Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Conditions Treated

Neurologic Indications:

• Stroke (Acute or Chronic).
• Multiple Sclerosis (Acute, Relapsing, Remitting, Chronic Progressive).
• Cranial Nerve Syndromes (Trigeminal Neuralgia, Optic Neuritis, Vestibular Disorders, Sudden Deafness, Bell’s Palsy).
• Alzheimer’s Disease.
• Parkinson’s Disease.
• ALS.
• Cerebral Palsy.

Orthopedic Indications:

• Crush Injuries.
• Soft Tissue Swelling (Traumatic, Cellulite-Infection). Compartment Syndrome.
• Acute and Chronic Osteomyelitis.
• Fractures.

Miscellaneous Indications:

• Diabetic Retinopathy, neuropathy, ulcer.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (Acute).
• Peptic Ulcer.
• Myocardial Infarction.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
• Cirrhosis.
• Crohn’s Disease.
• Cancer, adjunctive therapy
• Lyme Disease.
• Toxic mold and fungus.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves the intermittent inhalation of 100% oxygen under pressure. The treatment is conducted in a pressure containment chamber called Hyperbaric Chamber, where the oxygen is administered at higher than normal atmosphere pressure (ATA), normally in the medical field between to 1.5 to 3 atmospheric pressures (ATA’s), at intermittent periods in order to treat specific medical conditions.

The administration of 100% pure oxygen through Hyperbaric Chamber increases the oxygen delivered and concentration in the body 10 to 15 times more than what is delivered at normal atmospheric levels or at sea level (the air we normally breathe in the environment normally contains 19-21 % of oxygen), this allows the oxygen to reach tissues with compromised circulatory function and increases the oxygen entering the blood stream, the oxygen can then reach difficult parts of the body like bones, plasma, the brain and central nervous system as well as the lymphatic system, the body’s cells become saturated with a far greater amount of oxygen than they would under normal pressure, because of this high concentration of oxygen, the HBOT stimulates a positive effect on the immune system due to the increased efficiency of the white blood cells, which fights infection and kills bacteria, accelerates the healing process, growth of new blood vessels, decreases swelling and inflammation, deactivates and clears toxins and metabolic wastes.

Physiological Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation:

• Increase saturation of oxygen in arteries and veins
• Tissue concentration of Oxygen 10 to 15 times higher than normally
• Immune System modulation
• Reduction of platelet aggregation
• Stimulates wound healing
• Stimulates Osteoblast activity (cells responsible for bone formation)
• Stimulates Stem Cell production
• Increase Brain blood perfusion and oxygenation
• Stimulates thymus and adrenals glands
• Increases cellular metabolism

With HBOT patients experience relief from fatigue, it has also shown to be particularly effective in the cosmetic and spa treatments such as rejuvenation, anti-aging, weight loss, skin toning, cellulite treatment, wrinkle reduction as well as stress reduction, there are also reports from patients getting increased clarity in thinking. Another use of HBOT is the treatment of certain cardiovascular conditions. HBOT is also increasingly used by sports teams to improve athletic performance and the healing process of injured athletes.

HBOT treatments include three phases: Compression, Isopressure (Treatment) and Decompression.

Compression:

During this time the pressure is building inside the chamber, and around your body.

After the door has been closed and sealed, you can hear the compressing gas circulate, and, as the pressure rises, you will feel a fullness of the ears, similar to diving or descending in an airplane. This time may last from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the patient’s tolerance.

Isopressure (Treatment):

The treatment phase begins when the pressure reaches the prescribed level; each medical condition has a unique protocol for treatment (1.5 to 3.0 ATA’s, usually 1.7 to 2.0) depending on the condition that is being treated. The pressure is maintained for a period of 60 to 90 minutes, while monitoring the patients tolerance. You will breathe 100% oxygen in 30 minute sets, taking air breaks for 5 minutes. During the treatment you may rest, sleep or read.

Decompression:

After the Treatment phase has ended the attendant lets you know when the treatment is complete. The pressure then is slowly lowered at the rate which is comfortable for your ears. 10-15 minutes later or more if needed the decompression is complete and the door is opened.