Oxygen
HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric
oxygen pressure that is greater than normal atmospheric pressure
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Oxygen
a colorless, odorless, tasteless nonflammable gas essential for respiration;
every cell in your body requires oxygen, every breath supplies your blood with oxygen
Therapy
treatment of disease or disorders
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is the medical use of pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. By pressurizing the environment, oxygen molecules are more readily absorbed into your body to promote healing of body tissues. Body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, bone marrow, lymph, and plasma absorb the oxygen and, in turn, increase oxygen penetration throughout the body. In a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber, the air pressure is increased to nearly twice normal air pressure. Under these conditions, your lungs gather even more oxygen than breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. This helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing and fight infection.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Your body’s tissues need adequate supply of oxygen to function. If tissues are injured, they require even more oxygen to survive. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the amount of oxygen your body can carry. An increase in blood oxygen temporarily restores tissue functions and blood gases levels to promote healing and fight infection. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improves oxygen delivery to injured tissues and increases healing rates of overused and traumatized tissues. It reduces inflammation in tissues and bones, promotes the growth of new capillaries and blood vessels, and boosts the supply of circulating stem cells. This can improve conditions such as:
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Traumatic brain injury
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Stroke
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Arthritis
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Inflammation
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Lyme Disease
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Soft tissue infections
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Anxiety and Depression
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Fibromyalgia
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Neuropathy
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Parkinson’s
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Multiple Sclerosis
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Migraine
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Addictions
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Burns
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Anemia
What to Expect
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the air pressure in the chamber is nearly twice normal air pressure. The increased air pressure will create a temporary feeling of fullness in your ears — similar to what you might feel in an airplane or at a high altitude. You can relieve that feeling by yawning or swallowing. The chamber will expand with this increased pressure. You will be provided with an oxygen mask that you slip over your nose and mouth. You will continue to breathe normally. Resting and relaxing is recommended. Many people find the chamber soothing and fall asleep. You will be given a signaling device if you would like to end your session at any time. For most conditions, therapy lasts one to two hours. You will be monitored throughout your treatment. When your session is over, the chamber will decompress and your ears may again pop with this pressure change. Once normal atmospheric pressure is maintained, you will be assisted out of the chamber. You can continue your normal activities throughout the day. Many people find they have more energy and their sleep is improved after just one session.
Results
To benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you'll likely need several sessions. The number of sessions depends on your medical condition. Most conditions may require 20 to 40 treatments. Effective treatments may be enhanced by other therapies that fit your individual needs, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, or physical therapy as well as many other modalities.
Risks
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a very safe procedure. Complications are very rare.
Contraindications
If you are taking adriamycin, cisplatin, disulfiram or mafenide acetate or if you suffer from any of the following conditions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not recommended.
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Upper respiratory infection
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Chest pain or tightness
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Shortness of breath
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Sinus infection
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COPD
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Fever
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Emphysema
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Pneumothorax
Questions? Send us a message.
Contact Info
Phone
Address
207-812-8747
58 Oak Street Ellsworth, Maine 04605