What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the use of oxygen at a higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. Hyper means increased, & Baric relates to pressure. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) refers to intermittent treatment of the entire body with increased oxygen concentration. That pressure is defined as one atmosphere absolute (1 ATA). In the ambient atmosphere, we normally breathe approximately 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen. While undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the pressure is increased up to 1.5 times (1.5 ATA) with increased oxygen concentration. This increased pressure & oxygen concentration forces oxygen into your blood plasma, body cells, body tissue, and bodily fluids at an average rate of 7-10X the normal concentration. This has significant benefits to the body’s ability to heal, recover, perform & function.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Works
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It increases Stem Cell Growth.
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Significantly reduces swelling and shortens the inflammatory process.
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It significantly reduces edema.
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Improves range of motion.
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Increases the production of collagen.
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HBOT increases the growth of cells that form reparative tissue (fibroblastic proliferation) with greater tissue strength.
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It supports scar tissue rehabilitation.
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Enhances the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) and stimulates new capillary growth.
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HBOT increases oxygen levels in tissues (hyperoxia).
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It increases oxygen perfusion area around wounds.
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Improves the survival of tissues in the ‘grey area’ of crush injuries.
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Increases production and improves the action of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts.
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Improves bone regeneration for faster recovery.
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Helps prevent infection by increasing white blood cell production.
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Enhances the ability of white blood cells to remove bacteria and debris (leukocyte activity).
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Potentiates the use of antibiotic.
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Destroys harmful bacteria (Antimicrobial effect).
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Hyperbaric Oxygenation improves the Blood Flow and improves Microcirculation.
Hyperbaric Oxygenation
Breathing 95-100% oxygen under pressure causes the oxygen to diffuse into the blood plasma. This oxygen-rich plasma is able to travel past the restriction, diffusing up to 3 times further into the tissue. The pressurized environment helps to reduce swelling and discomfort while providing the body with at least 10-15 times its normal supply of oxygen to help repair tissue damaged by the original occlusion or subsequent hypoxic condition. Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT) directly increases the saturation of tissue oxygenation, slowing and reversing hypoxia-induced apoptosis – restoring blood supply to the compromised region by the development of new capillary networks (neovascularization), enabling the body to alter the course and impact of the disease process.
HBOT can be used to treat any condition that benefits from making extra oxygen available to the body’s tissues or the brain. Although it is better known for helping with wound healing, carbon monoxide poisoning, burns, and decompression sickness, HBOT can also help with a number of issues related to brain health. It has also been used to help fight infections and to restore the immune system.
HBOT has been used to improve many issues including, but not limited to:
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Traumatic brain injury and concussion.
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PTSD.
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Autism spectrum Disorder (ASD).
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Memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease.
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Vascular dementia.
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Anxiety and Depression.
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Attention deficit disorder.
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Chronic persistent Lyme Disease.
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Migraine.
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Autoimmune diseases.
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Stroke.
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Aging.
WHAT BRAIN SPECT IMAGING AND OTHER RESEARCH REVEALS ABOUT HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
Brain SPECT is an imaging technology that measures blood flow and activity in the brain. It reveals areas with healthy activity, too much activity, and too little activity. Brain imaging studies have found that HBOT has several benefits for the brain.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at EHC Buffalo
At EHC BUFFALO, HBOT may be used in combination with other therapies. If your physician recommends HBOT as part of your treatment plan, you can conveniently undergo the therapy at our clinic. The treatment simply involves lying in a pressurized chamber for a designated period of time and a specific number of sessions based on your individual needs. Our staff, specially trained in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, monitors the process for your comfort and safety. Contact us today to make an appointment.
