What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This innovative approach significantly increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, thereby enhancing the body's innate ability to repair tissues and fight infection. By delivering oxygen at levels higher than atmospheric pressure, HBOT stimulates the healing of wounds, boosts the immune system, and promotes the recovery of a range of conditions, including but not limited to fatigue, long Covid, and diabetic foot ulcers.

It underscores the critical role of oxygen in accelerating the body's natural healing processes and improving overall health, making it a cornerstone treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy functions by increasing the oxygen concentration in the bloodstream, achieved by having patients breathe pure oxygen within a pressurized environment. This elevated oxygen level enhances tissue repair, primarily through stimulating cell growth and promoting wound healing. Moreover, the therapy effectively fights infection by boosting the immune system's response.

An additional benefit is its role in forming new blood vessels, which improves circulation and facilitates the body's natural healing mechanisms. Through these processes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing a variety of conditions by capitalizing on the body's inherent healing capabilities.

Increases oxygen in the blood, enhancing tissue repair

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly elevates oxygen levels in the bloodstream, directly facilitating the body's natural tissue repair mechanisms. This boost in oxygen availability is critical for speeding up the healing process.

Promotes healing of wounds by stimulating cell growth

The therapy effectively encourages the production of new cells, playing a pivotal role in tissue repair and wound healing. This stimulation of cell growth is essential for the recovery of various injuries, making it a cornerstone of the treatment.

Fights infection by boosting the immune system's response

By enhancing the body's immune response, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is instrumental in combating infections. The increased oxygen levels bolster the immune system, empowering it to fight off infections more efficiently.

What conditions are treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a versatile treatment, addressing a wide array of conditions by harnessing the healing capabilities of increased oxygen levels. It offers relief for those grappling with fatigue and long Covid, providing a much-needed respite from enduring symptoms. The therapy also proves beneficial for more chronic conditions such as coronary heart disease and macular degeneration, enhancing heart functionality and vision, respectively.

Neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, see symptomatic and cognitive improvements through its application. It's equally effective in managing arthritis & immune-related diseases, easing pain and diminishing inflammation. For acute medical issues like diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, and carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates the healing process, alleviates discomfort, and rapidly eliminates carbon monoxide from hemoglobin.

Furthermore, it serves as a pivotal treatment for decompression sickness, widely known as 'the bends', a concern for divers. Across these varied applications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy emerges as a significant asset in the medical field, offering hope and facilitating recovery for a broad spectrum of conditions.

Fatigue

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides a significant boost for those dealing with persistent fatigue, enhancing energy by improving oxygen delivery to bodily tissues.

Long Covid

For individuals experiencing the lingering effects of Covid-19, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a pathway to symptom improvement and a better quality of life.

Coronary Heart Disease

This therapy supports heart health in coronary heart disease patients by enhancing heart function and promoting angiogenesis.

Macular Degeneration

By slowing the progression of macular degeneration and in some cases improving vision, hyperbaric oxygen therapy contributes positively to ocular health.

Parkinson's Disease

Patients with Parkinson's disease may notice a reduction in symptoms and a deceleration in the disease's progression through hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Alzheimer's Disease

Offering cognitive benefits, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may enhance brain oxygenation in Alzheimer's patients, potentially slowing cognitive decline.

Arthritis & Immune related diseases

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers relief from inflammation and pain for those suffering from arthritis and immune-related diseases.

Diabetic foot ulcers, improving recovery rates

The therapy significantly boosts the healing rate of diabetic foot ulcers, lowering the risk of complications like infection and amputation.

Radiation injuries, reducing inflammation and pain

For patients with radiation injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is beneficial in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.

Carbon monoxide poisoning, displacing CO from hemoglobin

In cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, hyperbaric oxygen therapy plays a crucial role, rapidly clearing CO from hemoglobin and restoring oxygen delivery.

Decompression sickness, commonly known as 'the bends'

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an essential treatment for divers affected by decompression sickness, offering symptom relief and preventing long-term health issues.

What are the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a wide array of benefits, chiefly its capacity to accelerate wound healing and reduce the duration of hospital stays. It enhances the body's natural repair mechanisms by increasing white blood cell activity, crucial for fighting infections, and promoting the formation of new blood vessels, which improves circulation. Furthermore, patients frequently report an increase in energy levels, contributing positively to the recovery process.

These advantages position hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a potent treatment option across various medical conditions, providing a pathway to quicker recovery and an enhanced quality of life for patients.

Accelerates wound healing, reducing hospital stays

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy significantly speeds up the healing process of wounds, which can lead to shorter hospital stays for patients, enhancing the efficiency of healthcare delivery.

Reduces the risk of infection by enhancing white blood cell activity

The therapy boosts the activity of white blood cells, playing a pivotal role in lowering the risk of infections. This enhancement of the body's natural defense mechanisms is crucial for a smooth recovery.

