Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Portland, OR
Coming Soon!
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
The underlying principle of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) lies in its ability to enhance the body’s natural healing processes by increasing the supply of oxygen to damaged or inflamed tissues.
HBOT is a medical treatment where a person breathes in 100% oxygen in a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure. Under increased pressure within an HBOT chamber, oxygen is more readily absorbed into the bloodstream, body fluids, and tissues. This enhanced oxygen absorption promotes wound healing, tissue repair, athletic recovery, reduces inflammation, and can even help combat certain types of infections.
We need oxygen for any healing or repair, because it makes energy for our cells. HBOT provides that delivery.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
To understand how HBOT works, it’s important to understand how oxygen is delivered to the body. Normally, oxygen is transported in the bloodstream by binding to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells. However, under normal atmospheric pressure, some tissues and cells may not receive enough oxygen due to a variety of factors, such as poor circulation or inflammation.
When you undergo HBOT, the increased pressure in the chamber helps oxygen dissolve more easily in your bloodstream, allowing it to reach tissues and cells that may not be getting enough oxygen otherwise. This can help improve cellular function and promote healing throughout the body.
Additionally, HBOT can also help stimulate the production of stem cells, which are important for tissue repair and regeneration. The increased oxygen levels in the body can also help reduce inflammation and boost the immune system, which can have a positive effect on a wide range of health conditions.
What Are the Benefits of HBOT?
There are many potential benefits of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, including:
- Improved Circulation
- Reduced Inflammation
- Enhanced Immune Function
- Improved Healing
- Increased Energy
- Enhanced Athletic Performance and Recovery
- Stimulated Collagen Production, Improved Skin Elasticity, and Help Repairing Damaged Skin
- Healing From Traumatic Brain Injury – Stroke
Are There Any Side Effects?
Harmful side effects have not been reported with mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Possible temporary side effects to consider when preparing for your first session:
- You might experience slight discomfort to the ears during pressurization only, similar to the sensation experienced when you first take off in an airplane.
- A few individuals may experience fatigue or even feel ill during the first couple of sessions due to the body clearing toxins. This is perfectly normal and safe. Hydrating well, which you should be doing as part of a wellness program, can help minimize or even prevent these side effects.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Bring something to read, as the sessions last about 60 minutes. Any and all sound-producing devices must be played through headphones or earbuds only.
