How to Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Photobiomodulation Together

by Dr. Kilcup | Aug 13, 2023 | Articles, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), red light therapy (photobiomodulation)

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Photobiomodulation (PBM) – the dynamic duo of healing wonders! Their combination reduces inflammation, boosts antioxidants, supercharges mitochondrial performance, and more. In one corner, we have HBOT, where you’ll be breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber. And in the other corner, we have PBM, with its low-level light therapy to stimulate your cells into an energy making frenzy. When these two join forces, you will witness an energetic synergy like never before. It’s time to unlock the secrets of this exhilarating partnership and discover the fun side of medical magic!

What are Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Photobiomodulation?

The Power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment that involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The word “hyperbaric” refers to the higher pressure environment in which the treatment takes place. This therapy is used to deliver a significantly higher concentration of oxygen to the body’s tissues compared to what we normally breathe in the air.

During the hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, you would typically lie down inside a special chamber, which can be transparent or enclosed, depending on the design. Once you’re inside, the pressure inside the chamber is increased, usually to a level higher than the normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.

As the pressure increases, you’ll start to breathe in oxygen. The increased pressure allows your lungs to take in a much larger amount of oxygen, and this oxygen is then transported through your bloodstream to all parts of your body, including areas with low blood flow or damaged tissues.

The therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are based on the increased oxygen supply to tissues and cells. Oxygen is a vital element for our body’s healing processes, as it helps in the production of energy and supports tissue repair. By delivering oxygen under pressure, HBOT can enhance the body’s ability to heal and regenerate damaged tissues.

The Power of Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also called Red Light Therapy, uses low-level light therapy to stimulate and promote various biological processes in the body. During photobiomodulation sessions, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are applied directly to the skin.

When the light penetrates the targeted areas, it interacts with cells and triggers a series of biochemical reactions. One of the primary effects is the enhancement of mitochondrial function within the cells. Mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells, responsible for producing energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). By increasing mitochondrial activity, photobiomodulation can boost cellular energy production.

This therapy also stimulates the release of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. As a result, tissues receive better oxygen and nutrient supply, promoting the healing process and reducing inflammation.

Many part of the body can benefit from these therapies

Why Do HBOT and PBM Work so Well Together?

Wondering why HBOT and PBM make such an incredible team? Well, it’s all about the electrons in your body’s powerhouse – the mitochondria! Oxygen is the ultimate source of electrons in the electron transport chain, which mitochondria use to generate energy. And that energy is what keeps your body buzzing with life and vitality!

But sometimes, along the way of this energy creation train, there can be hiccups that lead to a loss of energy. One key player in this process is cytochrome c, a light-sensitive organelle that lives in the membrane of the mitochondria. Here’s where PBM comes into play – when these specific wavelengths of light touch your mitochondria, it kicks cytochrome c into high gear, moving those electrons much faster than before, creating more energy for your body.

Now, here comes the real magic. When HBOT adds extra oxygen to the mix, the energy production process gets supercharged and spreads like wildfire. The combined forces of HBOT and PBM create an energy gold-mine, leading to amazing benefits you’ll feel throughout your entire body! Imagine having more energy, enjoying better sleep, sporting healthier skin with fewer wrinkles, acne, and scarring, experiencing less pain, and basking in all the other fantastic perks this dynamic duo has to offer.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Photobiomodulation: The Synergy

  • Reduce Inflammation
  • Reduce Free-Radical Damage
  • Increase ATP Production

Reducing Inflammation with HBOT and PBM

Imagine your body is like a big team of tiny workers, each with their own jobs to do. Cytokines are like messengers in this team. They’re small proteins that help cells in your body communicate with each other.

When something goes wrong in your body, like when you get hurt or sick, your cells need to talk to each other to figure out what to do. Cytokines are the ones who deliver the messages. They can tell cells to come and help fight off infections, reduce inflammation, or even boost your immune system.

So, in simple terms, cytokines are like the text messages or calls that cells use to talk to each other and coordinate how to respond when something isn’t right in your body.

How HBOT Reduces Inflammation:

  • Increase of good Cytokines
  • Decrease of ‘bad’ Cytokines
  • Balance of regulatory Cytokines

HBOT works wonders when it comes to reducing inflammation through Cytokine control. First, it boosts the levels of good cytokines in your body, which are like the superheroes of the immune system, fighting inflammation and promoting healing. Second, HBOT also puts the brakes on the ‘bad’ cytokines, that can exacerbate inflammation.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, HBOT achieves the perfect balance of regulatory cytokines, ensuring that your immune response stays in check, targeting inflammation right where it’s needed and keeping it under control.

But wait, there’s more! PBM targets COX-2, the inflammation inhibitor in your body, and turns up the action. Think of Photobiomodulation as a kind of special light therapy that can affect how your body responds to pain and inflammation. COX-2 is like a tiny worker in your body that makes a molecule called prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is like a messenger that tells your body to feel pain and get inflamed when you’re hurt or sick.

When you use Photobiomodulation, it’s like giving a gentle pep talk to these tiny workers. The light from the therapy can help calm down the COX-2 workers, so they don’t make as much prostaglandin. This means there’s less messaging telling your body to feel pain and get all swollen and red.

