For centuries people have found ways to treat diseases by using environments in which there is an increase in ambient pressure. In the 1940s and 50s, the military began developing chambers that enabled them to safely rehabilitate divers suffering from decompression sickness. With the ever-increasing advancement of technology, these chambers have become more varied in application and accessibility and therefore are now used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
There are a few different types of hyperbaric chambers used today. They vary from large metal chambers that can hold several people, to smaller portable chambers designed for one person. Although some of the differences between the chambers include the amount of pressure they can reach, the concentration of oxygen they use, and their level of portability, the function of these chambers remains largely the same. All use increased pressure (some, up to six times that of atmospheric pressure), and increased levels of oxygen (varying up to 100 percent pure oxygen) to increase the oxygen load in various tissues of the body. The “deeper” or increased pressures are normally used exclusively for recovery from decompression sickness, aka “the bends.”
Lower pressures have much broader applications and are used to treat a variety of common conditions and problems. These chambers create an increase in the oxygen load being provided to the various tissues of the body. This increase in oxygen can assist the body in all types of healing, and elevated levels of oxygen in the brain can stimulate brain activity. Some of the indications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy include: diabetic ulcers, stroke, RSD, Parkinson’s, autism, Crohn’s disease, migraines, necrotizing spider bites, wound healing, tissue repair and more. What patients can expect when being treated with mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Treatment usually lasts one hour. The chambers are designed to be comfortable for use by people of all ages. Patients are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes, and may bring a book, music, video player, or a phone while they are in treatment. Some people may experience a mild feeling of tightness as the chamber is pressurized and depressurized. This feeling is similar to what can be experienced when climbing in an airplane or driving up a mountain. Once the total pressure is achieved, patients rarely feel any different than when at normal pressure, many people feel relaxed and comfortable enough to take a refreshing nap. Treatment is recommended three times a week for most conditions, but Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is safe enough to be used every day.
If you would like more information, please contact Dr. Michelangelo Rubino DC, of Healing Solutions Chiropractic and Wellness Center at 661-644-9152.