What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves a patient inhaling air or different levels of oxygen in a pressurized chamber, where the pressure exceeds 1 atmosphere. The therapeutic benefits of oxygen have been acknowledged for over 350 years, with the first use of hyperbaric therapy dating back to 1662. Research in the 1960s began to reveal the broad range of advantages of HBOT. Today, more than 150 conditions are recognized as treatable with HBOT, and clinics like ours utilize this therapy to deliver effective and beneficial results.
Uses of HBOT
Traditionally HBOT has been used for 14 conditions approved by the FDA. These conditions include diabetic wounds, gas gangrene, decompression sickness, serious infections, carbon monoxide poisoning.
Over the last few decades, HBOT has been used to help the body heal from chronic fatigue, low energy, athletic injuries, traumatic brain injury/concussions, Lyme disease, neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia, and many more.
At Hamlin Chiropractic, we provide HBOT in a warm, relaxing environment at an affordable price. Call to learn more about this therapy.
How Does It Work
Under typical conditions, oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream through breathing and is carried to various parts of the body primarily by red blood cells. However, when exposed to increased pressure, oxygen can dissolve into all bodily fluids, including plasma, the lymphatic system, central nervous system fluids, and even bone. This enhanced solubility allows for the delivery of significantly more oxygen to tissues and cells.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can greatly enhance a patient's quality of life across multiple areas. Conditions such as PTSD and stroke have shown positive responses to this treatment.
Why Does It Work
It has long been recognized that proper oxygen levels in tissue are essential for healing various parts of the body. In situations like circulatory issues and non-healing wounds, sufficient oxygen often struggles to reach the affected area.
Oxygen can be delivered to regions with reduced or blocked circulation, allowing additional oxygen to support the healing of damaged tissues. This increased oxygen availability enhances the ability of white blood cells to combat bacteria, reduces inflammation, and promotes the rapid growth of new blood vessels in the injured areas.
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There are over 12 mechanisms of action of hyperbaric therapy which can be summarized into 4 categories.
Increases Cellular Energy
Regeneration / Repair
Antimicrobial
Immunologic
Immunologic Effects
Reduced Inflammatory Response
Reduced Inflammatory Cytokines
Increased Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines
Increased Regulatory Cytokines
Antimicrobial
Toxin Inhibition
Antibiotic Synergy
Creating Hyperoxygenation (most bacteria thrive in low oxygen environments)
Increasing Cellular Energy
Drives More Oxygen Into the Mitochondria (energy producers of the cell), Increasing ATP Production (the cellular energy currency)
Increases Size and Number of Mitochondria Allowing More Energy to be Produced
Regeneration
Stimulates Multiple Growth Factors (VEGF, BDNF, PDGF)
Collagen Synthesis
Stem Cell Mobilization
Fibroblasts Proliferation
Stimulates Reverse Transcriptase
Angiogenesis, the Growth of New Blood Vessels
Neurogenesis, the Healing and Repair of Nerve Synapses
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HBOT for Athletes
Recovery
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may serve to provide a means of therapy to facilitate a speedier resumption to pre-injury activity levels as well as improve the short and long term prognosis of the injury.
Fatigue
Increasing the oxygen supply to a musculoskeletal system in the state of fatigue activates cellular activity, increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, and promotes the metabolism of fatigue substances. HBOT is considered as a method of promoting recovery from fatigue.
Performance
The increased oxygenation allows for many health benefits, such as cell growth and regeneration, detoxification, immune support, new capillary growth, and improved neurological functioning.
Is HBOT Safe?
Hyperbarics is a safe alternative to many medical options available today. The most common side effect is middle ear discomfort. This discomfort is similar to the pressure felt when taking off and landing on an airplane. Before beginning any treatment, we ensure each patient knows how to equalize the pressure in their ears and guide them through the pressurization and depressurization process. We utilize soft chambers which go up to 1.3 atmosphere of pressure thereby reducing the risk of discomfort for our patients so they can maximize the benefits of HBOT.
Does Insurance Cover HBOT?
There are 14 conditions approved by the FDA in the United States which insurance covers hyperbaric therapy. In our office, we are using HBOT as “off label” use and therefore insurance will not cover the cost. At Hamlin Chiropractic, we strive to deliver the best service at the most reasonable cost and find our pricing very competitive with the local market. Call to learn more about pricing.
Is HBOT safe for Children?
Yes, hyperbarics has a tremendous safety profile and children can experience wonderful results. There is growing research showing the benefits for children with learning disabilities, autism, brain injuries, Cerebral palsy and more.
Is HBOT Safe for Elderly?
Absolutely. Increasing cellular energy is a great way to slow the aging process and counteract the effects of aging. Research continues to expand showing the benefits hyperbarics can provide to diabetic neuropathy, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and overall health and well-being.
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
There is no magic number of sessions as this will depend on several factors: length of time condition has existed, patient’s goals with HBOT, co-morbidities, and others. You may have heard of the gold standard of a 40 hour protocol but many physiological benefits can be seen in just a few sessions. It is well documented that anti-oxidant changes occur after the first session. Anti-inflammatory and pain reduction have been shown to occur within a few sessions. Longer term changes such as stem cell mobilization and regeneration generally take more sessions. A general guide to follow is below:
Acute Injury
Minimum: 3-5 Sessions
Gold Standard: 10 Sessions
Sub-Acute
Minimum: 10 Sessions
Gold Standard: 10-20 Sessions
Chronic
Minimum: 20-30 Sessions
Gold Standard: 40 Sessions
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How Long Are The Sessions?
Generally, most patients will be in the chamber for 60 minutes, though some cases may require 90 minutes and other as low as 30 minutes. They are typically 1 session per day but some cases may benefit from 2 sessions per day. Again this will depend on the condition of the patient and acute versus chronic nature of symptoms.
Hyperbaric Chambers are a Class 2 Medical Device and Require a Prescription for Use.
The information provided by Hamlin Chiropractic does not constitute a medical recommendation. It is intended for informational and educational purposes only, and no claims, either real or implied are being made. All customer testimonials and opinions are real and voluntary. The FDA 510(k) approved intended use is, “to provide mild hyperbaria for the treatment of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and its associated mild symptoms”. Hamlin Chiropractic as a clinic treats only “off-label” conditions under the prescription of a doctor.