There are many well-established uses for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Currently, the FDA has approved HBOT for treating 14 different conditions, from carbon monoxide poisoning and anemia to intercranial abscesses thermal burns.

It is regularly used as a method to fight infections and stimulate healing and there are several known mechanisms behind these benefits. For example, HBOT reduces systematic inflammation by increasing the levels of oxygen throughout the body, and stimulates the formation of new blood vessels to help heal tissues. It even increases collagen production which leads to smoother skin when the healing is done.

However, in recent years, more and more research has gone into the other health benefits of HBOT treatments.

These treatments still fall under the “off-label conditions” category, which means that while research is still ongoing, the same mechanisms listed above contribute to their potential results.

So, given this potential, let’s look at how HBOT treatments are helping patients in other ways.

Arthritis Treatments

HBOT can be an effective treatment for joint pain in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. As the oxygen works to reduce the inflammation in the joins, patients can find some relief from the ongoing pain.

The oxygen saturates the blood so it can reach the damaged joints more easily and provide many benefits. Reports include decreased joint pain, improved sleep, and decreased reliance on medications.

Athletics Recovery

Athletes push themselves hard, and it can often lead to injuries. HBOT is a great addition to the normal physical therapy and rest that is usually prescribed.

Patients who have experienced an injury during an athletic event can experience swelling and pain, but HBOT can help reduce the level of swelling, repair broken blood vessels, and kickstart the healing process.

Cosmetic Surgery Recovery

Many patients will have to go through a period of discomfort and pain after they receive plastic surgery. There will likely be a lot of redness and bruising around the incisions, and the actual healing time can be different for each individual.

HBOT can saturate the target area with 100% pure oxygen, which can reduce swelling, bruising, and inflammation and minimize the redness (especially after laser resurfacing procedures). It can also reduce pain and help scars heal better.

Migraine Treatment

A migraine can be debilitating. They have no cure, and they can happen at almost any time. Traditional treatments focus on pain relief and prevention, but so far that approach has not been consistently effective.

Migraines are believed to be a result of an inflammation that comes from the release of neuropeptides, which leads to high sensitivity and low pain thresholds. HBOT reduces inflammations, which can help relieve that constant, throbbing pain.

Psoriasis Treatment

Research is showing a lot of potential for HBOT as a way to treat autoimmune diseases like psoriasis. The increased levels of oxygen can reduce systemic inflammations and help get the immune system back under control.

Oxygen is a necessary component of the healing process, but the normal levels in the average blood stream can have difficulty reaching every tissue that was damaged by psoriasis. Highly saturated blood pumping through new blood vessels can reach those damaged areas more efficiently and contribute to the healing process.

Osteoporosis Treatment

As we age, our bones naturally break down old cells and replace them with new ones. Osteoporosis, though, is a condition in which the body no longer creates new bone cells as it loses old ones. This can be very painful while making the bones weak and brittle.

HBOT promotes collagen growth and new blood vessel growth, which can both contribute to the health and strength of the bones. There have even been cases in which patients found some pain relief and began to regain a range of motion after consistent treatments.

Discover the Benefits for Yourself

At Aalto Hyperbaric Medical Group, we can help you discover a wide range of HBOT benefits so you can get the treatment you need.

There are many different conditions out there that are not effectively treated through traditional medical solutions. It may be time to explore some alternative treatments and find out how 100% pure oxygen can impact the body.

HBOT treatments are non-invasive and painless, and our staff is ready to make sure you are comfortable during every treatment. Contact us today to learn more about these benefits.