faq

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

• What is HBOT used to treat?
• What is Hyperbaric Oxygen?
• Are there side-effects from HBOT treatment?
• Is HBOT safe?
• How much time does an HBOT treatment take?
• How should a patient prepare for an HBOT treatment?

What is HBOT used to treat?

As a physician prescribed treatment option, HBOT creates an environment in which the patient breathes pure oxygen at pressures above normal. While HBOT is used to treat a variety of conditions, it is typically chosen as a part of an overall treatment plan. During a treatment, the patient's bloodstream becomes highly enriched with oxygen, increasing the concentration to many times the normal level. This process helps control infections and promote healing in many kinds of illness.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen?

Hyperbaric oxygen is a treatment method designed to oxygenate a patient's bloodstream above normal levels through increased atmospheric pressure.
 

Are there side-effects from HBOT treatment?

Hyperbaric treatments are painless. During pressurization and decompression of the treatment chamber, patients may experience ear-popping similar to what is experienced during the ascents and descents of an airplane ride. The patient's comfort is always considered, and our Certified Hyperbaric Technicians control the pressure change rate accordingly. When chamber pressurization is completed, the patient breathes oxygen from an aviation-type mask. Lightheadedness is a side-effect that some patients experience for a few minutes after treatment, and it is for this reason that we do not allow patients drive for up to one hour after each treatment.
 

Is HBOT safe?

The HBOT chamber is pressurized with medical quality air, free of harmful particulates and controlled for temperature and humidity. It is a safe, non-hazardous environment. Our Certified Hyperbaric Technicians monitor the patient, and the Hyperbaric chambers is always in constant attendance. Patients pass the time during treatment by reading, watching a video, listening to music, or resting.
 

How much time does an HBOT treatment take?

Typical HBOT treatments may be scheduled daily or twice daily and last between thirty and ninety minutes. During a consultation, the Medical provider ultimately determines the number of treatments. The number of treatments will be based upon:  the patient's condition, its severity, and the patient's response to the therapy.

How should a patient prepare for an HBOT treatment?

Patients must wear clean cotton clothing into the chamber. No makeup, perfumes, hair products, deodorants, wigs, jewelry or other various items are allowed in the chamber. Please inform our uniform medical staff about any drugs being taken. Also, patients are advised against consuming alcoholic or carbonated drinks within four hours prior to a treatment.