Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment entails reclining in a pressurized chamber and inhaling pure oxygen. Within this specialized chamber, the air pressure is elevated to 2-3 times the normal level, enabling your lungs to absorb larger quantities of oxygen. This heightened oxygen intake subsequently raises the oxygen levels in your bloodstream. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has gained recognition for its efficacy in treating decompression sickness among scuba divers.

Moreover, the surplus oxygen in your blood offers additional advantages for various health conditions, including its ability to combat bacteria and activate vital substances within your body that facilitate cellular and tissue regeneration and repair.

Who benefits from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen chambers can provide benefits for a range of conditions and injuries. Here's a breakdown of who can benefit from their use in the specific cases you mentioned:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): While hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not a primary treatment for PTSD, some studies suggest that it may have potential benefits for reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for individuals with PTSD.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): HBOT has been used as an adjunctive treatment for TBI. It involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which can increase oxygen delivery to damaged brain tissue, promote healing, and potentially reduce inflammation.
Fibromyalgia: Some studies have shown that HBOT can provide temporary relief from pain and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. The increased oxygen levels in the body during HBOT sessions may help reduce pain and improve overall well-being.
Concussion: HBOT has been explored as a potential treatment for concussions. By increasing oxygen levels in the brain, it may support the healing process and alleviate symptoms such as headaches, cognitive difficulties, and sleep disturbances.
Stroke: HBOT is not a primary treatment for stroke, but it has been investigated as a complementary therapy. It aims to increase oxygen supply to the damaged brain tissue, potentially aiding in recovery and rehabilitation.
Athletic injuries: HBOT can be beneficial for athletes recovering from various injuries, such as muscle strains, ligament sprains, or fractures. The increased oxygen levels in the body can promote healing and expedite the recovery process.
Diabetic neuropathy: HBOT may help individuals with diabetic neuropathy by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue healing. It can potentially alleviate symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and pain in the extremities.
Idiopathic peripheral neuropathy: HBOT may also be considered as a treatment option for individuals with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. By increasing oxygen levels, it can potentially alleviate symptoms and promote nerve regeneration.
Severe anemia: HBOT can be beneficial for individuals with severe anemia, where the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is significantly reduced. By providing a high concentration of oxygen, HBOT helps deliver oxygen to the tissues and organs, improving oxygenation.
Wound healing: HBOT has been widely used to treat various types of wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, non-healing wounds, and radiation-induced tissue damage. The increased oxygen levels promote tissue regeneration, enhance the body's natural healing mechanisms, and help fight off infections.

It is important to note that while there is some evidence supporting the use of HBOT for these conditions, its effectiveness may vary, and individual results can differ. The use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers should always be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals who can assess the specific needs and circumstances of each patient.

What can I expect during Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment?

The hyperbaric oxygen treatment we offer is an in-office therapy that is noninvasive, painless, and safe. Our practice charges $50 for each one-hour session.

During your therapy, you will be asked to lie in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Initially, you may experience a sensation of increased pressure in your ears, similar to the feeling during a flight. This discomfort can be alleviated by yawning or swallowing. Our dedicated team encourages you to relax and breathe deeply throughout the treatment.

Once your treatment is complete, your provider will assess your blood oxygen levels and allow you to return home. There is no downtime associated with hyperbaric oxygen treatment, although you may notice an increased appetite afterwards.

How many hyperbaric oxygen treatments do I need?

During your initial consultation at Arkansas Progressive Medicine, your provider will determine the appropriate number of hyperbaric oxygen treatments based on your diagnosis and therapeutic requirements. The number of treatments may vary, ranging from just a few sessions for certain conditions to as many as 40 sessions for others.

In addition to hyperbaric oxygen treatment, the dedicated team at Arkansas Progressive Medicine is committed to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. They may incorporate other therapies alongside your hyperbaric oxygen treatment, such as disease-specific medication, vitamin B12 injections, or an exercise program tailored to your needs.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has demonstrated significant improvements for various conditions. To explore the potential benefits of this innovative therapy for your specific situation, we invite you to contact Arkansas Progressive Medicine today by calling or requesting an appointment online.

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