Revitalizing Health: The Magic of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits

by Dr. Kilcup | Jun 6, 2023 | Anxiety, Articles, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, covid-19, Depression, Diabetes, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), osteoporosis

Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy chamber

In recent years, alternative therapies have gained attention for their potential to enhance healing and well-being. Among these innovative treatments, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising modality. By delivering oxygen at high pressures, HBOT harnesses the healing properties of oxygen to improve a range of health conditions. In this article, we will explore what Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is and its benefits.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves the administration of 100% pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber. HBOT is conducted in a specially designed chamber where the atmospheric pressure is increased to higher levels than what we experience. This increased pressure allows the lungs to absorb more oxygen, leading to higher oxygen concentrations in the blood and subsequently, in the tissues throughout the body.

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The Healing Power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Enhancing Oxygenation

By increasing oxygen levels in the body, HBOT promotes tissue healing and regeneration. Oxygen is crucial for cellular metabolism and plays a huge role in energy production, immune function, and natural healing processes.

Improved Blood Flow

The pressurized environment of the hyperbaric chamber enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to organs and tissues. This increased blood perfusion can aid in wound healing, reduce inflammation, and support the recovery process.

Reduction of Inflammation

HBOT has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit various conditions. By reducing inflammation, HBOT may alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory disorders and promote overall healing.

Enhanced Brain Function

Studies suggest that HBOT can improve neurological function by increasing oxygen availability to the brain. It has shown promise in the treatment of conditions such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders.

What Conditions can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Help With?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Anxiety

Excessive worry, fear, and emotional distress characterize anxiety disorders, and the resulting excess worry and stress can wreak havoc on individuals. For most, the main option given is medication. These medications come with a long list of side effects and sometimes don’t work well for the individual. That’s why a side-effect free HBOT treatment is such a big deal. See below to learn how HBOT helps those with anxiety!

  1. Oxygen’s Impact on the Brain: The brain relies heavily on oxygen for optimal functioning. Inadequate oxygen supply can contribute to imbalances in neurotransmitter activity and affect mood regulation. By increasing oxygen levels in the brain, HBOT may help restore these imbalances, potentially reducing anxiety symptoms.
  2. Reduction of Inflammation and Stress Response: Chronic inflammation and heightened stress response can contribute to the development and exacerbation of anxiety disorders. HBOT’s anti-inflammatory effects and stress-reducing properties may help modulate these underlying factors and alleviate anxiety symptoms.
  3. Improved Sleep Patterns: Sleep disturbances often accompany anxiety disorders, further exacerbating the condition. HBOT’s ability to enhance sleep quality and promote relaxation may indirectly contribute to anxiety reduction.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Depression

Depression is a complex mental health condition that requires comprehensive treatment typically involving therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Oftentimes it’s not enough. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has shown promise in neurological and psychiatric conditions and could greatly benefit those with depression. Here’s some ways HBOT can help those with depression:

  1. Neuroplasticity and brain function: HBOT has been suggested to promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. It helps improve brain function and alleviate depressive symptoms by increasing oxygen supply to the brain and supporting neural repair processes.
  2. Inflammation: Inflammation has been linked to depression, and HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing inflammation, HBOT may help mitigate some of the underlying factors associated with depression.
  3. Treatment-resistant depression: Some studies have explored the use of HBOT as an adjunctive treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression. In these cases, where standard therapies have not been effective, HBOT may be considered as an alternative or complementary approach.
  4. Co-occurring conditions: Depression can coexist with other conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). HBOT has shown some potential in improving outcomes for these conditions. By addressing the underlying conditions, it indirectly contributes to improvements in depressive symptoms.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long Covid

Long COVID refers to a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms or new symptoms that develop after the acute phase of COVID-19. Here are some areas where HBOT could be considered for those with long COVID:

