Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive medical therapy during which a patient is placed inside a pressurized chamber to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream. The chamber creates a pressurized environment at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA) in which the patient breathes 100% medical-use pure oxygen. The treatment increases the amount of oxygen delivered to the tissues and the brain to promote healing.
Studies Support HBOT for TBI and Injury
The value of increased oxygen in the blood shows promise for treating various injuries and illnesses throughout the body. Several studies have been conducted to better understand the value of HBOT for specific conditions.
- HBOT Improves Brain Function
Numerous studies show improved cognitive assessment following HBOT for post-stroke patients. High oxygen environments are shown to improve brain metabolism in temporal areas and improve the working memory of patients with memory difficulties. In patients with mild traumatic brain injury, HBOT improves hippocampal CBF and facilitates recovery during the rehabilitation phase.
- HBOT Enhances Early Recovery from Open Wounds
A study conducted on 5 patients who underwent HBOT after surgical procedures on fingertip injuries showed accelerated wound healing, improved graft survival, and improved preservation of function. HBOT reduced recovery periods by about a week in clean-cut injuries.
- HBOT Reduces Muscular Enzymes and Pain in Athletes
A randomized study of 46 athletes showed significant reductions in muscular enzymes and pain intensity in patients who received HBOT in comparison to control groups, indicating the positive effects of HBOT on the recovery of muscle injury.
The Benefits of HBOT for Medical Conditions
HBOT was used in the 1940s to treat decompression sickness in deep-sea divers in the U.S. Navy. By the 1960s, it was used to treat carbon monoxide poisoning. While it is still used for these treatments, the use of HBOT has expanded to treat a variety of conditions. Some of the most common medical conditions treated with HBOT include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Concussion
- Stroke
- Chronic Pain
- Sports Recovery
- Developmental Delays
- Hyper-inflammatory Responses
- An infection that doesn’t respond well to other treatments
How It Works
When the body is injured, damaged tissues need oxygen to promote repair and wound healing. During an HBOT treatment, patients lie flat and breathe 100% oxygen for about an hour. The higher oxygen density and increased atmospheric pressure inside the chamber help blood in the body carry 2-3 times more oxygen to damaged tissues, promoting faster healing.
Injuries that damage blood vessels and cause swelling damage cells, causing tissue death. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, breaking the cycle of swelling and oxygen starvation that causes tissue death. Since HBOT is used to treat a wide variety of injuries and medical conditions, there is no exact measure of healing rates. However, studies have shown healing time for fingertip surgery patients is reduced by a week, and chronic wounds can heal twice as fast with HBOT treatment.
Contact Us at Axon Integrative Health to Learn More About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that can be used to treat a broad range of conditions. You can relax comfortably in the chamber for up to 60 minutes while the treatment does its work. The number of treatments you’ll need depends on your condition and the desired result. HBOT at Axon Integrative Health provides an environment that accounts for your specific needs with a tailored treatment program aligned with your health goals. Contact us today to learn more about the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy or to schedule your initial assessment.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Anggalih Prasetya
