How Long Do The Effects Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Last?

Wondering if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is worth it? Many new and different health treatments are available today, and many still need more research to understand their impacts and efficacy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for decades, frequently used early on to help deep sea divers suffering from decompression when returning to land. In this blog, we will explore How Long Do The Effects Of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Last.

A little fresh air can go a long way; hyperbaric oxygen therapy shows how true that is. This treatment has been used to help a wide range of illnesses and ailments, especially in regard to wound healing. While this treatment may not be for everyone, it could help you improve your health, heal wounds, improve your immune system, and more. The first step before seeking treatment is doing your research so you know what to expect and what questions to ask when you step into that appointment. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical procedure designed to enhance healing and tissue function by exposing individuals to pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber. By elevating the air pressure inside the chamber, the body can absorb a higher concentration of oxygen compared to regular atmospheric conditions. This increased oxygen supply promotes accelerated healing, diminishes inflammation, and enhances overall tissue function. 

While undergoing HBOT, patients may experience a mild pressure sensation in their ears, akin to the feeling during air travel. The duration of therapy typically ranges from 75 to 90 minutes, with the frequency of sessions determined by the specific needs of the patient’s condition.

HBOT In Action

HBOT plays a crucial role in healing by addressing oxygen deprivation in tissues. A wound damages the body’s blood vessels, leading to fluid leakage and subsequent swelling in the surrounding tissues. This damage and swelling restricts oxygen supply to the damaged cells, resulting in tissue death. HBOT effectively reduces swelling and floods the tissues with oxygen, rejuvenating the oxygen-starved areas. The increased pressure in the chamber enhances oxygen saturation in the blood, effectively breaking the cycle of swelling, oxygen deprivation, and tissue death.

HBOT helps prevent “reperfusion injury,” which refers to the severe tissue damage that occurs when blood supply is restored to oxygen-deprived tissues. For example, in crush injuries, the disrupted blood flow triggers a series of events within damaged cells, releasing harmful oxygen radicals that cause irreversible tissue damage. These radicals constrict blood vessels and impede blood flow. HBOT promotes the activity of the body’s oxygen radical scavengers, which seek out and neutralize these detrimental molecules, allowing the healing process to proceed.

HBOT also exerts a positive influence on the immune system by inhibiting the action of harmful bacteria and bolstering immune response. It disables bacterial toxins and increases tissue oxygen concentration, fortifying their infection resistance. Additionally, HBOT enhances the capacity of white blood cells to locate and eliminate invading pathogens.

HBOT stimulates the formation of new collagen and skin cells by promoting the growth of fresh blood vessels. It also triggers the production of substances like vascular endothelial growth factor, which attract and activate endothelial cells crucial for healing.

The Benefits

Elevated blood-oxygen levels have the potential to address various challenges encountered during the wound-healing process, such as compromised circulation, a weakened immune system, and inflammation. Moreover, increased oxygen levels offer the following benefits:

• Enhanced delivery of oxygen-rich blood to the wound site, facilitating healing
• Combating bacteria and fortifying the immune system
• Triggering the release of growth factors that foster healing
• Facilitating the formation of new skin cells and collagen

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a viable option when conventional treatments fail to heal certain types of wounds. It is a versatile treatment employed by medical institutions to address various medical conditions. Conditions that may benefit from this therapy include:

• Severe anemia
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Brain abscess
• Diabetic ulcers and sores
• Lower leg ulcers and sores
• Specific pressure ulcers (bedsores)
• Gangrene
• Skin grafts and flaps
• Postoperative wounds and infections
• Radiation-induced burns

It’s important to note that specific medical institutions may have their own protocols and applications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy based on individual circumstances.

Good Candidates

HBOT may help a variety of individuals, especially those dealing with the conditions listed above. When seeking treatment, you must consult with a licensed practitioner who understands HBOT and can help determine if you would benefit. The exact treatment process and additional treatment options may depend on your condition and individual needs. 

HBOT is available at CORR, where we are dedicated to offering our clients the most advanced therapies available by staying abreast of the latest medical discoveries and research. Our comprehensive range of services is tailored to address diverse recovery needs and disease prevention, with the primary goal of providing relief and promoting healing. 

Effectiveness 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been used to help with a variety of issues for decades, including decompression and wound healing. HBOT has demonstrated significant effectiveness in treating non-healing wounds, including those of considerable age. One study, looking at over 600,000 wounds, reveals that approximately 75% of these wounds have the potential to heal with the aid of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

It is important to note that the outcome may vary based on the nature of the wound and the completion of the recommended treatment regimen. However, the data indicate favorable results can be achieved even for severe wounds, such as gangrene in the front of the foot.

Experience

Many people may wonder what the actual experience of undergoing HBOT is like. While the sessions take some time, the CORR team ensures you are comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment. 

The hyperbaric chamber has transparent windows, allowing you to see outside the chamber and communicate with our team throughout the session. With our therapies you are able to watch a movie or television, listen to music and podcasts.

While most individuals do not experience pain or discomfort from the increased air pressure, some may perceive a sensation of fullness in their ears, similar to what you might feel during a flight. Yawning or swallowing can help alleviate this sensation. During your session, you may hear the sound of oxygen flowing through the chamber. However, if you’re engaged in watching TV or listening to music, these sounds are likely to be masked.

Rest assured that your well-being and comfort are of utmost importance during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and professionals will be there to assist you throughout the process.

Timeline

How effective HBOT is and how many appointments you need to achieve the best results depend on why you seek this treatment. Some conditions, like carbon monoxide poisoning, may only require as few as three sessions to gain all the needed benefits. While other issues like non-healing wounds may require upwards of 20 to 40 sessions, depending. 

As mentioned above, typical treatment appointments range from 75 to 90 minutes. With studies suggesting oxygen concentration stays elevated for around 4 hours after the treatment. The treatment schedule can look different for each person, with some going several times a week to once a week to maintain results.

The benefits can last up to 12 months, but it may also depend on the frequency with which you receive treatment and why you are seeking it in the first place. Speaking with CORR staff will help you better understand your timeline and how long your benefits may last. 

HBOT For Better Health

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may sound like a treatment out of a sci-fi novel, but it has the documentation to back it up as a beneficial therapy to help with anemia, poisoning, wound healing, and more. If you think HBOT may be a good option for you to improve your health and heal, CORR is a great place to start. 
Every technology provided at CORR is backed by extensive clinical data and has demonstrated its effectiveness. Our dedicated team of healthcare professionals consists of a nurse practitioner, in-house nutritionist, medical concierge, massage therapist, acupuncturist, medical assistants, and technicians. If you’d like to begin your journey toward optimized health, reach out for a consultation today.