Low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a chamber at a pressure slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. Here are potential benefits associated with low-pressure HBOT:
Enhanced Oxygen Delivery: HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which allows the lungs to gather more oxygen than breathing normal air. This increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, facilitating its delivery to tissues and organs.
Wound Healing: HBOT can accelerate wound healing by stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and promoting tissue repair. It is particularly effective for chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, and non-healing surgical wounds.
Reduced Tissue Swelling: HBOT helps to decrease swelling and inflammation in tissues. This is beneficial for conditions like crush injuries, where swelling can cause further damage by restricting blood flow.
Antimicrobial Effects: The increased oxygen levels created by HBOT can help combat certain types of bacterial and fungal infections. It is often used as an adjunctive therapy for infections that are difficult to treat with antibiotics alone, such as certain types of osteomyelitis.
Improved Bone Healing: HBOT promotes the growth of new bone tissue and can aid in the healing of fractures, especially in cases of delayed union or non-union.
Radiation Injury Management: HBOT can mitigate the side effects of radiation therapy, such as tissue damage and inflammation, by promoting healing and reducing radiation-induced fibrosis.
Neurological Benefits: HBOT has shown promise in treating certain neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and cerebral palsy. It can help reduce brain swelling, improve blood flow to damaged areas, and promote neuroplasticity.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: HBOT is an effective treatment for carbon monoxide poisoning as it helps to rapidly remove carbon monoxide from the bloodstream and replace it with oxygen.
Enhanced Immune Function: HBOT can boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and enhancing their ability to kill bacteria and viruses.
Treatment of Decompression Sickness: HBOT is the primary treatment for decompression sickness (the bends) in divers, helping to reduce nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues.
Adjunctive Therapy for Certain Medical Conditions: HBOT may be used as an adjunctive therapy for conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and Crohn’s disease, although further research is needed to establish its efficacy in these areas.
While these benefits are promising, it’s essential to note that HBOT may not be suitable for everyone, and its efficacy can vary depending on the individual and the specific condition being treated. It’s crucial to consult with our on-staff Hyperbaric Specialist, Amy Lee Bass, NP-C, and your primary care provider, if you have one, to determine if low-pressure HBOT is appropriate and safe for your particular situation.
If you’d like to learn about the benefits of Using Photobiomodulation Therapy alongside Low-Pressure Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy “Click Here”