Hyperbaric Therapy (HBT) is approved by the FDA to treat many medical conditions. HBT increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. An increase in blood oxygen may restore normal levels of blood gases and tissue function to promote healing and fight infection.
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Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBT, oxygen is dissolved into all of the body’s fluids, the plasma, the central nervous system fluids, the lymph, and the bone and can be carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. In this way, extra oxygen can reach all of the damaged tissues and the body can support its own healing process. The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduce swelling and allow new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. It is a simple, non-invasive, and painless treatment.
during the treatment
What to Expect?
Hyperbaric therapy is administered in a state-of-the-art, single-person (monoplace) chamber. You will lie or sit on a table or chair located inside the chamber. The unit then slides into a clear tube, which is about seven feet long. The chamber will be sealed and then filled with pressurized oxygen, which will increase to approximately two to three times the normal air pressure. You may notice a mild discomfort in your ears, similar to the plugged feeling experienced when on an airplane or traveling at a high elevation. These sensations are normal and may be relieved by yawning or swallowing.
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During the procedure, we want you to be as relaxed as possible. You’ll be asked to breathe normally during the treatment. You may watch TV, listen to music or catch up on your favorite podcast. Please be aware you will be able to speak to the therapist at any time during the session, and the therapist will be able to see you and talk to you at all times.
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The session itself will last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. After therapy is complete, technicians will slowly depressurize the chamber and you will be discharged from the unit.
before your treatment
Preparing for Your Visit
Only an experienced healthcare provider should prescribe hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Before undergoing treatment, you will have a consultation with Dr. Meglin to confirm you are a suitable candidate for this therapy. Please inform Dr. Meglin if you are pregnant or have one or more of the following:
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Untreated cancer
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A history of spontaneous collapsed lung(s)
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Untreated collapsed lung(s)
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Chronic sinusitis
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Current upper respiratory infection
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Chronic obstructive lung disease (such as emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, etc.)
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Heart disease with congestive heart failure
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High fever
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History of chest or ear surgery
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Current viral infection
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Before your HBT session, you will be asked to remove specific articles of clothing, such as your shoes. This is done for your safety. The treatment is performed in an oxygen-rich environment, which can cause fire if a spark or flame ignites a source of fuel. To reduce your risk, you will not be permitted to take items such as lighters or battery-powered devices into the chamber. In addition, you may need to remove hair and skin care products that are petroleum based, which can be sources of excess fuel and potential fire hazards.
Applications
Potential Side Effects
HBT is a generally safe procedure and complications are rare. The risks will be discussed with you in detail before you sign your consent form for therapy.
Risks of HBT include:
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Temporary vision problems, called myopia, caused by temporary eye lens changes
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Lung collapse, or barotrauma, due to air pressure changes
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Ringing of the ears, or middle ear injuries, including leaking fluid or eardrum ruptures
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Lightheadedness or nausea
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Seizures resulting from too much oxygen in your central nervous system
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Fire ignition due to the oxygen-rich environment of the treatment chamber
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Individuals with diabetes may experience a drop in blood sugar during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which may require blood sugar monitoring and specific interventions to prevent or treat. In some patients with a history of severe congestive heart failure, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may worsen the condition by producing pulmonary edema, resulting in the treatment being discontinued.
After your treatment
What to Expect
Once your HBT session is complete, you may experience mild side effects, such as lightheadedness or hunger. These effects are normal and generally subside after a short period of time. Your normal activity should not be limited following treatment.
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Hyperbaric therapy will likely require more than one session to achieve its maximum benefits. The number of treatments needed will vary depending upon the extent of your injury or condition, and how well your body responds to therapy.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Regardless of the medical concerns you are experiencing, there is a very good chance you can benefit from hyperbaric therapy. To discover whether this treatment can help your body help itself, please give us a call at Advanced Regenerative Therapy today to schedule an evaluation. We hope to see you soon!