The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
by Joshua Phillips, ND
Hyperbaric treatment is a healing and re-energizing experience performed in a spacious and roomy chamber. This low-pressure hyperbaric therapy is an extremely safe and effective treatment.
When atmospheric pressure is increased, oxygen diffuses at much higher levels into blood plasma and body tissues. Blood levels of oxygen are increased 5-7 times during hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and this very simply, is why this treatment works.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has thousands of studies documenting its safety and efficacy for a wide array of conditions. By increasing atmospheric pressure, oxygen levels are increased in areas of the body that need it most, thereby improving function and vitality to compromised tissues.
Healing begins when the body receives this much needed oxygen, decreasing inflammation, and ultimately stimulating the body’s self-healing capacity. Some of the conditions HBOT benefits :
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (concussion)
- Post-Stroke recovery
- Dementia/ Alzheimers
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Autism
- Sports Injuries- recovery and rehabilitation
- Neuropathy / Nerve Pain
- Inflammation
- “Anti-aging” / Wellness
Research Supports Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Results
There has been remarkable research results for individuals who have suffered Traumatic Brain Injury. A 2017 study on 29 veterans who sustained blast-induced concussion demonstrated improved cognitive, pyschological and physical testing after 40 treatments of HBOT.
SPECT brain imaging on these patients demonstrates improved blood flow to the brain, which correlated with improvements in memory, attention, anxiety, depression, as well as cognitive and physical performance testing.
A similar study done in 2012 involving individuals with post-concussion syndrome with PTSD, yielded similar results. “Significant improvements occurred in symptoms, abnormal physical exam findings, cognitive testing, and quality-of-life measurements, with concomitant significant improvements in SPECT.”
Because this very straightforward therapy–offering the body increased O2 levels at increased atmospheric pressure can be so effective at healing brain injuries, it is no surprise it is helping individuals with other conditions as well:
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and STROKE
A 2013 study involving patients who had suffered a stroke concluded: ” The results indicate that HBOT can lead to significant neurological improvements in post stroke patients even at chronic late stages. The observed clinical improvements imply that neuroplasticity can still be activated long after damage onset.”
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy ALZHEIMERS / DEMENTIA
A very recent 2019 case study of a 58 year old woman with dementia who was treated with 40 treatments of HBOT: ” After 21 treatments, the patient reported increased energy and level of activity, better mood and ability to perform daily living activities as well as work crossword puzzles. After 40 treatments, she reported increased memory and concentration, sleep, conversation, appetite, ability to use the computer, more good days (5/7) than bad days, resolved anxiety, and decreased disorientation and frustration.”
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and AUTISM
Because neurological inflammation (and gut inflammation) is a known component of autism, it is no surprise that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven beneficial. A 2009 study involving 62 children demonstrated the benefits: ” Children with autism who received hyperbaric treatment at 1.3 atm and 24% oxygen for 40 hourly sessions had significant improvements in overall functioning, receptive language, social interaction, eye contact, and sensory/cognitive awareness compared to children who received slightly pressurized room air.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy services
These previous studies are just a few of the many research articles and clinical evidence of HBOT’s benefit. Click here to read more on our website.
Dr. Joshua Phillips, director of HHAC is excited to offer hyberbaric oxygen therapy, and is more than happy to answer questions for anyone interested in this treatment.
Appointments are available for initial consultations to determine if this therapy is right for you, or feel free to call 541-330-0334 if you’d like to learn more by phone before scheduling an appointment.