What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What is HBOT
Hyperbaric chambers are used to administer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). HBOT is a noninvasive procedure during which patients breathe 100% oxygen while enclosed in a specially designed chamber at pressures up to three times that exerted by the normal atmosphere. In certain circumstances, it represents the primary treatment modality, while in others it is an adjunct to surgical or pharmacologic interventions.
 
Is HBOT safe?
HBOT treatment is prescribed by a physician, and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks (like all medical treatments), hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe.
 
What does HBOT feel like?
At the start of the treatment, some patients experience a sensation similar to that felt while flying and/or landing in an airplane. As pressure builds, it is common to feel pressure in the ears and a slight rise in chamber temperature. At the end of the treatment, as the pressure is released, the ears pop automatically and the chamber becomes cooler. Most patients rest comfortably throughout treatment, watching TV, listening to music or sleeping.
 
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy saturates the patient’s circulatory system with oxygen, resulting in increased oxygen delivery to tissues. When the circulatory system becomes saturated:

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Explanation of treatment:

1. •Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which enhances the body's natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled.  It is used for a wide variety of treatments usually as a part of an overall medical care plan.
   
   

2. •The primary effects of HBOT are hyperoxygenation and decreased gas bubble size. Hyperoxygenation increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and, subsequently, the diffusion of oxygen into the tissues (Graham’s law). Tissue PO2 may remain elevated by more than 10% above normal for up to 3 hours after a single hyperbaric dive.
   
   

3. •Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBOT, 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, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas.  It is a simple, non-invasive and painless treatment.
   
   

4. •Hypoxia is a critical hallmark of solid tumors and involves enhanced cell survival, angiogenesis, glycolytic metabolism, and metastasis. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment has for centuries been used to improve or cure disorders involving hypoxia and ischemia, by enhancing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the plasma and thereby increasing O2 delivery to the tissue.
   
   

5. •There is evidence that implies that HBO might have tumor-inhibitory effects in certain cancer subtypes
   
   

6. •Hyperbaric and Cancer review
   
   

The Most Trusted, Cutting Edge Treatment In Sedona, Arizona

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) works in a very simple, yet effective way. By taking oxygen and placing it under greater than normal pressure we are able to push this oxygen into your blood plasma, tissues, and body fluids — literally super-oxygenating your entire system! So whether you’re living with an existing condition, looking to heal faster, or searching for preventative health solutions, you can trust us to give you the best hyperbaric therapy experience possible.

What are the benefits of HBOT?

It has long been known that healing many areas of the body cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue.  Most illnesses and injuries occur, and often linger, at the cellular or tissue level.  In many cases, such as: circulatory problems; non-healing wounds; and strokes, adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area and the body's natural healing ability is unable to function properly.  Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides this extra oxygen naturally and with minimal side effects.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the quality of life of the patient in many areas when standard medicine is not working.  Many conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue have responded favorably to HBOT.

1. •Increases neuronal energy metabolism in the brain
   
   

2. •Can create sustained cognitive improvement
   
   

3. •Wakes up sleeping (idling) brain cells that are metabolizing enough to stay alive but are not actively “firing”
   
   

4. •Enhances the body’s ability to fight bacterial and viral infections
   
   

5. •Deactivates toxins and poisons (e.g. side effects from some chemotherapy, spider bites, air pollution, etc.)
   
   

6. •Enhances wound healing by stimulating the growth of new capillaries into the injured area
   
   

7. •Creates an immediate aerobic state
   
   

8. •Removes free radicals
   
   

9. •Reduces tissue swelling
   
   

10. •Acts as an anti-inflammatory
    
    

Indications

Hyperbaric oxygen is used to treat all conditions which benefit from increased tissue oxygen availability, as well as infections where it can be used for its antibiotic properties, either as the primary therapy, or in conjunction with other medications.

