Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a procedure in which we breathe pure oxygen inside a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure to improve the natural healing powers of our body.
The science behind the magical powers of oxygen
The air we breathe contains volumes of about 20.9% oxygen, 78% nitrogen and small amounts of argon, carbon dioxide, neon, helium and hydrogen. The breathing air we inhale contains oxygen particles that travel from our lungs into the red cells of our bloodstream.
In normal conditions, cells absorb only 25% oxygen into their mitochondria – the power house of our cells – that convert oxygen and nutrients into ATP (Adenosine triphosphate), the high-energy molecule that stores and gives our body energy to function. This process is called aerobic respiration, the principal reason we breathe oxygen.
Inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the pressure forces the oxygen into our lungs, bloodstream and cells to increase the absorption rates within the cells. More oxygen is supplied to mitochondria, thus enhancing the production of energy.
In normal conditions, the oxygen level in our arteries is 100mm Hg. Increasing the pressure at 2 ATA, the oxygen level in our arteries becomes 1400 mm Hg, an increase of 14 times than normal conditions.
Breathe wisely
Our bodies depend on oxygen for survival. A lack of oxygen can decrease blood flow, damage tissue, cause premature aging, cause hair to thin and even affect the memory. Injured tissue requires more oxygen to survive, thus hyperbaric oxygen therapy will increase the amount of oxygen carried by blood to restore adequate levels of blood gases and tissue function to promote healing and fight infections.
Most illnesses and injuries occur and linger in the tissue level, within the cells. In cases of non-healing wounds, strokes or problems with blood circulation, not enough oxygen can reach the affected area and as a result, natural healing does not happen. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy solves this problem by providing an increase in oxygen naturally.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works in areas where other medications are simply ineffective. It improves the quality of life of the sufferer and conditions such as stroke, chronic fatigue, palsy etc, have all shown dramatic changes.
Sports
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for professional sports has become one of the most effective methods for athlete recovery.
Supplementing oxygen intake at higher atmospheric pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber is known to naturally accelerate healing times to treat sports injuries and allow injured athletes to recover faster and reduce the risk of re-injury.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is documented to:
- Stimulate the natural healing process and immunity
- Boost vitality, heighten concentration and memory
- Reduce fatigue and improve energy levels, stamina and endurance
- Improve cell rejuvenation and help with anti-aging strategies
- Remove the sensation of brain fog and jet lag
- Fight infections, eliminate toxins and debris
- Reactivate skin cells and improve blood circulation
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy will help athletes:
- Reduce local hypoxia (deprival of oxygen at tissue level)
- Reduce local inflammation and edema
- Reduce scar tissue formation
- Reduce muscle fatigue and muscle strains
- Heal soft tissues, ligaments and fractures faster
- Increase supply of oxygen to injured areas
- Regenerate bone and cartilage faster
- Increase stem cell activation
- Heal cartilage damage
- Improve mental focus
Wounds and burns
Healing and closing a burn wound is the principal concern for a therapist dealing with patients with burn injuries. The primary effect of thermal burns is the destruction of skin and impairment of musculoskeletal capacities, depending on the severity of the burn. The positive effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy are documented to:
- Reduce post-burn edema formation due to hyperoxic vasoconstriction
- Stimulate neoangiogenesis, the creation of new blood vessels
- Increase the number of regeneratory active follicles
- Boost epithelial regeneration
Beauty, wellness and anti-aging
A healthy blood circulation enables the body to rejuvenate, repairs damaged skin cells, enables the skin to heal after trauma and diminishes the contour of wrinkles. Increased oxygen circulation within the body can reach areas affected by skin disorders to restart the natural processes such as collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration.
