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HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

Hyperbaric Chambers
Hyperbaric Chambers

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT, is a specialized form of medical treatment administered by delivering 100% pure oxygen to the body through increased atmospheric pressure greater than 1.3 ATA in an enclosed hard chamber.

At pressures greater than normal, the body can incorporate more oxygen into blood cells, blood plasma, cerebral-spinal fluid, and other bodily fluids. The increased oxygen absorption experienced during Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy significantly enhances the body’s ability to aid in its healing.

The History of Hyperbaric

Though Hyperbarics has received a greater amount of attention in recent years, the therapy has been utilized for over 100 years.

Utilizing Only the Highest Quality Equipment

As with all of our therapies, Oxford only utilizes the highest quality hard-sided hyperbaric chambers in the industry. Our chambers have a clear exterior and provide the highest level of comfort.

Hard vs Soft Sided HBOT Chambers

Not all Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy equipment is created equally. Find out the difference between our hard-sided chambers and other soft-sided chambers.

How it works

At pressures greater than normal, the body can incorporate more oxygen into blood cells, blood plasma, cerebral-spinal fluid, and other bodily fluids. The increased oxygen absorption experienced during Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy significantly enhances the body’s ability to aid in its healing.

Once a person is in the increased atmospheric pressure, the body responds by reducing inflammation. With the inflammation reduced, blood flow to cells increases, enhancing the delivery of oxygen to oxygen-deprived areas.

At this point, the body’s healing process accelerates.

The body’s natural healing mechanisms can now function efficiently because the damaged tissues are receiving more oxygen. Even when the blood supply has been compromised, tissues can still receive the healing benefits of oxygen from other body fluids and plasma in the surrounding area.

  • Hyperbaric Oxygenation

    100% oxygen under pressure causes the oxygen to saturate the blood, diffusing into the blood plasma completely. This oxygenated plasma can travel past the restriction, diffusing up to 4 times further into the tissue. The pressurized environment helps to reduce swelling and discomfort while providing the body with at least ten times its normal supply of oxygen to help repair tissue damaged by the original occlusion or subsequent hypoxic condition.

  • Blood Vessel Regeneration

    Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) forces more oxygen into the tissue, encouraging the formation of new blood vessels. As these new blood vessels develop, the red blood cells start to flow, delivering even more oxygen to the affected area. This creates the optimal environment for the body’s natural healing processes to repair damaged tissue.

  • Normal Blood Flow

    There is 21% oxygen in the air that we breathe, and our lungs transfer this oxygen to our red blood cells (via haemoglobin). These oxygen-filled red blood cells are carried around the body by the plasma (fluid), which travels through the blood vessels. The oxygen diffuses into the surrounding tissue ensuring that it is delivered to where it is needed most.

  • Restricted Blood Flow

    When there is a restriction (occlusion) in blood flow due to surgery, illness, or injury, the red blood cells block the blood vessel and are unable to transfer oxygen to the cells on the other side of the occlusion. This causes swelling and starves the area of oxygen, causing hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), when this occurs the tissue begins to break down.

“Because of Oxford’s HBOT services, my blood issue with low platelets has stopped. Within a week of starting HBOT, they improved. I no longer need to receive blood transfusions at the hospital. I can do more because I’m not afraid of getting hurt or having internal bleeding. This is a blessing to my family’s peace of mind!”

Kristin

Conditions Treated


BENEFITS OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

  • Significantly reduces swelling
  • Significantly reduces edema
  • Significantly shortens the inflammatory process
  • Improves range of motion
  • Increases the production of collagen
  • Increases growth of cells that form reparative tissue (Fibroblastic proliferation)
  • Supports scar tissue rehabilitation
  • Promotes greater tissue strength
  • Enhances the growth of new blood vessels (Angiogenesis)
  • Increases oxygen levels in tissues (Hyperoxia)
  • Increases oxygen perfusion area around wounds
  • Stimulates new capillary growth
  • Improves the survival of tissues in the ‘grey area’ of crush injuries
  • Increases production and improves the action of Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts
  • Improves bone regeneration for faster recovery
  • Helps prevent infection
  • Increases white blood cell production
  • Enhances ability of white blood cells to remove bacteria and debris (Leukocyte activity
  • Potentiates the use of antibiotics
  • Destroys harmful bacteria (Antimicrobial effect)
  • Reduces surgery complications for smoker