What is Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy?

With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) one breathes 100% oxygen while sitting in a specially designed pressurized chamber. This therapy enhances the body’s own natural-healing process.

"Hyperbaric" is any pressure greater than the pressure at sea level (1.0 ATA). The greater the pressure, the greater the dose of oxygen delivered. In addition to pressurization, the percentage of oxygen is increased from room air (21% oxygen) to 100% oxygen.

The limiting factor of oxygenation at normal pressures (1.0 ATA) is our own blood and tissue physiology. At 1.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute), the red blood cells are able to carry only a limited amount of oxygen. At higher pressures, oxygen is more readily dissolved into all bodily fluids, including blood, plasma, lymphatic fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, and interstitial fluid.

This increase in oxygenation helps to reverse states of tissue oxygen depletion, known clinically as hypoxia, which is often a leading cause of cellular damage during disease states.

"Off Label" yet appropriate indications for HBOT include the following:

Hyperbaric Oxygenation is also an excellent therapy when used in combination with other Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine programs.

Medically "Approved" Conditions

Treatment chambers utilizing pressurized oxygen are currently in use in major hospitals for the following emergency conditions:

Air or gas embolism, Carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation, Gas gangrene/Gangrene, Crush injury and acute traumatic ischemias, Decompression sickness, Enhanced healing of selected problem wounds, Blood loss anemia, Necrotizing soft tissue infections, Refractory Osteomyelitis, Osteoradionecrosis, Compromised skin grafts, Thermal burns, Radiation tissue damage.