The term “hyperbaric” is defined as a gas at a pressure greater than normal. Compared to breathing normal air at sea level, hyperbaric oxygen-rich air will drive up to 1200% more oxygen into the bloodstream and other fluids, including lymph and cerebrospinal fluid. This is known to support the body in repairing and regenerating tissues. Super-saturating the body with oxygen also strengthens the immune system and provides the body with greater opportunity for healing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been used in a wide variety of studies that can be found on the National Library of Medicine’s website. Some of the results from these studies included:
- Immediately reversing hypoxia,
- acting as a signal inducer of DNA, turning on and off over 5,000 genes,
- stimulating the development of new blood vessels where circulation has been compromised,
- promoting collagen, bone, and cartilage repair and regeneration,
- greatly reducing swelling and inflammation,
- mobilizing and stimulating an increase of stem cells within damaged tissues and in bone marrow,
- enhancing energy production at the cellular level.
While HBOT has had an impact on patient visual acuity, it is also used as ancillary therapy for several other conditions including autism, burns, crush injuries, and compartment syndromes. Professional sports teams have also favored the use of HBOT to speed injury (Strauss et al., 1983; Strauss and Hart, 1984; Skyhar et al., 1986; Cianci and Sato, 1994; Goldfarb et al., 2016). Moreover, several other studies have proposed that HBOT mobilizes stem cells by improving homing and subsequent engraftment in injured tissues, which would explain, in part, the therapeutic effects of HBOT (Zádori et al., 2011; van Neck et al., 2017).
How HBOT Works
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. As a result, an increase in blood oxygen temporarily restores normal levels of blood gases and tissue function. This promotes healing and fights off infection. As your blood carries this oxygen throughout your body, this stimulates the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing and rejuvenation. Growth factors are naturally occurring substances that stimulate cell proliferation and healing. Additionally, increased blood oxygen levels also promotes neovascularization – the natural formation of new blood vessels.
If you are interested in a complimentary HBOT consultation, be sure to schedule a time with one of our professionals here.