8 Ways Patients Can Use Hyperbaric Medicine
Hyperbaric medicine uses specially designed chambers to deliver pure oxygen into the body at higher rates than atmospheric pressure. This can aid in numerous healing processes and relieve symptoms from various health conditions. This treatment can be used for either acute or chronic issues, offering patients pain relief, improved mobility, and enhanced tissue repair capabilities. Here are a few ways patients can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy:
1. Diabetes Treatment
Diabetes affects many people worldwide and causes many secondary health issues, including impaired wound healing on the feet and lower legs. When more oxygen gets to these areas, it can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, aiding in better wound healing. Hyperbaric medicine can minimize inflammation, reducing the risk of infection. It can also help with glucose intolerance, making it easier for patients to manage their diabetes. You may need several sessions to see results.
2. Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the joints, leading to joint damage. While there’s no cure for this disease, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help reduce inflammation and minimize tissue damage, leading to improved joint function. When inflammation reduces, some of the pain may disappear, allowing an individual to move around better. It may also reduce fatigue, which is a common symptom of arthritis.
3. Migraine Treatment
Migraines are debilitating headaches that cause severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light. Waves of brain activity may trigger serotonin release, a hormone that may narrow blood vessels and hinder oxygen flow to the brain. The result is a throbbing headache. Hyperbaric medicine delivers pure oxygen to brain areas with oxygen starvation, helping reduce pain and swelling. When brain tissues are well-nourished, the intensity of a migraine attack can be reduced.
4. Autism Treatment
Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong neurological disorder with symptoms like impaired social interaction, repetitive behavior, and difficulty in communication and understanding. It occurs when brain cells don’t communicate properly. Improved oxygen delivery may minimize oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and improve mitochondrial dysfunction. That may result in improved psychological, social, and physical abilities. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve fine motor skills, reduce aggressive behavior, enable better communication, and enhance moods.
5. Sports Injuries Treatment
If you compete in sports, you know how limiting and painful some sports injuries can be. Depending on the injury’s severity, you may need long-term rehab. More oxygen can help repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation, leading to reduced pain and improved healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also benefits athletes recovering from concussions, as more oxygen may accelerate the brain’s natural healing process. Hyperbaric medicine can help treat pulled muscles, sprains, contusions, fractures, and tendinitis. This therapy can offer fairly fast benefits, especially if you’re an active sports participant.
6. Wound Healing
Whether from surgery or an injury, wounds can take a long time to heal. The longer a wound takes to heal, the higher the risk of infection and the more pain an individual experiences. When you receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy, more oxygen reaches damaged areas, enhancing the body’s natural healing process. That helps with tissue regeneration and wound closure, reducing inflammation and pain. Some wounds that may benefit from this therapy are certain skin grafts and flaps, chronic refractory osteomyelitis, and crush injuries.
7. Depression Treatment
Depression causes deep sadness, sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, and other behavioral changes. It can be difficult to treat, especially if it’s severe or chronic. Some patients may even develop tolerance to traditional antidepressant medications. Sending more oxygen to the brain can enhance neural functioning, potentially helping to improve moods and reduce stress. Hyperbaric medicine can provide effective relief alongside other treatments such as psychotherapy, medications, and behavioral therapies.
8. Anti-aging Treatment
Aging is inevitable, but you can minimize its effects on your skin. The use of oxygen helps rejuvenate the skin by reducing wrinkles, crow’s feet, and fine lines. It stimulates collagen production, a protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also enhances circulation, allowing more nutrients to reach the epidermis layer and support the skin’s natural healing process.
Consider Hyperbaric Medicine Today
These are some of the ways individuals can use hyperbaric medicine. This therapy can also help with many other health conditions like psoriasis, stroke, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, osteoporosis, dementia, anemia, and many others. A consultation at a reputable hyperbaric clinic can help you decide if this therapy suits your condition and symptoms. This treatment is FDA-approved and non-invasive, providing a safe, effective way to improve your health.
