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We've compiled a list of frequently asked questions garnered by our walk-in, phone, and online inquiries. Of course, any further questions may be answered by a member of our care team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oxygen is critical to the function of your body’s tissues. With tissue injury, there is an increased oxygen requirement for repair.
HBOT increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. With repeated scheduled treatments, the temporary extra high oxygen levels encourage normal tissue oxygen levels, even after the therapy is completed. Healing of the body cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue.
With tissue injury, there is an increased oxygen requirement for repair. Most illnesses and injuries occur, and often linger, at the cellular or tissue level. In many cases, adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area and the body’s natural healing ability is unable to function properly. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry generally without causing side effects. These temporary extra high oxygen levels can last even after therapy is completed.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the quality of life of the patient in many areas when standard medicine is not working.
HBOT is very safe and well tolerated. Complications are rare. But like any medical treatment, there are risks that may include:
· Middle ear injuries such as leaking fluid and damage to the eardrum, due to changes in air pressure.To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears
· Temporary nearsightedness (myopia) caused by temporary eye lens changes. This resolves after treatment is completed.
· With air pressure changes, part of the lung can collapse (barotrauma)
· Although extremely rare, With too much oxygen in the central nervous system, some patients can have a seizure
· For diabetic patients on insulin therapy – blood sugar can be reduced All our patients are monitored very closely and risks are minimized.
Patients can be referred by a physician or other care provider, or they can self refer. They will be evaluated by our team and treated based on their particular needs. To schedule an evaluation, please call us today, or have your health care provider fill out our referral form
You will be provided with scrubs or other suitable attire to wear during the treatment for your safety. No personal items are allowed within the hyperbaric chamber. You will be allowed to place items in a secure area prior to each treatment.
Please do not wear any cosmetics, perfumes/colognes, hair preparations, deodorants, wigs or jewelry. The technician needs to know if you take any medications, including any non-prescription drugs. You should not drink alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours prior to treatment. You should refrain from smoking and any other tobacco products during their treatment period, as they interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.
Therapy is noninvasive and performed at our clinic usually every weekday. The number of treatments you will require will be determined by your healthcare team. Most patients typically require between 10 to 40 sessions of therapy. This is delivered in individual (monoplace) units where you lie down in a clear plastic chamber.
The air pressure in the Hyperbaric Chamber is gradually increased to two to three times of normal air pressure while breathing 100% oxygen. This results in a feeling of fullness in your ears. This feeling is relieved by yawning or swallowing. Most treatment sessions last about 2 hours.
You can watch and control a screen throughout the period of your therapy or just rest. You will be closely monitored by our team throughout your session. Treatment is painless and generally well tolerated. To best treat your conditions, HBOT is usually part of a comprehensive treatment plan with other therapies specifically tailored to you.