate any user’s medical history to determine if they qualify for treatment.

Specific conditions remain ideal for hyperbaric treatment including:

• • Non Healing Skin Grafts
  • Injuries due to Radiation Therapy
  • Recurring Bone Infections
  • Non Healing Diabetic Ulcers

Only specially trained healthcare providers can determine if a user is an ideal candidate for oxygen therapy via a hyperbaric chamber.