Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Blood is made up of three main components: white blood cells that fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen and plasma, the fluid that carries both kinds of cells throughout the body. Under normal circumstances, the red cells carry the majority of oxygen while the plasma carries less than 2% of oxygen. Since mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy forces oxygen into the body fluids under pressure, more oxygen is dissolved into the plasma greatly increasing the oxygen levels. The fluids then carry the extra oxygen throughout the body to enhance the body’s natural healing process.

Increased oxygen levels in the blood plasma gives the body tissues the ability to become more concentrated with oxygen creating a more effective environment to support normal healing and cell function.

In addition to helping patients heal post-surgery and athletes recover from injuries and fatigue, mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can provide effective treatment for some medical conditions. It helps to reduce hypoxic areas (insufficient oxygen for function) of the body to improve metabolic function of cells, support and strengthen immune response, and enhance normal healing processes.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is virtually pain-free. Patients lie comfortably and restfully in the chamber. Patients can listen to music, watch television or movies, or nap if they wish. During certain stages of the treatment, patients may experience a sensation of fullness in their ears. This is similar to that which is felt while flying in an airplane or driving down a mountain as the eardrum responds to changes in pressure. As part of the introduction to treatment, patients are taught several easy methods to avoid ear discomfort.

Like all medical treatments and procedures, there are some risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. These risks are quite rare and will be discussed in detail prior to starting therapy. Overall, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is extremely safe - from young to the elderly.

Sessions usually last an hour, however you can use the chamber for much longer without any adverse effects. After each session you can carry on with your day as normal – there are no restrictions.