
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment
Conditions Suitable For Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment
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As we age, our bodies gradually lose function, leading to age-related illnesses. A key factor is the shortening of telomeres, which limits cell division and affects vital organs. Critically short telomeres are linked to diseases of aging.
Hyperbaric therapy has been shown to counteract this by promoting tissue regeneration, improving blood flow, and lengthening telomeres. It also stimulates collagen production to reduce skin damage and maintain elasticity. Clinical studies highlight its benefits for age-related conditions, supporting overall health and wellness.
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help athletes at all skill levels heal more quickly and get back to their favorite pursuit. Many sports injuries involve strains and sprains, which naturally cause swelling and edema ( accumulation of excess fluid in connective tissue). These natural reactions to injury compress blood vessels and restrict the vital flow of oxygen-carrying plasma and red blood cells to the injury site. Cells and tissues surrounding the injury site become starved for oxygen, which impedes healing. HBOT may promote faster healing in common sports injuries such as : Fractures, Pulled muscle, High ankle sprains, Achilles Tendinitis.
HBOT is being studied in the treatment of concussion and post-concussion syndrome with promising results. Concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury, is a common sports injury. In concussion, the brain tissue is bruised when it impacts the inflexible skull due to a blow or jolt to the head causing an inflammatory response and swelling of the tissue is the brain response to the injury. The rationale for the use of HBOT is based on its ability to dramatically increase, by 2-3 times, the delivery of oxygen to injured brain tissue to promote healing, and reduce swelling, inflammation and increased pressure in the brain.
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We all need oxygen to heal properly. Exposing your body to 100% oxygen can accelerate the healing process by allowing more oxygen to reach treated areas. HBOT can be used as an additional treatment for problematic, non-healing wounds like: radiation injuries, burns, certain skin grafts and flaps, crush injuries, diabetes related wounds. Increased oxygen in the blood stream , delivered to the wound site promotes faster and effective healing. Essentially, HBOT supports healing the wound from inside out. It can help reduce swelling, fight infection and build new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. It is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, improving circulation, in stimulating growth of new blood vessels, and treating soft tissue injuries.
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Although most people recover from COVID-19, some continue to experience symptoms for months after the initial infection. These long COVID patients exhibit a range of persistent symptoms, including fatigue, memory issues, brain fog, anxiety, sleep disruption, change in taste and smell sensation, muscle pain, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact people's daily lives.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a treatment option for this condition. HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows the oxygen to reach higher levels in the bloodstream and tissues, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing and recovery.
HBOT reduces inflammation through various mechanisms. By increasing the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the plasma, HBOT stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. Additionally, HBOT can increase the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, which helps reduce the overall inflammatory response.
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Research has shown that people with autism are more likely to have a variety of accompanying health issues. Some of the most common ones include anxiety, depression, sleep disorders,attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive -compulsive disorder, gastrointestinal issues, and more. People with autism can benefit from treatments specifically intended for ASD, but additional therapies for associated health conditions may also be necessary.
HBOT has been suggested to be effective treatment that can potentially help reduce symptoms of accompanying health issues as well. Some of the conditions thought to contribute to the autism symptoms include: cerebral hypoperfusion, Inflammation, immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction. Saturating the blood with high levels of oxygen reduces inflammation and increases blood circulation to the brain, and it is believed that this plays a role in effectively treating autism. Studies have shown children with autism experience improvements in cognitive performance, memory, verbalizations, speech, and social interactions after undergoing treatment. Teenage patients report improvements in self-help skills and the ability to learn new skills.
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Oxygen therapy is commonly recommended for individuals suffering with pulmonary disease like asthma, bronchitis or other respiratory conditions. It improves oxygenation, reduces shortness of breath, and enhances overall lung function, allowing for a better quality of life.
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For those suffering from debilitating headaches or migraines, oxy therapy might offer relief. Inhaled oxygen helps constrict blood vessels, reducing the intensity and duration of headache episodes. It can provide a drug-free alternative for managing debilitating pain.
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In today’s fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are all too common. Oxygen therapy aids relaxation by increasing oxygen levels, calming and clearing the mind, and improving sleep. It provides a peaceful escape, allowing you to recharge and find balance in your life.
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HBOT therapy is effective in treating carbon monoxide poisoning and and smoke inhalation injuries. BY delivering oxygen at high concentrations HBOT helps eliminate carbon monoxide from blood stream and promotes tissue oxygenation, mitigating the effects of these toxic exposures.
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HBOT therapy has shown promise in managing radiation-induced tissue damage, such as radiation necrosis, in cancer patients. By enhancing oxygenation an promoting tissue regeneration, HBOT can alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by late radiation effects.
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HBOT is primary treatment for decompression sickness, a condition that arises from rapid changes in pressure, such as scuba diving. The increased pressure in the hyperbaric chamber helps dissolve gas bubbles in the blood stream, relieving symptoms and restoring blood flow.
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HBOT therapy has shown promising results in neurological conditions. The increased oxygen levels in the brain can help reduce brain edema, improve neuronal function, and enhance neuroplasticity. HBOT has been explored as an adjunctive treatment for conditions like traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and neurodevelopmental disorders. While further research is needed, the neuroprotective and regenerative properties of HBOT offer potential benefits for individuals with neurological conditions.
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The antimicrobial properties of oxygen have been leveraged in HBOT therapy. High levels of oxygen can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and promote the effectiveness of antibiotics. HBOT has been used as an adjunctive therapy for conditions such as chronic infections, osteomyelitis and compromised skin grafts. By creating an oxygen rich environment, HBOT enhances the body’s immune response and aids in fighting off infections.
