Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has gained some traction over the past few years for its apparent benefits. HBOT supplies the lungs and body with more than enough oxygen, boosting natural processes, including regeneration and healing. The treatment can resolve various conditions and emergencies and is customizable to fit patient needs. Here’s an overview of HBOT and how it works in modern healthcare:

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is delivered using a hyperbaric chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is higher than atmospheric pressure, and 100% pure oxygen is pumped to maximize the lung’s intake of oxygen. Excess oxygen is vital for various body functions and can aid healing and natural recovery. HBOT is delivered for a prescribed session, generally 60-120 minutes, depending on the patient’s needs. Hyperbaric chambers leverage the potential benefits of increased oxygen in the bloodstream.

What Can HBOT Help With?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has been around since the 1930s and has many well-researched and approved benefits. You may encounter speculative uses, so it’s vital to do due diligence before entering the chamber. Here’s an overview of the medical conditions and situations HBOT treatment can help:

Approved Conditions

There’s extensive research indicating the potential of HBOT in treating a wide range of conditions, illnesses, and injuries. The FDA currently qualifies several indications, but many other potential uses are yet to be approved.

The popular conditions for which HBOT is safe to include air gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness. Others include crush injury and acute traumatic ischemias, diabetic lower extremity wounds, and osteomyelitis (refractory).

HBOT is approved for severe anemia, radiation tissue damage, skin graft complications, gas gangrene, and necrotizing soft tissue infections. Unexpected sensorineural hearing loss, severe thermal burns, and intracranial abscess patients can also benefit from HBOT.

Other Conditions

Approved conditions are sometimes indicated as “on-label” and come with the backing of research and clinical tests. Patients can also consider HBOT treatment for conditions yet to be approved if adequate research supports it.

Many off-label conditions can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including anoxic brain injury and cerebral palsy. HBOT can also relieve chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, concussion, and traumatic brain injury.

Other conditions that HBOT may help include Crohn’s disease, Lyme disease, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and spinal cord injuries. HBOT has also been used to treat sports injuries, interstitial cystitis, stroke, migraines, headaches, and more.

Benefits of HBOT Treatment

The merits of HBOT oxygen treatment are straightforward. Natural air is only 21% oxygen, while hyperbaric chambers pump 100% oxygen. The air pressure is also increased or even doubled to increase the volume of oxygen into your lungs. HBOT chambers maximize oxygen intake, allowing your bloodstream to carry more dissolved oxygen. Below are the top advantages of using this therapy:

Hyperbaric chambers have many other benefits, including stem cell mobilization and mitochondrial support. The sessions help promote tissue regeneration and increase energy retention to support cellular processes. The abundant oxygen under high pressure optimizes cellular energy production. HBOT also circulates 100% pure oxygen directly into the patient’s plasma, causing instant benefits and long-term regeneration.

Types of HBOT Chambers

There are three main types of HBOT chambers: monoplace, multiplace, and soft. A monoplace chamber accommodates one patient at a time. Multiplace chambers can hold more than one person at a time. Soft (mild) hyperbaric chambers have a unique structure and configuration. It gets the name after the smooth canvas or elastic-plastic used for the shell.

Monoplace chambers are the most common and can be pressurized with medical-grade oxygen or regular air. A mask is required where regular air is involved. The practitioner will prescribe unique atmospheric pressure tailored for the patient’s requirements. Each chamber has special applications, benefits, and drawbacks, so it’s vital to identify the best for your needs.

Preparing for HBOT Treatment

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers involve relaxing and taking deep breaths of 100% oxygen to your lungs. The high atmospheric pressure makes it easier to breathe in more oxygen and max out lung capacity. Before going into the chamber, the physician will provide a consultation session to evaluate your suitability. The consultation also helps establish the most appropriate protocol for your condition and health goals.

The physician will ensure there are no contradictions and provide preparation recommendations. Reputable practitioners can explain the science behind HBOT and what you need before starting treatment. You may also get a review of insurance coverage and associated costs. Other preparations include checking vital organs and reviewing a safety checklist to ensure the patient is free of jewelry, perfumes, and lotions.

Reliable Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy 

At Aalto Hyperbaric Medical Group, we focus on delivering premium HBOT treatment optimized for the patient’s health goals. You can experience hyperbaric oxygen therapy to discover its benefits for your immune system, natural healing, and neurological functions. Our team serves all Los Angeles patients seeking high-end HBOT treatment for specific conditions, injuries, illnesses, and objectives.