What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a prescribed treatment approved by the FDA and AMA in which a person breathes 100% medical grade oxygen while under increased pressure. Treatment is given within a multi-place (multiple occupancy) or mono-place (single occupancy) hyperbaric oxygen chamber. During treatment, one can relax by watching a movie, reading, or just rest. The healing power of oxygen under pressure is well documented and supported by scientific research and clinical trials. During HBOT, high levels of oxygen dissolve into the blood, plasma, and tissues. The treatment allows oxygen to reach areas where there is little blood flow due to inflammation, injury, infection, or disease. HBOT promotes the growth of new blood vessels, which enhances blood flow, tissue growth, and the body’s ability to heal.

The Science

Description of HBOT and its Benefits Oxygen Saturation Fights Infection - When the fluids and tissues within the body are saturated in oxygen, the body is no longer an ideal environment for anaerobic bacteria to thrive and cause infection. HBOT directly kills anaerobes, enhances the ability of white blood cells to engulf and digest bacteria and fungi, and enhances the ability of amino glycoside antibiotics to function. Increased Oxygen Levels - Through HBOT induced vasoconstriction and hyperoxygenation, the treatment simultaneously reduces edema and increases oxygenation. A patient’s tissues are hyperoxygenated by increasing the plasma oxygen concentration 10 – 15 times which allows the oxygen to provide immediate support to areas with compromised blood flow. Mass Action of Gases - By immersing the patient’s tissues in oxygen while under pressure, toxic gases like carbon monoxide are forced out. This action reduces the damage done by toxic gases. Vasoconstriction - HBOT causes vasoconstriction without depriving the injured tissue of oxygen. This action helps to manage intermediate compartment syndrome, reduce edema in grafted tissue, and reduce inflammation. Neovascularization - As a delayed and indirect response to HBOT, neovascularization represents the growth of new blood vessels. The treatment creates the ideal conditions for new growth to occur because oxygen encourages collagen to form as the foundation for new blood vessels. Also, HBOT stimulates angiogenesis (new tissue growth) in late radiation-damaged tissue, refractory osteomyelitis, and chronic ulcerations in soft tissue. Pressure Relationship - According to Boyle’s Law, pressure and gas are inversely related. As the pressure on the body increases, the volume of gas within the body decreases. This reaction allows otherwise trapped gas bubbles to circulate. At the very least, these bubbles are allowed to travel into a lesser blood vessel which minimizes damage. Neurological Function - Recent scientific evidence has shown that HBOT stimulates blood flow, metabolism, and tissue growth in patients with brain injuries. The treatment reawakens dormant neurons that are alive but not functioning around the injured tissue.

The Equipment

Multi-Place Chamber Our large multi-place chamber has an interior diameter of five (5) feet and is thirteen and a half (13 ½ ) feet in interior length. The chamber can comfortably seat six (6) people on two bench seats and allows them to easily view the entertainment system, read, or relax. Because your health and safety are always our primary concern, our chamber meets or exceeds the latest guidelines governing hyperbaric chamber manufacturing and installation. Mono-Place Chamber Our comfortable mono-place chamber allows us to also offer private treatments. Relax and watch your favorite movie or select one from our library. Our chamber meets or exceeds the latest guidelines governing hyperbaric chamber manufacturing and installation.