So, with HBOT and PBM joining forces, inflammation is no match for this unbeatable team. They work together to create a symphony of healing, bringing balance, reducing inflammation, and making your body feel like a well-oiled machine. Say goodbye to those aches and pains, and hello to a world of comfort and vitality!

Reduce Free-Radical Damage

The mitochondria, often referred to as the cellular powerhouses, play a significant role in generating energy within our cells. However, their activity also results in the creation of ‘free radicals,’ which are normal byproducts but can become problematic in excess. When Photobiomodulation (PBM) intensifies mitochondrial activity, it can lead to an accumulation of excessive free radicals.

Enter Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – the ideal partner for PBM. Undergoing HBOT prompts the body to enhance the production of essential enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as the amino acid glutathione. These three components constitute the body’s defense against free radicals.

In synergy, HBOT and PBM create a balanced environment: PBM boosts mitochondrial activity, while HBOT equips the body with the necessary tools to manage free radicals effectively, fostering overall cellular health and function.

Increase ATP Production

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is a molecule that stores and releases energy within cells. It’s often called the “energy currency” of the cell because it provides the energy needed for various cellular processes.

Both Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Photobiomodulation (PBM) can harness the body’s natural processes to boost ATP production, leading to numerous benefits for overall health and wellness.

The elevated oxygen concentration received during HBOT encourages the production of ATP through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. This process takes place in the mitochondria. With higher oxygen availability, the mitochondria can efficiently convert nutrients into ATP, enhancing the energy output that cells can use for various functions.

Photobiomodulation and ATP Production

PBM involves exposing cells to specific wavelengths of light. This light energy is absorbed by cellular components called chromophores, in the mitochondria. These absorbed photons stimulate a chain reaction that enhances mitochondrial function and ATP production. PBM also stimulates the activity of the electron transport chain, a crucial part of oxidative phosphorylation. This process involves the movement of electrons along a series of protein complexes, ultimately leading to ATP synthesis. PBM accelerates this process by energizing the electron transport chain and facilitating ATP production.

Furthermore, PBM has been shown to increase the activity of enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase, which plays a vital role in the final stages of electron transport. By boosting the activity of these enzymes, PBM optimizes the efficiency of ATP synthesis, contributing to higher cellular energy levels.

The increased ATP production resulting from both HBOT and PBM provides a multitude of advantages for the body. More ATP means more energy available for cellular activities, ranging from muscle contraction to immune responses and even cognitive functions. Cells are better equipped to repair and regenerate, promoting overall healing and recovery. Enhanced ATP production also aids in cellular communication, which is crucial for maintaining proper bodily functions.

Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Photobiomodulation Together

In summary, the combination of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Photobiomodulation (PBM) forms a dynamic partnership that synergistically enhances ATP production and amplifies the body’s natural healing capacities. HBOT’s oxygen-rich environment fuels cellular energy production by optimizing oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Meanwhile, PBM’s targeted light energy stimulates vital mitochondrial components, accelerating ATP synthesis through the electron transport chain. Together, these therapies create a harmonious symphony of cellular rejuvenation, providing an abundance of energy for diverse bodily functions, promoting healing, and supporting overall wellness.

Get Started with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Photobiomodulation Today

Embarking on your journey towards wellness is as simple as filling out our office’s form. By taking this initial step, you’re setting the stage for a personalized experience tailored to your needs. Our form captures essential information about your health and goals, allowing us to design a comprehensive plan that integrates Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Photobiomodulation (PBM) to suit you best.

Once you’ve completed the form, our dedicated team will swiftly guide you through the scheduling process. We understand that your time is valuable, and we’re committed to ensuring a seamless experience. Through this collaborative effort, we’re excited to help you unlock the potential of HBOT and PBM, empowering you on your path to vitality and well-being.

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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5.0 16 reviews
I am so happy and grateful to have found Dr. Kilcup!! He is extremely patient, kind and compassionate, and takes the time to really listen and educate about the practices and treatments. I am seeing him for treatment for multiple things (hyperbaric oxygen, chiropractic care, functional medicine) and he has surpassed any other previous doctors and specialists I’ve seen before. I highly recommend working with him and his staff!
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Taylor Wray
4 months ago
The office staff is very friendly and helpful, the chamber is very effective for health benefits. Have been trying out the red light therapy as well. I highly recommend this place.
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Brandon M
5 months ago
What a great experience, I’ve never done anything like this before. I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful. Can’t say enough good stuff about this place. I totally recommend trying it out. my adventure continues….
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Wade Jagmin
5 months ago
I have just done my second treatment and I felt pretty good. I didn’t really notice a difference after the first treatment but could tell I felt pretty good after todays. I have a lot going on health wise and look forward to how these treatments and Dr Kilcup will get me back on track.
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Ronny Heeb
5 months ago
Dr Kilcup and his staff are very knowledgeable and kind. They have state of the art equipment to aid in healing my chronic autoimmune disease. Thank you Functional Medicine Center!
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Cherie Shaw
6 months ago