Helps in the formation of new blood vessels, improving circulation

By aiding in angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves circulation. Enhanced blood flow is vital for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, supporting the healing process.

Increased energy

Patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy often report an increase in energy levels. This boost can significantly contribute to their overall well-being and recovery, making daily activities and rehabilitation exercises more manageable.

What are the risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

While hyperbaric oxygen therapy is known for its numerous health benefits, it is not without its risks. Ear pain or damage is a possible side effect due to the pressure changes encountered during treatment. Individuals with pre-existing sinus issues may experience sinus damage, as these pressure fluctuations can exacerbate their condition.

Furthermore, the enclosed nature of the treatment chamber has the potential to induce claustrophobia, impacting the patient's comfort level during the session. It is crucial for those considering this therapy to be fully informed of these risks and discuss them with their healthcare provider, ensuring a well-rounded decision-making process regarding their treatment options.

Ear pain or damage due to pressure changes

The pressurized environment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can lead to ear pain or damage as a consequence of rapid pressure changes, a frequent concern among patients.

Sinus damage, especially in patients with sinus issues

Individuals with pre-existing sinus conditions may be more susceptible to sinus damage due to the pressure fluctuations experienced during therapy, highlighting the need for caution.

Claustrophobia from the treatment chamber, affecting patient comfort

The confined space of the hyperbaric chamber has the potential to induce claustrophobia, which can significantly impact the comfort and overall treatment experience for the patient.

How is a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session conducted?

A hyperbaric oxygen therapy session involves the patient lying in a hyperbaric chamber, which can accommodate either a single individual or multiple patients, depending on the chamber's design. Once the patient is comfortably positioned, the chamber is sealed and pressurized to 2-3 times the normal atmospheric pressure, creating an environment where the air pressure is significantly higher than what we experience at sea level. During the session, patients breathe pure oxygen through a mask or hood, which enriches the blood with high levels of oxygen.

This process typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes, and the total number of sessions required varies, often encompassing 20-40 sessions depending on the specific medical condition being addressed. This controlled setting is crucial for leveraging the therapeutic benefits of elevated oxygen levels, aiding in the effective treatment of a diverse range of health issues.

The patient lies in a hyperbaric chamber, either alone or with others

The patient comfortably positions themselves inside a hyperbaric chamber, designed to accommodate either a single individual or multiple patients, depending on the session's requirements.

The chamber is sealed and pressurized to 2-3 times atmospheric pressure

After the patient is settled, the chamber is carefully sealed and its pressure is increased to 2-3 times the standard atmospheric pressure. This elevated pressure is essential for the therapy's effectiveness.

Pure oxygen is breathed in through a mask or hood, enriching the blood

Throughout the treatment, the patient inhales pure oxygen via a mask or hood. This process significantly boosts the oxygen saturation in the blood, leveraging the full therapeutic potential of the treatment.

What should patients expect during treatment?

During hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions, patients should be prepared for treatments that typically last between 60 to 120 minutes. The total number of sessions required can vary significantly, often encompassing 20-40 sessions, tailored to the individual's specific medical needs. It's not uncommon for patients to experience fatigue and light-headedness as initial side effects, which are the body's natural responses to the increased oxygen levels.

These sensations are generally mild and temporary, diminishing as the treatment progresses and the body adjusts. Patients are encouraged to openly communicate any discomfort with their healthcare provider, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience throughout their therapy journey.

Duration of sessions typically lasts 60 to 120 minutes

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are structured to last between 60 to 120 minutes each, allowing sufficient time for optimal oxygen absorption by the body.

Number of sessions required varies, often 20-40 sessions

The total number of sessions a patient may require varies, with a common range being 20-40 sessions, tailored according to the specific medical condition and its severity.

Possible side effects include fatigue and light-headedness

As part of the body's adjustment to the therapy, patients might experience fatigue and light-headedness. These side effects are generally mild and tend to diminish as the treatment progresses.

How to prepare for a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session?

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, patients should adhere to the following preparatory steps. Wear comfortable, cotton clothing to minimize any risk of static electricity, which is particularly important in a high-oxygen environment. It's crucial to avoid petroleum-based products prior to the session, as these materials can increase the fire risk under enriched oxygen conditions.

Furthermore, patients must inform the technician of all medications they are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, to prevent any potential interactions during the therapy. By following these simple guidelines, patients can help ensure their hyperbaric oxygen therapy session proceeds smoothly and effectively.

Wear comfortable, cotton clothing to avoid static electricity

To minimize the risk of static electricity, which is crucial in an oxygen-rich environment, patients are encouraged to wear comfortable, cotton-based clothing during their session.

Avoid using petroleum-based products due to fire risk

Due to the increased fire risk associated with high oxygen levels, it is essential to avoid petroleum-based products on the body or clothing prior to treatment.

Inform the technician of all medications, including non-prescription drugs

Ensuring a safe and effective session involves informing the technician about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, to avoid any potential interactions during the therapy here at Marigevity Health Denver.