What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen in a pressurized environment, at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute. Increased pressure allows for oxygen to dissolve and saturate the blood plasma which yields positive effects on the body at the cellular level. Our body’s tissues need oxygen to function. The air we breathe is 21% oxygen. HBOT involves breathing 100% (pure) oxygen! This noninvasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels to all organs of the body. The typical treatment lasts for 30-90 minutes, during which the patient lies down, breathes normally, and can even fall asleep!
There are 3 main categories of patients that utilize HBOT:
- Arthritis: Degenerative arthritis occurs over time and is defined as inflammation of joints. HBOT treatment allows for increased oxygen concentration in blood vessels while allowing the vessels to constrict (get smaller). This means that the joints will still receive increased oxygen but decrease the inflammatory response.
- Athletes: RECOVERY, RECOVERY, RECOVERY. As mentioned previously the chamber is the most trusted way for oxygen to efficiently supply all organs/body parts. After strenuous activity the body needs to recover and it does this by sending blood (the carrier of oxygen) to the muscles/joints that were being used. The chamber allows for oxygen to supply those areas in a more efficient manner leading to quicker recovery time.
- Systemic Disease: Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, and chronic fatigue syndrome are common reasons for patients to use the chamber. Systemic disease means that multiple organs/body systems are being affected. Oxygen therapy targets the body as a whole ensuring that increased oxygen levels reach all organs, muscles, and body parts. Increased oxygen supply means increased healing.
Patients have been utilizing HBOT in our office for these conditions and other conditions including: concussions, brain fog, post-surgical pain, insomnia, and increasing energy levels. All you do is lay down, relax, and breathe!
