It reduces INFLAMMATION in the body. When HBOT drives increased levels of oxygen into the body, it travels through the plasma, subsequently reducing inflammation and pain. Inflammation is present in almost all types of injuries or damage to the body. It is the body’s natural process to heal itself by fighting against such things as infections, injuries, or any form of toxicity. When the body’s natural self-healing response is not adequate and the inflammation persists, it becomes chronic and can have a long-term negative impact on the body’s tissues and organs. HBOT has been demonstrated to substantially attenuate inflammation throughout the body.
The treatment stimulates ANGIOGENESIS, which is the development of new blood vessels. HBOT allows oxygen to reach low oxygen (hypoperfused) tissue and stimulates growth of blood vessels to improve blood flow and oxygen supply to compromised tissue and bone so that it is better able to repair itself.
INFECTION FIGHTING – high levels of oxygen enhance the function of the cells that fight infection in our bodies and also help eliminate infections such as gangrene caused by bacteria which cannot live in an oxygenated environment.
Controls VASOCONSTRICTION, which is the narrowing of blood vessels by small muscles in their walls. HBOT produces constriction of blood vessels which can reduce edema while, at the same time, delivering significant levels of oxygen to poorly perfused tissue.
What is required to be considered for HBOT treatment?
All potential HBOT patients are required to have a full medical evaluation before commencing treatment. Each is assessed by our Medical Director to ensure that it is safe to expose him/her to oxygen under pressure. The patient is not required to provide a referral from a physician. The Center’s Medical Director is a hyperbaric physician who conducts the medical review and writes the orders for the hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment plan.
The medical evaluation includes:
Medical health history.
Brief physical which includes taking the patient’s vitals, checking the lungs, and checking the ears for the ability to equalize under pressure.
Depending upon the patient’s condition and state of health, the Medical Director may require the patient to have a chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, and/or eye examination before proceeding with treatment.
