Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Normally, oxygen is almost exclusively carried by red blood cells. During HBO therapy, there is a substantial increase in the amount of oxygen carried in all body fluids including plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, lymph, and intracellular fluids. This allows increased oxygen levels even in areas with poor or compromised blood supply as well as in areas of tissue damage. Increasing tissue oxygen levels produces several important long term therapeutic benefits including enhanced growth of new blood vessels, increased ability of white blood cells to destroy bacteria and remove toxins, increased growth of fibroblasts (cells involved in wound healing), and enhanced metabolic activity of previously marginally functioning cells including brain neurons.
Individuals receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy enter a 2-person clear acrylic chamber where they breathe enhanced oxygen delivered to the chamber under increased atmospheric pressure. During their sessions, which typically last 1 to 2 hours, individuals relax, watch television, or sleep while they are carefully monitored by highly trained technicians with whom they can communicate easily through an intercom system. Hyperbaric oxygen sessions are safe and painless, although approximately 5% of individuals (typically those who report ear pain with flying) may experience mild ear discomfort.
Normal oxygen delivery without Hyperbaric Session
Increased oxygen delivery with Hyperbaric Session