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People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing several serious health conditions. Consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to complications that affect the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and teeth. Additionally, individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing infections. Diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation. Hyperbaric therapy has been shown to stimulate angiogenesis, which helps improve blood flow and prevent organ failure. Research indicates that it can lower blood sugar levels by increasing cellular sensitivity to insulin and enhancing glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. This therapy is often beneficial for treating osteomyelitis and cellulitis, as well as preventing systemic toxicity and permanent disability. In individuals with chronic diabetes, impaired circulation can reduce the ability to heal wounds and promote ulcerations. Hyperbaric therapy increases the amount of oxygen available to ulcerated areas, leading to greater activation of fibroblasts, which are essential for healing.
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In last few years, numerous studies have investigated the relationship between hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and fertility. HBOT has shown promising results for both men and women facing fertility challenges.
For women, HBOT enhances blood circulation to the ovaries, improving the oxygenation of reproductive tissues. This increased blood flow boosts both the quality and quantity of egg production, which is crucial for those struggling with low ovarian reserve or poor egg quality. Additionally, HBOT may help regulate hormonal balance, creating a healthier environment for conception. For men, HBOT has demonstrated benefits in improving sperm health. It can reduce fructose levels in semen, which is linked to better sperm function, and increase sperm count and motility. Furthermore, HBOT helps reduce oxidative stress, which can damage sperm and negatively impact fertility.
All these lead to HBOT as a promising supportive therapy for couples dealing with infertility. However, it is important to consult a fertility specialist to determine if HBOT is appropriate for your specific needs.
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Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a non-degenerative, non-congenital injury to the brain caused by an external mechanical force. It can lead to both permanent and temporary impairments in cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions, often accompanied by a diminished or altered state of consciousness.
All concussions are considered traumatic brain injuries, albeit with varying degrees of severity. The primary causes of TBI include falls, blunt trauma-related accidents, vehicle-related injuries, violent assaults, and blast injuries.
Hyperbaric therapy has been shown to enhance recovery from TBI by reducing hypoxia and neuroinflammation while increasing circulation in the brain. Additionally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been reported to synergistically improve the effects of other treatments, including standard intensive rehabilitation, thereby helping to accelerate recovery for TBI patients.
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Autoimmune diseases pose a significant challenge for those affected, as the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis are just a few examples of these complex disorders.
For individuals living with autoimmune diseases, managing symptoms often requires a complexed approach. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a complementary treatment that may help alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health.
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a malfunctioning immune system that targets healthy cells as if they were foreign invaders. This misdirected attack can affect various parts of the body, leading to a range of debilitating symptoms. Common symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, inflammation, and organ dysfunction. These diseases are usually chronic and progressive, requiring long-term management strategies that address both symptoms and underlying causes.
HBOT significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, delivering higher concentrations of oxygen to tissues throughout the body. These elevated oxygen levels can accelerate healing processes, reduce inflammation, and modulate immune function. For individuals with autoimmune diseases, these benefits can be particularly valuable, providing a means to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Occasional increase in inflammation is essential for the body's proper repair during physical injuries and infections. However, research has shown that systemic chronic inflammation (SCI) can lead to diseases that are among the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide. These diseases include cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, as well as autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders.
Chronic inflammation can harm healthy cells, tissues, and organs and may even damage the DNA in previously healthy cells. In addition to contributing to the development of various illnesses, chronic inflammation can also be a symptom of autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Factors like untreated injuries or illnesses, exposure to chemicals and pollutants, and other environmental toxins can lead to chronic inflammation. Moreover, a person’s lifestyle choices can increase their susceptibility to developing chronic inflammation and related diseases.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. This therapy increases the levels of oxygen in the body, allowing it to travel through the plasma, which helps alleviate inflammation and pain. HBOT can be effective in relieving soft tissue and joint inflammation, preventing the onset of chronic inflammatory-related diseases, reducing gastrointestinal and neuroinflammation and supporting anti-inflammatory processes at the cellular level.
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Neurological conditions can have varying impacts on the lives of those affected. These conditions range from sudden onset issues, such as stroke or traumatic brain injury, to progressive degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. They also include intermittent conditions, such as epilepsy and headache disorders.
Recent evidence has shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help individuals regain neurological activity and functionality. For both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as neurological injuries, HBOT provides increased levels of oxygen to the brain. This can aid in the recovery and repair of brain tissue, stimulate the growth of neuronal stem cells, and may enhance cognitive function.
HBOT has the potential to improve brain repair and recovery, alleviate neurological conditions, reduce neuroinflammation, enhance brain functioning and performance, and promote the regeneration of the nervous system.
Contraindications
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy should not be considered a substitute for medical care or medical treatment advised by a medical professional.
Please be aware that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may not be safe for everyone. It is essential to inform our staff if you have any of the following conditions:
Pneumothorax, emphysema, COPD, collapsed lung
Epilepsy, history of epilepsy or seizures of any kind
Untreated cancer, tumours, or cysts
Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Heart failure history
Open wounds
Acute ear pain, history of ear surgery
Fever, high temperature, or ear, nose, or throat infections
Severe respiratory infections
Diabetes
Claustrophobia or fear of closed spaces
Pregnancy
Additional advice:
Please note that if you are taking any prescribed medications these should be taken at least 2 hours before the start of the session.
Some medications may interfere with HBOT therapy such as Disulfiram, Cisplatin, Adriamycin, Bleomycin.
Consult a medical professional for personalized advice if you have any concerns about specific health conditions or questions. They will consider your medical history, current health, and any potential risks. Always follow safety guidelines and HBOT staff instructions during HBOT sessions to ensure a positive and safe experience.
Smoking is not recommended during the period of HBOT treatment. Nicotine is a substance that is incompatible with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It is possible to affect the outcomes of the treatment negatively. Anyone who is smoking will be encouraged to stop smoking or put it down to a minimum until the therapy is complete. This "no smoking" rule applies to all forms of tobacco use.