Hyperbaric therapy has become an invaluable treatment option for treating a myriad of physical and mental ailments. While the details of your specific treatment may vary depending on your condition, many aspects of the hyperbaric medicine we practice at Aalto Hyperbaric remain the same. Among these are the high-quality hyperbaric chambers we employ and our use of 100% pure oxygen during each session.

The FDA has approved many different forms of hyperbaric treatment to help address specific conditions. Depending on your unique challenges, the design of hyperbaric chambers can vary and the levels of pressure within them can differ. Here are some of the ways Aalto Hyperbaric treats patients according to their specific needs:

How Does Hyperbaric Therapy Vary?

Hyperbaric treatments are scientifically proven to promote healing in ways that traditional medicine cannot address. This is accomplished through the use of high atmospheric pressure, which allows oxygen to more deeply penetrate the tissues and cells in the body than is possible under normal conditions. By breathing 100% pure oxygen, the process becomes more efficient, allowing each session to take between 60 and 90 minutes.

Different treatment options may require higher or lower atmospheric pressures to be applied. At Aalto Hyperbaric, we treat our patients to two to three atmospheres of pressure (or 2.0 to 3.0 ATA). We do this according to the standards set by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) to keep patients safe. Specific circumstances may call for higher pressures. Individual circumstances may also require different levels of oxygen intake, though these conditions are rare.

Comparing Different Hyperbaric Chambers

Different hyperbaric chambers exist to suit the comfort and privacy level of each patient. Some treatments can also be more effective depending on the type of hyperbaric chamber utilized. Aalto Hyperbaric relies on chambers built by Sechrist Industries Inc., a world leader in hyperbaric technology and manufacturing. This allows our medical professionals to provide safe and effective world-class care to every patient we treat.

Monoplace HBOT Chambers

Monoplace chambers are designed to treat a single patient at a time. Our chambers are designed as hard-sided chambers to allow for higher pressures. To help our patients remain comfortable and avoid any feelings of anxiety or claustrophobia, each monoplace HBOT chamber features durable acrylic windows and a high-tech communications system. In a controlled atmosphere of pure oxygen, our patients can enjoy the full attention of our medical staff and relax through each session. Special clothing is required to safely use these chambers, and items such as books or phones cannot be taken inside.

Multiplace HBOT Chambers

A multiplace HBOT chamber is a pressurized room that can seat up to five or six patients at a time. These large chambers typically apply lower pressures than a monoplace HBOT chamber and require patients to wear a breathing mask that delivers pure oxygen. Multiplace chambers can make it difficult for patients to receive truly individualized care. And some patients may not be comfortable receiving treatment in a confined space with strangers. But they can allow patients to receive treatment in their street clothes and bring reading materials and electronic devices.

Soft-side HBOT Chambers

One type of HBOT chamber that Aalto Hyperbaric does not use is known as a soft-side chamber. These chambers are typically made of lightweight plastic and cannot provide the pressure necessary to provide effective hyperbaric treatments. They are often not airtight and cannot provide the level of oxygen necessary for healing. Such chambers are not approved by the FDA to treat the conditions that our medical professionals manage at our clinics.

Different Conditions Require Different Levels of Treatment

As of 2023, the FDA recognizes the efficacy of hyperbaric medicine in treating 14 different types of conditions. These conditions include:

• Acute blood loss anemia
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Compromised flaps and skin grafts
• Crush injury, compartment syndrome
• Decompression sickness
• Delayed radiation injuries, such as radiation bone necrosis
• Gas embolism
• Gas gangrene
• Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• Intracranial abscess
• Necrotizing fasciitis
• Refractory osteomyelitis
• Selective cases for wound healing
• Thermal burns

As you work with our physicians and staff, we can adjust the atmospheric pressures and the length of each session to suit your comfort level and treatment plan.

Different Treatments May Require Multiple Sessions

While hyperbaric medicine is an effective course of treatment for a number of ailments, most problems will not be solved in a single session. The number of treatments and specific conditions for the hyperbaric chamber will vary depending on the condition. Treating decompression sickness or carbon monoxide exposure can often be accomplished in one or two sessions. Chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia or certain neurological disorders may require more than thirty individual sessions.

Work with the medical team at Aalto Hyperbaric to learn more about the specific timeframe for treating your condition. Every patient’s case is different, and we model our treatment plans to suit the needs of each individual.

How Can I Know If Hyperbaric Medicine Is Right For Me?

The best way to know if hyperbaric therapy can bring relief to your specific circumstances is to talk to your healthcare provider. Working with your physician, we can accept referrals and treat you according to your specific needs. We also accept self-referrals, and our medical team can create a treatment plan that is right for you. As the FDA specifies that 100% oxygen requires a written prescription from a physician, medical clearance is required to make sure that hyperbaric treatment is the correct form of treatment.

Hyperbaric medicine is not for everyone, and not all physical ailments can be solved through high pressure and pure oxygen. But for a number of conditions, hyperbaric medicine is an effective, FDA-approved, and non-invasive form of healing and treatment. Ask your doctor if hyperbaric medicine could supplement your existing treatment plan. From anti-aging treatments to neurological issues like autism, hyperbaric medicine may be helpful in bolstering the body’s immune system, stimulating healing, and promoting your body’s general well-being. Aalto Hyperbaric works with healthcare professionals and patients from across the United States.

If you have any questions about the different types of hyperbaric therapy Aalto Hyperbaric provides, feel free to ask our friendly and knowledgeable team. Set up an appointment today and experience the difference hyperbaric medicine can make in your life.