  1. Fatigue and brain fog: Many long COVID patients experience persistent fatigue and cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “brain fog.” HBOT has been used to address fatigue and cognitive impairment in other conditions. By increasing oxygen supply to the brain, HBOT may potentially help alleviate these symptoms in some individuals.
  2. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and pulmonary function: Some long COVID patients continue to experience respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath and reduced lung function. HBOT can enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, including the lungs, and potentially improve oxygenation and respiratory function.
  3. Exercise intolerance and physical deconditioning: Long COVID can result in reduced exercise tolerance and physical deconditioning. HBOT, by increasing oxygen availability to the muscles and promoting tissue repair, might aid in improving exercise capacity and overall physical function.
  4. Chronic pain and inflammation: Chronic pain, joint aches, and inflammation can be prevalent in long COVID. HBOT has anti-inflammatory effects and can potentially reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing – including diabetic wounds

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be effective in promoting wound healing in various conditions. It involves exposing the patient to 100% oxygen at a pressure higher than sea level atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure allows for a higher concentration of oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma, which promotes oxygen delivery to tissues and supports wound healing. Here are some specific conditions in which HBOT may be used for wound healing:

  1. Chronic wounds: HBOT can be beneficial for chronic wounds that have not responded to conventional treatments. These wounds may result from conditions like diabetes, arterial insufficiency, venous insufficiency, or pressure ulcers. By delivering oxygen to the wound site, HBOT can enhance tissue oxygenation, promote collagen synthesis, and support the growth of new blood vessels.
  2. Radiation-induced tissue damage: Radiation therapy can cause tissue damage and impair wound healing. HBOT may be used to alleviate radiation-induced tissue damage and promote healing in patients who have undergone radiation treatment. It can enhance oxygenation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair.
  3. Compromised skin grafts and flaps: Skin grafts or flaps may be used in reconstructive surgery to cover wounds or areas of tissue loss. However, in some cases, these grafts or flaps may not receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, leading to poor healing or graft failure. HBOT can improve blood flow to these grafts or flaps, enhance oxygen delivery, and improve their chances of successful integration and healing.
  4. Traumatic wounds: Severe traumatic wounds, such as crush injuries or severe limb trauma, can result in tissue damage and poor wound healing. HBOT can aid in tissue repair by increasing oxygen levels, stimulating the growth of new blood vessels, and promoting wound closure.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Diabetes Help

HBOT can be used to address specific complications related to diabetes. Consider the following conditions associated with diabetes that may potentially benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

  1. Diabetic foot ulcers: People with diabetes may develop foot ulcers due to reduced blood flow, nerve damage (neuropathy), and impaired wound healing. HBOT can improve tissue oxygenation, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, and promote wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
  2. Chronic non-healing wounds: Diabetes can lead to impaired wound healing, and some wounds may become chronic or non-healing. HBOT increases oxygen levels in the blood and tissues, which aids in wound healing and fights infection.
  3. Radiation-induced tissue damage: In certain cases, individuals with diabetes may require radiation therapy as part of their treatment plan. Radiation can cause tissue damage, particularly in areas that have received radiation, leading to poor wound healing. HBOT can enhance tissue oxygenation and potentially reduce the severity of radiation-induced damage.
  4. Diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems or blindness. While HBOT is not a standard treatment for diabetic retinopathy, some studies have explored its potential benefits in improving retinal oxygenation and reducing retinal damage in diabetic patients. However, further research is needed to establish its efficacy in this regard.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for ADHD and ADD

Individuals with ADHD and ADD experience symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, characterizing these neurodevelopmental conditions. The primary treatment approach for ADHD and ADD typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy and, in some cases, medication. Here’s how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for ADHD and ADD can help:

  1. Cognitive function and attention: HBOT has been suggested to enhance cognitive function, including attention and executive functioning. By increasing oxygen supply to the brain, it may potentially improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD or ADD.
  2. Neuroplasticity and brain connectivity: HBOT has been hypothesized to promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize neural connections. It may aid in optimizing brain connectivity and improving neural networks associated with attention and impulse control.
  3. Co-occurring conditions: Individuals with ADHD or ADD may have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression.
  4. Stimulant medication alternatives: Some individuals may be unable to tolerate or prefer to avoid stimulant medications. These medications are commonly used in ADHD treatment. HBOT, if found effective, could potentially offer a non-pharmacological alternative for symptom management.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Osteoporosis

