Rapidly gaining popularity as a treatment for a variety of conditions is hyperbaric therapy, also known as HBOT treatment or oxygen therapy. This FDA-approved therapy is recognized by Medicare as a reimbursable treatment in the U.S. for 14 different conditions. These conditions are:
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Clostridal myositis and gas gangrene
- Crush injury, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias
- Decompression sickness
- Enhancement of healing in certain wounds
- Diabetically derived illnesses
- Anemia
- Intracranial abcess
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Osteomyelitis
- Delayed radiation injury
- Skin grafts and flaps
- Thermal burns
Other uses include cases of Lyme disease, caused by a bacteria transmitted through blacklegged ticks, that don’t respond to antibiotics and treatment of radiation necrosis when combined with anticoagulation therapy.
What are hyperbaric centers and how do they work? We’re glad you asked. Hyperbaric centers have hyperbaric chambers where patients breath higher concentrations of oxygen, usually around 95%. What’s special about the chambers, however, is not the amount of oxygen, but the pressure it’s under. The pressure forces oxygen into the body’s cells, tissues, and body fluids.
As the oxygen is forced into the body, it produces a number of beneficial effects.
Improved Immune Function– Human immune systems need oxygen to operate optimally. As we age, however, our breaths become more shallow, causing our immune systems to suffer.
Detoxification– As oxygen is forced into the body, impurities are forced out.
Improved circulation– Blood and oxygen flow is increased, helping to promote healing.
Reduction of inflammation– Increases production and circulation of stem cells eightfold. These healing cells are then able to repair and rebuild damaged tissue.
Blood Vessel Reconstruction– Hyperbaric center treatment rebuilds blood vessels in damaged areas. This process, known as angiogenesis, begins in the 12th or 15th session in the chamber.
Damaged Cell Repair– While dead cells cannot be resurrected, damaged cells can be restored through hyperbaric treatment.
Improved Stamina– Increased availability of oxygen to the body gives more energy to the patient.
Improved Clarity– Extra blood and oxygen flow to the brain provides additional clarity of thought, a benefit especially appreciated by seniors.
The manifold benefits of hyperbaric treatment are contributing to its popularity. If you suffer from one of the 14 Medicare-approved conditions responding to HBOT therapy, talk to your doctor about visiting the hyperbaric center near you.