If you’re exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment, you likely want to know what it entails and how it will impact your health. This therapy, involving breathing pure oxygen in a controlled, pressurized environment, aims to enhance the body’s natural healing process. Our comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the process, demystifies the science behind the treatment, and sets clear expectations for the journey to recovery.

Key Takeaways

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment to enhance healing, improves oxygen delivery to tissues, and stimulates various therapeutic outcomes, such as increased circulation and growth of new blood vessels.
  • HBOT has FDA-approved1 uses for a variety of conditions, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, burn injuries, and certain infections, while also being explored for off-label uses and ongoing research in cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Have you ever heard of Boyle’s law or Henry’s law? These basic principles of physics are the foundation of HBOT. HBOT is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, achieved by placing the patient in a specially designed chamber. It’s like diving deep underwater, but without getting wet!

The therapy uses pressurized oxygen to facilitate the healing process of various conditions by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues. Now, you may wonder, why oxygen? Oxygen is a vital element that our cells need to function and survive. But when a body part is injured, it may require more oxygen to heal. Here’s where HBOT comes into play. 

The main goal of this therapy is to increase the amount of oxygen the blood can carry andaccelerating the restoration of normal tissue oxygen levels after injury. This aids in everything from fighting off infections to promoting faster healing of wounds. And all of this is made possible by the clever use of pressurized oxygen.

The Science Behind HBOT

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a scientifically grounded therapy2 that increases atmospheric pressure and enables more oxygen to dissolve into our bloodstream. This therapy is based on fundamental gas laws such as Boyle’s, Charles’, and Henry’s laws. The increased pressure allows oxygen to penetrate deeper into the plasma and body tissues, up to four times further than under normal conditions. 

 

This deep oxygen penetration can help boost oxygen levels in cells and tissues, counteract hypoxia, fuel mitochondrial ATP production, and reduce inflammation. Essentially, HBOT enhances the body’s natural healing ability. It promotes numerous therapeutic benefits, including:

 

  • The promotion of new blood vessel formation
  • Improved circulation
  • Stronger antimicrobial properties
  • An increase in the number of circulating stem cells

 

HBOT essentially offers your body a comprehensive health enhancement, leveraging the remarkable properties of oxygen!

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Plus by APN

At Plus by APN, we believe in personalized mental healthcare. We understand that each patient has a unique story and specific needs. That’s why we provide HBOT treatment plans tailored for each individual. Informed by the latest scientific research, we design these plans to offer the best outcomes for our patients.

The HBOT journey at Plus by APN includes:

  • Initial scheduling of treatments
  • Comprehensive reviews and regular adjustments to the treatment plan
  • Innovative HBOT treatments selected for evidence-based results and innovation
  • Use of fully-enclosed glass chambers for comfort and efficacy
  • Ability to watch your favorite movie or TV show during the treatment

We believe that access to HBOT should be as easy as possible. That’s why we assist patients with insurance coverage verifications and provide various payment options. Book your consultation today. 

FDA-Approved Indications for HBOT

 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an established medical treatment used for decompression sickness associated with scuba diving and carbon monoxide poisoning. Apart from these applications, the FDA endorses HBOT1 for treating various medical conditions, including healing wounds caused by burns, infections, and chronic wounds from diabetes or radiation injuries. HBOT is also used to address ailments resulting from oxygen deprivation, such as gas gangrene and air or gas embolism, compromised skin grafts, flaps, idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and crush injuries. 

 

In situations where blood transfusions pose a risk, HBOT offers an FDA-approved alternative for treating anemia. The FDA also acknowledges HBOT’s capability to treat delayed radiation injuries affecting both soft tissue and bone and for instances of vision loss triggered by a sudden blockage of blood flow to the eye. This comprehensive endorsement by the FDA underscores HBOT’s versatile and lifesaving nature in contemporary medical practice.

Off-Label Uses and Ongoing Research

HBOT has therapeutic possibilities beyond its FDA-approved applications, which cover many conditions. Its off-label uses include managing ADHD, easing anxiety, alleviating arthritis, and aiding recovery from a traumatic brain injury. HBOT improves attention span and reaction times3, enhances cognitive functions, offers neuroprotection, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, boosts mitochondrial function, and encourages neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Studies4 are also exploring HBOT’s efficacy in addressing chronic neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides customized treatment to patients through two primary types of chambers: monoplace and multiplace5. Monoplace chambers are designed for solitary use, accommodating one patient at a time, and generally operate at pressures of 1.5 to 3.0 ATA. These chambers are constructed from specialty materials such as steel and acrylic and adhere to strict safety and comfort standards like ASME and PVHO-1.