1. •Air or Gas Embolism
   
   

2. •Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
   
   

3. •Compartment Syndrome/Crush Injury/Other Traumatic Ischemias
   
   

4. •Decompression Sickness (Bends)
   
   

5. •Diabetic and Selected Wounds
   
   

6. •Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia)
   
   

7. •Gas Gangrene
   
   

8. •Intracranial Abscess
   
   

9. •Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
   
   

10. •Osteoradionecrosis and Radiation Tissue Damage
    
    

11. •Osteomyelitis (Refractory)
    
    

12. •Skin Grafts and (Compromised) Flaps
    
    

13. •Thermal Burns
    
    

14. •Infection
    
    

15. •Poorly healing wound
    
    

16. •Burns
    
    

17. •Carbon monoxide poisoning
    
    

18. •Decompression sickness (can decrease gas bubble size)
    
    

19. •Conditions characterized by ischemic insult
    
    

The following conditions are off-label use:

1. •Autism
   
   

2. •Cerebral Palsy
   
   

3. •Cancer Support
   
   

4. •Lyme Disease
   
   

5. •Migraine
   
   

6. •Multiple Sclerosis
   
   

7. •Near Drowning
   
   

8. •Neurological Disorders
   
   

9. •Recovery from Plastic Surgery
   
   

10. •Sports Injuries
    
    

11. •Stroke
    
    

12. •Traumatic Brain Injury
    
    

Contraindications

1. •Sinus infection
   
   

2. •Someone who cannot manually equalize air pressure in their ears
   
   

3. •Asthma
   
   

4. •Pregnancy
   
   

5. •History of spontaneous pneumothorax
   
   

6. •Implantation of older types of pacemakers
   
   

Precautions

1. •No electronics in machine
   
   

2. •No metal on person
   
   

3. •Cotton cloths preferred
   
   

Side Effects

1. •Can cause myopia - nearsightedness (temporary)
   
   

2. •Can mature cataracts more quickly
   
   

Expected results/ benefits

1. •Increases leukocyte oxidative killing capacity
   
   

2. •Modulation of nitric oxide production
   
   

3. •Modification of growth factors and cytokine effects through regulation of their levels and/or receptors
   
   

4. •Can be synergistic with some Abx such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides
   
   

5. •Decreased vasogenic edema
   
   

How should patients prepare for treatment?

Only clean cotton clothing is allowed in the chamber for Full Oxygen Treatments. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs or jewelry are allowed in the chamber. The technician needs to know if any medications, including non prescription drugs,  are being taken by the patient, and patients are advised not to take alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to treatment.  In most cases, patients should give up smoking and any other tobacco products during their treatment period, as they interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen.

How is HBOT administered?

HBOT is administered in a private setting in state-of-the-art, monoplace chamber. This allows our trained technicians to closely monitor the patient and permits the patient to readily see outside the chamber through the small windows.  Patients are in constant communication with the attending technician via an intercom or may watch a movie, listen to music, read a book, or just rest.

Is HBOT safe?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a physician and performed under medical supervision. Although there are minor risks like all medical treatments, overall hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe. The risks will be discussed with you before you sign your consent form for therapy.

 Are there any side effects?

The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears.  Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary.  A rare side effect is oxygen toxicity which is caused by administering too much oxygen.

 What information does the Doctor need to know from the patient prior to HBOT?

·If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.

·If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.

·If there has been a change in any of your medications.

·If you have skipped a meal prior to your HBO treatment.

·If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your treatment.

·If you have any concerns or anxiety.

 How does hyperbaric oxygen help brain injury or stroke?

When cells in the brain die, either from trauma or lack of oxygen, blood plasma leaks out into surrounding brain tissue causing swelling and reducing blood flow.  These otherwise normal cells go dormant because they can't function without the appropriate amount of oxygen.  HBOT dramatically increases the oxygen carried in the blood plasma, making oxygen available to heal damaged capillary walls, preventing plasma leakage and reducing swelling.  As the swelling decreases,  blood flow can be restored to the dormant tissue (neovascularization) and these cells then have the potential to function again.

 How does hyperbaric oxygen help a child with cerebral palsy (CP) or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

In CP and TBI patients, some of the injured brain tissues may be "dormant" and non-functioning. HBOT can stimulate these "dormant" tissues and return them to more normal function.  In young children, cognitive function and spasticity can be improved.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, used in conjunction with other therapies, ensures the best recovery possible for children with cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury.

 How are patients referred for treatment?

Patients are accepted either by self referral or by physician referral. Patients are evaluated by our staff and treated based on their specific needs.  To schedule an evaluation, please call us at 928.239.4589

 

Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Whether you have an existing condition or are looking to heal faster, hyperbaric oxygen can help your system detoxify, reduce inflammation, increase cell production, and improve circulation.

Welcome to your Journey to a healthy living!  Please contact us to discuss what we can do for you. (928) 613.2233

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