Consider HBOT in the following areas for osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone density and strength:

  1. Bone healing: HBOT aids in bone healing. It does this by increasing oxygen delivery to the affected bone, promoting the healing process in non-healing fractures.
  2. Osteonecrosis: HBOT improves blood flow and promotes healing in osteonecrosis – when bone tissue dies due to reduced blood flow.
  3. Post-surgical recovery: HBOT is great when used as an adjunctive therapy to support post-surgical recovery in individuals with osteoporosis. It helps to improve tissue oxygenation and enhancing healing.
  4. Musculoskeletal pain: HBOT can alleviate musculoskeletal pain from osteoporosis-related fractures or weakened bones by promoting bone healing and tissue repair.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Unveiling the Healing Power of Oxygen

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy represents a fascinating frontier in alternative medicine, offering potential benefits for a range of health conditions. By increasing oxygen supply, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation, HBOT holds promise as a complementary therapy for anxiety & depression management, long covid symptoms, wounds, diabetic complications and more!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How quickly does Hyperbaric Oxygen work?

Patients usually see the best outcome when they get one hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) session per day, five days a week. As a minimum recommendation, we advise individuals seeking effective HBOT to commit to at least three sessions per week. By maintaining a consistent schedule, individuals can maximize the potential benefits of HBOT and enhance their overall treatment experience.

How long do the benefits of HBOT last?

The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last up to 12 months. As individuals progress to a maintenance phase of treatment, the frequency of sessions may be reduced to one or two days per week, as determined by their specific needs. This adjustment acknowledges the potential for sustained healing effects and ensures that the therapy remains effective while accommodating individual requirements during the maintenance phase.

Does hyperbaric oxygen help with Anxiety?

Yes; it’s the elevated levels of oxygen in the brain that help to significantly reduce stress and anxiety.

Does a hyperbaric chamber help with Mental Health?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) provides a unique approach to address damaged brain tissues, inflammation, impaired blood flow, and symptoms of anxiety and cognitive dysfunction. This therapy holds particular promise for individuals grappling with conditions such as depression, generalized anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). By elevating oxygen levels within the body, HBOT aims to promote healing and alleviate the associated symptoms.

Darrell Kilcup, DC, CFMP

Hi there! I’m Dr. Kilcup. You know that health problem you’ve been dealing with – the one that doctors can’t seem to solve, that’s stealing way too much of your time, energy and joy? I can help you get to the bottom that. I am passionate about using the best of science and nutrition to find and fix root causes of health issues. Start your journey towards healing and relief today.

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Overall Rating
5.0 20 reviews
Had a great experience! Staff super friendly and Dr. Kilcup was so nice and knowledgeable. I was taken back right away. Highly recommend.
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Shannon Beebe Avatar
Shannon Beebe
1 month ago
Great place organized and efficient.
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Jeriam Amendt Avatar
Jeriam Amendt
1 month ago
Great experience with HBOT and photobiomodulation! Felt wonderful after each session. Staff is super helpful, knowledgeable, and made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommended!
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Michelle N Avatar
Michelle N
1 month ago
Been going to Dr. Kilcup for 5+ yrs now off and on for chiropractic care. He has a great energy about him, and his family staff are always kind and professional. I had my first real hyperbaric oxygen experience today which was great. I can't attest to "results" yet of course, but the science is clear all the ways it can bring healing to the body. So I am excited this is the first of many treatments! I will do a post review once I get a bunch under my belt. Also, I had never realized Dr. Kilcup was also a functional medicine practitioner. Talk about divine intervention! I have some other health issues to work through, and now I already have the person I have been looking for. Praise Jesus!
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Ben Reynolds Avatar
Ben Reynolds
2 months ago
Had a wound from vascular occlusion on my face and it healed at magic speed after a few sessions of HBOT
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Marissa Marzella Avatar
Marissa Marzella
2 months ago