Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is not just a health trend, and is certainly not just a treatment limited to athletes, mountain climbers, and divers. Rather, it is an effective and incredible therapeutic solution that promotes healing in people with a number of conditions. The FDA has approved HBOT for many of these conditions, and it can even be used to help your furry friends.

HBOT treatments are done in a series, based on the condition that is to be treated, and its severity. Each treatment involves the patient spending typically 60-120 minutes in a pressurized chamber of oxygen, but let’s take a closer look at the details of how hyperbaric oxygen therapy actually works.

What Is the HBOT Experience Like?

HBOT is a non-invasive treatment that takes place in a comfortable setting, surrounded by entertainment options and people who are ready to help and answer your questions.

You’ll lie down in a single-person, tube-like chamber made of a clear acrylic, where you can start breathing in 100% pure oxygen. So, unlike some of the other more-daunting tubes you may think of when it comes to the world of medicine (such as an MRI), you’ll be able to see completely outside of the tube.

Patients report that this greatly reduces any potential feelings of claustrophobia, and it also makes it easy to position a TV screen nearby so you can watch your favorite movies or shows while you receive treatment.

Once in the chamber, the oxygen pressure will be increased. At first, you may feel pressure in your ears, much like you would if you were driving through a canyon or taking off in an airplane. However, you can easily release this pressure by swallowing or with a yawn, and it should go away as the pressure in the chamber regulates. This same sensation happens upon decompression as well and can be resolved in the same manner.

Our technicians make your comfort a priority for your treatment. You’ll be able to relax, watch a show or movie, listen to music, or get in a little extra sleep.

What Makes HBOT Effective?

HBOT is effective because the body needs oxygen to heal. Oxygen is a significant part of any health or healing process, but when increased with HBOT, it brings a larger supply of oxygen to the blood, tissues, and areas that need healing.

In other words, the higher pressure and the pure oxygen multiplies the effectiveness that environmental oxygen is able to have on the body in the therapeutic, healing, or anti-aging processes.

According to  a study by The Department of Veterans Affairs, the oxygen level in the normal air we breathe is around just 21% and “HBOT delivers 100% medical grade oxygen inside a chamber where the air pressure is raised at least 1.4 times greater than normal.” This is the mechanism that makes HBOT so effective.

When Will I see Results?

Results can vary greatly. Factors that determine the results one will receive from HBOT depend on the type and severity of the condition being treated, frequency of treatment, and the individual themselves. Everyone is unique, which means that everyone’s healing process is unique as well.

What we do know is that HBOT is proven to be effective an effective treatment for several conditions, and it is showing great promise for several more. By following recommended treatment plans, individuals can see better results, and some may even feel they are life-changing.

At Aalto Hyperbaric Medical Group, we offer HBOT at state-of-the-art centers around the country. Our safe and non-invasive treatments are scientifically proven to treat a number conditions and help patients find relief. Contact us at 1-888-303-HBOT, or at info@aaltohyperbaric.com to learn more.