Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Q & A
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a noninvasive, nonsurgical procedure that delivers compressed, pure oxygen to every cell in your body. Typically, there is only about 21% oxygen in the air around us, but in our hyperbaric oxygen chamber your body has access to 100% pure oxygen. Also, because the chamber is pressurized your lungs are able to inhale significantly more oxygen. Your blood then carries this rejuvenating oxygen to all of the organs and cells in your body to combat infection and stimulate the release of substances like growth factors and stem cells. These growth factors promote faster healing and an improved quality of life.
What types of health problems can hyperbaric oxygen therapy treat?
At Revitalize Functional Medicine, our certified hyperbaric technician uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to address a variety of health problems, including:
- Slow-healing wounds
- Diabetic wounds
- Skin and bone infections
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sports-related injuries
- Hangovers
- Radiation injuries
- Cancer
- Decompression sickness
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can also remove air bubbles from your blood vessels, lowering your risk of an arterial gas embolism.
Am I a good candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Only a qualified medical provider can determine if you’re a good candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Following a physical exam, review of your medical history, and a discussion of your goals for treatment, our team can make recommendations that support your goals and align with your individual needs. That said, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is safe and well-tolerated. If you have one of the conditions listed above, you’re likely a good candidate for this innovative treatment.
How do I prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Before treatment, you’re asked to remove any lighters or battery-powered devices, like your cellphone, from your pockets. You should also avoid wearing any petroleum-based skin or hair products on the day of your appointment. The team might also provide additional instructions depending on the condition being treated.
How long does hyperbaric oxygen therapy take?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy takes two hours on average. After your appointment, we encourage you to rest and have a light, healthy meal, but you can return to normal activity right away.
To request your hyperbaric oxygen therapy consultation at Revitalize Functional Medicine today, call the office or use the online scheduling tool.
