What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
HBOT is the use of prescribed high pressure oxygen to help treat a variety of health conditions and diseases. Each cell in the body needs oxygen to preserve, repair, and enhance cellular function. Breathing 100% oxygen at pressures greater than sea level:
- Increases the amount of oxygen carried by the blood, enabling the oxygen to be dissolved into the hard-to-reach plasma, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord, providing a greater opportunity for healing
- Stimulates the growth of new blood vessels to locations in the body with reduced circulation
- Reduces swelling, decreases inflammation, strengthens the immune system, stimulates the release of stem cells
- Creates an adaptive increase in superoxide dismutase, one of the body’s antioxidants and free radical scavengers, promoting the ability of the body to fight disease and infection
Is oxygen therapy right for me?
HBOT is a noninvasive medical treatment that can address a variety of medical conditions, either as a primary or complementary therapy. HBOT has very few contraindications and minimal (and rare) potential side effects. It may be helpful if you suffer from an inflammatory condition, or a condition that may be improved when blood flow and delivery of oxygen to vital organs and tissues is optimized.
At HMS, we evaluate each patient to determine whether HBOT is appropriate based on his or her individual medical circumstances and current clinical research. If the patient is a candidate for HBOT, we customize a treatment protocol for him or her.