On the other hand, multiplace chambers can treat multiple patients simultaneously, working at pressures of up to 6 ATA and using gas mixtures like nitrogen or helium. These larger units are well-suited for bigger medical facilities that handle high patient volumes and feature advanced safety and communication features like bidirectional communication systems and internal control panels.

All hyperbaric chambers have critical safety features, including emergency depressurization systems, oxygen blockage prevention devices, and medical locks for secure item transfer. To ensure a safe and effective treatment environment, safety protocols mandate the use of cotton clothing, prohibit electronic devices, and require the removal of cosmetics before entry.

HBOT Treatment Protocol: What to Expect

A typical HBOT treatment plan involves a combination of personalized therapies and medications for each patient’s condition. Depending on the individual medical needs, the number of HBOT sessions required can vary greatly, ranging from just a few to over forty. Each session typically lasts around two hours; multiple visits are necessary to achieve successful outcomes.

Before Treatment

Before commencing HBOT, patients undergo a structured preparation process:

 

  • Attend a personalized consultation and evaluation session with hyperbaric specialists to develop a tailored care plan based on a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and current health status.
  • Prepare for treatment by donning approved attire, avoiding potential fire hazards, consuming a balanced meal, staying hydrated, and abstaining from alcohol, carbonated beverages, and tobacco products.
  • Participate in an orientation to learn about the hyperbaric chamber’s functionality and techniques for managing ear pressure.

During Treatment

At Plus by APN, patient comfort is a top priority, with air-conditioned hyperbaric chambers. The transparent walls connect the technicians visually, reducing any sense of isolation.

 

Patients are encouraged to relax and engage in leisure activities like listening to music, reading, or streaming content. Simple techniques like swallowing or yawning can help manage feelings of ear fullness due to pressure changes. This ensures that patients have a comfortable experience.

After Treatment

Post-treatment, the therapy team checks the patient’s ears, blood pressure, and pulse. Diabetic patients receive additional monitoring for blood glucose levels. Typically, patients can leave the facility immediately after these assessments without restrictions on their subsequent activities. Some may experience mild fatigue or hunger, but these are normal post-treatment responses.

 

Throughout the HBOT process, from preparation to a conclusion, our approach is designed to maximize patient comfort, safety, and therapeutic effectiveness.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Right for You?

So, how do you know if HBOT is right for you? The first step is to book a consultation with an experienced, certified medical professional. Click here to book a free consultation with Plus by APN. We will evaluate your condition and medical history and recommend the appropriate action.

Depending on your condition and medical guidance, you can utilize HBOT as a primary treatment method or adjunct to other treatments. It’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment but rather a versatile therapy that suits individual needs and conditions.

Ultimately, deciding if HBOT is right for you is a personal decision made after a consultation with your healthcare provider. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and costs. However, for many people, HBOT has been a game-changer, providing relief from various conditions and improving their quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hyperbaric oxygen protocol?

The hyperbaric oxygen protocol involves breathing pure oxygen in a special chamber with air pressure levels 1.5 to 3 times higher than average, aiming to fill the blood with oxygen to repair tissues and restore normal body function. This therapy helps the lungs collect more oxygen due to the increased air pressure inside the chamber.

How many sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are needed?

The number of sessions needed for hyperbaric oxygen therapy varies depending on the individual’s response and medical condition. Most treatment plans involve at least 20 sessions, but the exact number is evaluated case by case.

What should I do before hyperbaric oxygen treatment?

Before hyperbaric oxygen treatment, make sure to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks, and tobacco products to maximize the benefits of the therapy.

What conditions can HBOT treat?

HBOT is FDA-approved to treat various conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds, and severe anemia. These are just some of the conditions that HBOT can effectively address.

Final Thoughts

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a unique medical treatment that harnesses the power of oxygen and pressure to promote healing. Whether it’s FDA-approved conditions like decompression sickness and carbon monoxide poisoning or off-label uses such as ADHD and anxiety, HBOT offers a wide range of therapeutic possibilities. Its benefits, from enhanced growth of new blood vessels to increased circulation and heightened antimicrobial effects, make it a promising treatment option for various conditions. If you’re considering HBOT, book a personalized consultation today.

 

References

  1. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-get-facts
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8465921/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2998645/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9886764/
  5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3601859/