Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, also known by the acronym HbOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy), is gaining popularity as a way to deal with numerous illnesses, diseases and injuries…. Yet it still remains a mystery shrouded in certain circles. This makes many people not even consider the possibility of treatment with this method. Thus, they miss an incredible opportunity to improve their health.
This is the reason for this text. We want to explain what hyperbaric oxygen therapy is, what problems it can help with and how it is carried out. We will also quote experts who will shed some light on how modern medicine views treatment via HbOT.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – how does it work?
During a hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment, the patient is given oxygen that is close to 100% or a mixture of gases close to 100% oxygen. Everything is done under increased pressure (1.3 ATA).
This allows oxygen to reach all the cells of the body, crossing barriers that it cannot cross under ‘normal’ conditions.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the only treatment known today that allows this. It is also worth noting that this treatment is neither complicated nor risky (to eliminate risks, consult your doctor beforehand).
It is accompanied by some specific sensations, similar to those associated with air travel – for example, plugging and unplugging of ears.
There are also some contraindications. For example, pregnant women, individuals prone to epileptic seizures or those suffering from acute ear conditions cannot benefit from oxygen therapy.
The procedure, carried out under the supervision of a trained person, is safe, and modern hyperbaric chambers play their part in this.
This naturally leads us to the next topic….
Hyperbaric chamber in oxygen therapy
HbOT treatment takes place in a device called a hyperbaric chamber. It is a hermetic room with a cylindrical shape.
The chambers have a glass window that allows constant observation of the patient. In addition, voice communication via a walkie-talkie set is also possible.
The interior of the chamber is comfortable and spacious – the amount of space depends, of course, in each case on the specific model in which the hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment takes place. Nevertheless, today’s manufacturers are well aware that convenience and a sense of comfort are crucial for patients.
Some models are designed to accommodate up to two people, such as a mother and child. There are also hyperbaric chambers that allow oxygen intake in a sitting position.
The whole procedure is trivial and does not require any additional action on the part of the patient: just sit and breathe. To pass the time, it is also possible, for example, to read a book or engage in other entertainment that does not involve electronic devices (these should be left in a safe place before the oxygen therapy treatment starts).
Speaking of spending time in the chamber, how long does the HbOT treatment last? The answer to this question is: it depends. This is determined on a case-by-case basis by the treating physician or those advising athletes or divers who wish to use hyperbaric oxygen therapy to enhance their performance.
Standard HbOT sessions are assumed to last between 60 and 120 minutes.
Does oxygen therapy help?
The short answer: yes, it does.
But how can particular groups of people benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
● Patients with frostbite and burns – HbOT will accelerate tissue healing and recovery.
● People with ulcers and hard-to-heal wounds – oxygen therapy treatment will aid tissue repair, stimulate angiogenesis and consequently lead to faster wound healing.
● People suffering from osteoarthritis – HbOT reduces pain and inflammation in many cases, improving joint function.
● Chad poisoned patients – pure oxygen aids treatment, reduces side effects and supports the body’s natural recovery.
● Patients with decompression sickness – the effective treatment of decompression sickness with HbOT is one of the main reasons for the great popularity of this treatment among divers.
● People with cerebral oedema – the treatment in the hyperbaric chamber leads to an increase in the availability of oxygen in the brain tissues. As a result, it speeds up the recovery process.
● People suffering from encephalitis – the treatment supports the reduction of inflammation and healing of the brain.
● Patients with hearing damage – the increase in noise levels to which a large segment of the population is exposed on a daily basis is leading to an increasing prevalence of hearing damage. The HbOT treatment, which promotes the regeneration of damaged hearing cells, can be used as a support.
● People with infections – HbOT can support the fight against bacterial infections and increase the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
In fact, the full list is much longer; the above is barely an outline of the areas in which hyperbaric oxygen therapy translates into improvements in patient health. We will elaborate on this soon in further articles to appear on our blog.
Of course, before starting any therapy, it is strongly advisable for the patient to consult a doctor. He or she is the one who should ultimately determine the absence of contraindications to the use of HbOT.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – expert opinions
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment is highly regarded by doctors and researchers, as evidenced by numerous favourable opinions. Some selected ones are quoted below.
***
Dr Allan Spiegel of Palm Harbor, Florida, spoke about the role of HbOT in damage reduction and effective brain stimulation:
‘After using HbOT, I have found long-term improvement in my patients, pain reduction, better sleep and a reduction in depressive symptoms, as pain is often at the root of these symptoms.
***
Moving on to the field of oncology, this is how Dr Pavel Yutsis, a member of the American Academy of Preventive Medicine and author of many books on medicine, talks about the support provided by hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments in the fight against cancer:
Increasing the oxygen supply to cancer cells inhibits their malignant process and even – as we observe in many cases – destroys them.
***
Hyperbaric therapy aids the regeneration of tissues damaged by radiotherapy and acts on the capillaries that are responsible for nourishing bones, mucous membranes and skin, according to Dr Greg Jones, director of Deaconess Hyperbaric and Wound Healing Centre.
***
These opinions are not isolated. In practically every area where hyperbaric oxygen therapy serves to help the patient, it is met with an enthusiastic or at least favourable reception from the medical world.
Hyperbaric chamber – is it worth it?
As can be seen from the facts quoted above – it is definitely worth it. This is true from the point of view of both patients and business owners who want to expand their business as a source of (almost) passive income.
Sessions in a hyperbaric chamber are used not only to treat illnesses, but also to increase the performance of athletes or improve beauty. This makes them an attractive addition to fitness clubs or beauty salons.
It looks as follows: You order a chamber, organise a space for it and we provide you with professional training in the use of the equipment. This is an additional magnet for attracting potential clients interested in the beneficial effects of hyperbaric therapy on health and beauty. You make money while bringing tangible benefits to them. All satisfied!
Call us today to find out more about our hyperbaric chambers:
