Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen in a pressurized environment, at a level higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). Increased pressure allows for oxygen to dissolve and saturate the blood plasma (independent of hemoglobin/red blood cells), which yields a broad variety of positive physiological, biochemical and cellular effects. This noninvasive therapy is the most trusted way to increase oxygen levels to all organs of the body. The typical treatment lasts for 60 minutes, during which the patient lies down and breathes normally.
HBOT has been demonstrated in several clinical studies to enhance the body’s innate ability to repair and regenerate. It is used as an adjunct therapy to complement and enhance the healing process in both chronic and acute conditions.
What is HBOT?
HBOT benefits include but are not limited to:
Chronic inflammation, Neuropathy, Parkinson’s, Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Post Stroke, Tramatic brain injury, Post concussion, Multiple sclerosis, and many others.
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It’s like when you purchase a bottle of soda, the CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas bubbles are under pressure, which decreases the size of the bubbles enough that they dissolve into the liquid. Therefore, you are unable to see them. When pressure is released, the volume of each bubble increases and the bubbles appear. While an individual is under pressure, the oxygen molecules decrease in size and are able to dissolve into the blood plasma. This exponentially increases oxygen delivery throughout the body and makes it possible for oxygen to reach inflamed tissue and support optimal cellular and organ functionality.
Clinical Study
Mild Hyperbarics For Impaired Brain Function. Neurology & Hyperbarics
Stroke Study. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, is a specialized therapy that uses an increase in atmospheric pressure to allow the body to absorb more oxygen into blood cells, plasma, and cerebral, spinal, and other fluids.
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HBOT is based on the fact that at higher altitudes air is “thinner,” meaning there is less available oxygen for the body to absorb. At lower altitudes the opposite is true. At a lower altitude the pressure is greater and the body can more easily absorb oxygen. Being in the pressurized HBOT chamber is like being at a lower altitude where the body begins to absorb a healing dose of oxygen which is infused into every cell of the body. This increase oxygen exposure is critical for the improved healing response of our cells and nervous system.
Athletes
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helps athletes at all skill levels heal quickly and get back ”in the game.” Many sports injuries involve strains and sprains, which naturally cause swelling and edema (accumulation of excess fluid in connective tissue). These natural reactions to injury compress blood vessels and restrict the vital flow of oxygen-carrying plasma and red blood cells to the injury site. Cells and tissues surrounding the injury site become starved for oxygen, which impedes healing. In extreme cases, cell and tissue death can occur.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy saturates the blood plasma and hemoglobin with oxygen. The red blood cells become more malleable as well, increasing their ability to penetrate restricted blood vessels. Life-giving oxygen is therefore able to reach the injury site so that cells can heal and the immune system can fully defend the body against harmful agents. Healing time is reduced significantly, and athletes get back into play faster.
FAQ
Can I overdose on oxygen?
Added enriched oxygen does need to be monitored. Of course, if enriched oxygen is not being supplemented into the chamber, this is not an issue.
Is Hyperbarics safe?
Hyperbarics has a very good safety record. Many hyperbaric centers report only mild ear discomfort as a contraindication to therapy. Such discomfort is like the ear pressure felt when ascending or descending in altitude. These discomforts may be minimized by descending at a slower rate. Discuss these concerns with the treating provider.
Does insurance cover Hyperbarics?
In the United States, there are certain indications which insurance covers. This includes gangrene, radiation burns, carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness. Insurance does not cover these sessions for the conditions we are using it for in our office.
What is the difference between Mild Hyperbarics and High Pressure Hyperbarics?
Mild Hyperbarics is generally a pressure protocol up to 1.3 ATA or 4 psi. High Pressure Hyperbarics involves pressures above 1.5 ATA. These pressures are achieved in a variety of chambers currently available on the market, including monoplace, multiplace and portable chambers.
Where can I go for HBOT therapy?
We offer HBOT treatments here at Minot Health Clinic!
How many sessions are needed?
Each case is different and the provider will make a protocol specific to you and your medical concerns, goals, and expectations. If you have had a medical diagnosis for many years or even decades, you will likely be recommended to complete a 40-hour minimum protocol. Again, each patient can be very different depending on a patient’s disease, prognosis, and improvements through the course of therapy.
What is Hyperbarics used for?
Traditionally HBOT has been used for diabetic foot wounds, air and gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, gas gangrene, thermal burns, decompression sickness and acute mountain sickness. Due to the healing effects of oxygen therapy HBOT is now also used for cerebral palsy, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, ALS, anemia, wound and scar healing, post stroke care, post surgical care, improved performance, dementia and bells palsy… just to name a few. Visit our conditions treated tab for more information.
How does hyperbarics work?
Hyperbarics is a technology in which the air pressure in the environment is increased. When a person’s body is placed in a more pressured environment, it absorbs more oxygen molecules per volume of compressed air. The body normally transports oxygen via the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. By increasing the air pressure, oxygen is then driven into the body’s fluids, allowing a super-saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen. The increased pressure infuses the body with oxygen, even reaching injuries with damaged circulation. An example of this is a blood clot in the brain (stroke).
New Patients
Maybe you’ve heard about HBOT through a friend or did some research online. Maybe you’re just tired of living in pain. If you’ve tried it all and feel like you’ve lost hope, we’d like to speak with you and show you a better way.
We’re here to help you get back on your feet. Your first visit here at Minot Health Clinic will help you see that our approach is much different than what conventional medicine has offered and failed to provide you or a loved one
with.
Please call our office to start the process of setting up an appointment for your initial hyperbaric oxygen therapy consultation. We will either email you the paperwork, or you may stop in and pick it up. You will be scheduled with a provider who will review your medical history, review your goals, and expectations. You will also have a physical exam that is pertinent to starting HBOT. We will answer any questions you may have regarding the HBOT Experience. Getting to know you and your expected outcome is our number one priority.