Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a therapeutic intervention which enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of enhanced oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It is used for a wide variety of conditions usually as a part of an overall wellness plan.

Under normal circumstances, oxygen is transported throughout the body only by red blood cells. With HBOT, oxygen is dissolved into all of the areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. In this way, extra oxygen can reach all of the damaged tissues and the body can support its own healing process. The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas in a simple, non-invasive and painless way.

Download the document (PDF)

It has long been known that healing many areas of the body cannot take place without appropriate levels of oxygen being available to tissues and cells. In most situations that Linger adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area and the body’s natural healing ability is unable to function properly. Hyperbaric oxygen provides this extra oxygen naturally using diffusion to extend delivery far beyond the distance of normal circulation.

The use of hyperbaric oxygen is best used a part of Multi-disciplinary coordinated care and is not meant to replace traditional care but to be a tool to compliment traditional approaches to difficult situations.

Potential Benefits of Hyperbaric Therapy

As a result of the COVID era, we have learned that each of us has specific and individualized health challenges. Many of these are underpinned by the lack of oxygen and inflammation.  Hyperbaric therapy has been shown to be beneficial in situations where inflammation may be an issue. The response to Hyperbaric Oxygen varies. We encourage individuals to explore this option with an open mind and consult with their healthcare professionals for personalized advice.  While not a cure-all, the positive experiences shared by people that have chosen to incorporate hyperbaric oxygen into their health journey are intriguing as many report:

• Boosted Energy Levels: Breathing in oxygen in a pressurized setting might leave you feeling more energized and revitalized.
• Improved Recovery: Some folks find that hyperbaric sessions help their bodies recover better after physical exertion, stress or inflammation.
• Relaxation and Stress Relief: The cozy environment of a hyperbaric chamber can be a calming space, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
• Support for Overall Well-being: While not a cure or treatment for specific issues, some individuals believe that hyperbaric therapy contributes to their general sense of well-being.
• Better Sleep: Some people have reported improved sleep quality after experiencing hyperbaric sessions.
• Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Breathing in oxygen may contribute to better mental focus and clarity for some individuals.
• Relief of Brain Fog- The underlying causes of Brain Fog can vary. Many individuals that have incorporated hyperbaric oxygen into their plan for wellness report improvement in concentration, memory and mental fatigue.
• Creation of new blood vessel into hypoxic- Sequential Hyperbaric sessions have been associated with development of new blood vessel to relieve hypoxia by normalizing tissue oxygen availability

These observations reported by individuals that have undergone hyperbaric sessions suggest there might be more to discover about the relationship between oxygen and well-being.

Hyperbaric oxygen is used to address hypoxia and inflammation. The availability of oxygen to tissues and cells impairs the naturally healing process. Oxygen provides the energy needed for natural healing to occur. Consult your physician to see if the addition of hyperbaric oxygen could compliment the care for your condition.

There are basically two types of chambers: monoplace and multiplace.

Monoplace chambers (image left) are designed to accommodate a single person pressurized with enhanced oxygen.

Multiplace chambers (image right) are designed to hold several people at one time and oxygen is delivered through a mask or a hood. The multi-place chamber is pressurized with compressed air.

The Mobile Hyperbaric Chamber, uses a multiplace chamber that is assembled on a platform that is capable of being relocated to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to remote patient populations, where no chamber is present.

At Centre Hyperbare de L’Ile, we have a Perry Sigma II multiplace chamber. This extremely versatile chamber allows dedicated care by highly trained technicians as the patients are observed. A two way communication system provides communication between the technician and the patient inside the chamber.

Only clean cotton clothing is allowed in the chamber. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs or jewelry are allowed in the chamber. You are advised not to take alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to the session. To optimize the benefit from these sessions you should consider stopping smoking and any other tobacco products during their session period, as they interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.

HBOT is administered in a private setting in state-of-the-art, multiplace place chamber of clear acrylic. This allows our trained technicians to closely monitor you and permits the you to readily see outside the chamber. You are in constant view and communication with the attending technician via an intercom or may watch a movie, listen to music, or just rest.

The most common adverse effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, individuals learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression. The pressure within the chamber on compression could be adjusted to facilitate clearing. Specialized ear plugs called ear planes can also be used to minimize the effects of pressure change. If these methods are not effective tubes may be inserted in the ears. This is extremely rare. Occasionally some individuals may experience changes in their vision during their session period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A rare side effect of HBOT is oxygen toxicity, the parameters established for the use of oxygen under pressure make this occurrence highly unlikely.

• If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
• If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
• If there has been a change in any of your medications.
• If you have skipped a meal prior to your HBO session.
• If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your session.
• If you have any concerns or anxiety.