Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

caroline small
Jun 16, 2016
3 min read

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an AMA (American Medical Association) recognised medical treatment, which enhances the body's natural healing processes. It is approved under the Care Standard Legislation in England and Wales and indeed this therapy will be offered with the knowledge of your G.P. It has long been used to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries and wounds and is now being used successfully worldwide in the symptomatic treatment of many neurological, vascular, respiratory and inflammatory conditions such as: - Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Migraine, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's Disease, Arthritis, Respiratory Diseases, Circulatory Disorders, Fibromyalgia, Wounds, Sports Injuries, Myalgic Encephalopathy and Post Operative Healing and can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments. It has also been found to be extremely beneficial as an adjunct therapy when Cancer patients are having Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy work? Oxygen therapy boosts the body's ability to absorb oxygen, which enters the body through the air we inhale and is diffused throughout by red blood cells. Usually the supply we breathe in is enough for a normal body metabolism and for repairs after minor injury or illness. However, there are times when the body is under stress and requires additional oxygen. Injury or illness may reduce blood flow, so the supply could be reduced, thereby limiting or preventing recovery. Without appropriate oxygen levels, the body's natural healing process cannot function properly. Most illness and injuries occur and often linger at the cellular or tissue level. In many cases, such as in circulatory problems, non-healing wounds or Stroke cases, adequate oxygen is not reaching the damaged area. This is where High Dosage Oxygen can help. By inhaling pure oxygen, patients can increase the concentration of oxygen in their blood, so that it's more efficiently delivered where it is needed most. Oxygen is dissolved into all body fluids, the plasma, the central nervous system, the lymph area and the bones, and can be carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. When normal oxygen values are re-established, this greatly enhances the ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduce local swelling and allow new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into affected areas, creating better conditions for recovery.

The therapy is given to people in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber and can raise the oxygen in the body up to 1000% ; the patient breathes the oxygen through a mask or hood, whilst the pressure on the inside of the chamber is changed to that on the outside. The more the pressure is increased, the more oxygen the patient’s body is able to saturate in to his or her system.

How long is the treatment? Each treatment can last approx 1hr 30mins from start to finish. The number of treatments varies depending on the nature and severity of the condition. Generally sports and minor injuries will require an intensive course of treatment until full recovery is achieved while chronic conditions by their nature will require ongoing treatment to maintain well-being and symptom relief. It is usually recommended to complete a course of 20 treatments quick session, taking 3 treatments a week or more until the course is complete, followed by hourly 'top-up' sessions, to be taken once a week. This of course is dependent on the individuals circumstances and will be assessed before the intial 1st session commences.

What are the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy significantly:-

enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria and prevent infection
increases the supply of oxygen to injured and diseased areas
reduces swelling, pressure and pain
promotes the repair of injuries
improves the rate at which lactate and ammonia levels return to normal after exertion so boosting energy and performance levels and minimising stress and fatigue

Reported benefits of HBOT are improvements in:-