BENEFITS
While hyperbaric oxygen therapy was initially used to treat divers wtih decompression sickness, its role has expanded to become a treatment for many other illnesses and medical conditions such as healing chronic wounds.
Patients with diabetes often develop severe non-healing wounds, requiring surgical intervention. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has proven to be a valuable therapy for these patients. Patients with pressure ulcers, arterial ulcers and other types of wounds that fail to respond to conservative therapy may also be candidates for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by:
Saturating the plasma with oxygen, resulting in increased oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Dissolving sufficient oxygen in the plasma to support cellular function without utilizing hemoglobin.
Increasing the oxygen tension in hypoxic areas such as chronically infected, irradiated or compromised tissues.
Enhancing the white blood cells' capacity to kill bacteria.
Reducing edema through vasoconstriction.
Blocking cytotoxic effects of carbon monoxide and its reperfusion injury.
Counteracting the hypoxia of methemoglobinemia generated with the treatment of cyanide poisoning.
PHASES OF TREATMENT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy lasts about 2.5 hours per session and consists of three phases:
Compression
After you are settled in the chamber, compression takes place for about five to ten minutes. Oxygen can be heard coming into the chamber and there is a slight increase in temperature, which is controlled by our staff. You may notice pressure building in your ears, similar to the feeling experienced when landing in an airplane. During this phase, and throughout the treatment, our staff can assist with relieving ear discomfort or pressure.
Prescribed time at pressure
A treatment plan devised specifically for you determines the number of hyperbaric oxygen sessions needed. Normally, patients receive 100% oxygen for 90 minutes per treatment. You may spend this time in a relaxing way by sleeping, reading, playing a
game or watching a movie.
Decompression
As pressure is decreased in the chamber, the temperature drops. Symptoms are minimal during this phase, although some patients experience a popping noise in their ears.
PREPARING FOR TREATMENT
Treatments are administered daily and require patients to be present for approximately 2 hours each day. Course of treatment varies by diagnosis, but usually consists of 20-40 treatments.
You will be seen and evaluated by our staff before and after your therapy.
Only 100% cotton scrubs or clothing are allowed in the chamber. These will be provide to you before the procedure begins.
Do not drink any alcohol prior to treatment.
Do not smoke for at least two hours before treatment (this is especially important for diabetic patients).
Eat a regular meal before treatment (this is especially important for diabetic patients).
If your doctor has prescribed any medications for you, take them as usual (including pain medication) before you arrive and inform our staff during your evaluation.
If you have a cold or any sinus congestion, please inform our staff upon arrival, as this may determine whether nasal sprays and decongestants are administered.
If you have an existing wound, a dressing change may be performed.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Because the chamber is pressurized with 100% oxygen, we cannot allow certain items to be taken inside. These include lighters or matches, cigarettes, nylon, wigs, or hair pieces, petroleum jelly, ointments, hearing aids, watches, makeup, lipstick or lip balm, hair spray, hair oil or relaxers, synthetic clothing or hard contact lenses.
Should you have any questions, we will be happy to discuss them with you before treatment begins.
CONSENT AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Before your initial treatment, hyperbaric oxygen therapy will be explained in detail including any potential side effects you might experience. You will then sign an informed consent, as you would for any hospital treatment.
The most common side effects are:
Fullness or stuffiness in your ears
Confinement anxiety
Temporary, slight blurred vision
Temporary light-headedness
Temporary muscle discomfort
STAFFING
Our unit is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals who have received special training in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They will work with your referring doctor to coordinate a plan of care to achieve the best possible outcomes.
INSURANCE
In general, insurance plans and Medicare cover the conditions listed above. For specific questions about insurance coverage, we recommend contacting your insurance provider.
SCHEDULES
Our unit offers both inpatient and outpatient services, providing a convenient way for working individuals to receive treatment. Appointments are made in consideration of your schedule. Please speak with a staff member to determine which treatment time is best suited for you.
|
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!
FACEBOOK