Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Woodstock & San Luis Obispo

Discover the Healing Power of Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing your lungs to gather more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. This increased oxygen supply stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery.

  • Experience Faster Healing: Whether you’re recovering from injury, surgery, or seeking relief from chronic conditions, our hyperbaric chamber accelerates the healing process by delivering oxygen-rich air directly to your body’s tissues.
  • Enhance Performance: Athletes, take your performance to new heights with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Boost endurance, reduce fatigue, and recover faster between workouts, giving you the competitive edge you’ve been searching for.
  • Revitalize Your Mind and Body: Combat fatigue, stress, and the effects of aging with regular sessions in our hyperbaric chamber. Rejuvenate your cells, improve cognitive function, and reclaim your vitality with each session.

Learn more about Hyperbaric Chamber & Oxygen Therapy in Woodstock & San Luis Obispo

Hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing your lungs to gather more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure. This increased oxygen supply stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery.

Hyperbaric chambers employ two key mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of oxygen from the surrounding air into your body: 1) enhancing inspired oxygen concentration and elevating ambient pressure. Essentially, the higher the oxygen concentration and room pressure, the more effectively our bodies can utilize oxygen to fuel essential bodily functions.

Elevated Oxygen Levels

Ordinarily, the air we breathe consists of only 21% oxygen, with the remaining 79% comprising various gasses like nitrogen, which don’t serve our bodies in the same way oxygen does. In the case of home chambers and most hospital setups, patients receive 100% concentrated oxygen directly from an oxygen concentrator via a nasal cannula or face mask. While this concentrated oxygen is administered, fresh air continuously circulates within the chamber, preventing the accumulation of exhaled breath (e.g., carbon dioxide).

Pressurized Environment

The air that surrounds us exerts pressure, known scientifically as atmospheric pressure, typically measured in a unit called Atmospheres Absolute (ATA).

The elevation in air pressure aids in augmenting the amount of oxygen absorbed by your body. To utilize the oxygen we inhale, minuscule sacs within our lungs facilitate its transfer into the bloodstream. As pressure increases, so does the efficiency of oxygen absorption into our blood for distribution throughout our bodies.

We offer the Revitalair® 430+ Hyperbaric Chamber by Biobarica. This state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Treatment System includes a medium-pressure, semi-rigid hyperbaric chamber with high therapeutic efficiency.

Revitalair® 430+ is the largest and most versatile semi-rigid monoplace hyperbaric chamber on the market with high-quality materials. The Revitalair® 430+ Hyperbaric Chamber is regulated at 1.5 ATA, which is clinically proven to be safer in neurotoxicity than working at higher pressures, and to treat nearly all conditions. Pressurization and depressurization are the fastest on the market and are completed in only 5 minutes.

Experience the transformative power of Hyperbaric Chamber Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a gentle and painless non-invasive treatment method. Within the serene confines of the hyperbaric chamber, individuals recline and unwind as pressurized oxygen permeates their bodies, igniting a cascade of natural healing processes from within. The elevated pressure levels facilitate the delivery of oxygen to cells throughout the body, yielding a plethora of physiological benefits.

  • Cellular Regeneration: Stimulate cell growth and renewal, fostering tissue repair and rejuvenation.
  • Detoxification: Purify the body by eliminating toxins and impurities, promoting overall well-being.
  • Enhanced Neurological Functioning: Bolster cognitive function and neurological health, enhancing mental clarity and acuity.
  • Immune System Support: Fortify the body’s natural defense mechanisms, enhancing resilience against illness and infection.
  • Angiogenesis: Foster the development of new capillaries, improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.

Elevated Sports Performance

  • ATP Production: Increase adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, fueling muscles for enhanced endurance and performance.
  • Energy Boost: Experience heightened energy levels and vitality, enabling peak athletic performance.
  • Accelerated Recovery and Repair: Shorten recovery times from injuries, optimizing training schedules and performance outcomes.
  • Enhanced Focus: Improve concentration and mental acuity, sharpening focus during training and competition.
  • Efficient Detoxification: Rid the body of metabolic waste products, promoting faster recovery and reducing fatigue.
  • Optimized Oxygenation: Increase oxygen supply to muscle tissues, enhancing endurance and stamina.
  • Maximized Organ Function: Support vital organ health, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
  • Reduced Dehydration: Minimize fluid loss during intense physical activity, maintaining hydration levels for peak performance.
  • Alleviate Lactic Acid Build-Up: Reduce the accumulation of lactic acid, preventing muscle fatigue and soreness.

Faster Wound Healing

  • Infection Prevention: Combat infections and promote a sterile wound environment, facilitating healing.
  • Tissue Hyperoxygenation: Increase oxygen levels in tissues, accelerating wound closure and tissue repair.
  • Angiogenesis Stimulation: Trigger the formation of new blood vessels, enhancing circulation and nutrient delivery to wounds.
  • Pain and Inflammation Reduction: Alleviate discomfort and swelling, promoting comfort and facilitating the healing process.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been clinically proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, as of July 2021, the FDA has cleared hyperbaric chambers for the following disorders:

  • Air and gas bubbles in blood vessels
  • Anemia (severe anemia when blood transfusions cannot be used)
  • Burns (severe and large burns treated at a specialized burn center)
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Crush injury
  • Decompression sickness (diving risk)
  • Gas gangrene
  • Hearing loss (complete hearing loss that occurs suddenly and without any known cause)
  • Infection of the skin and bone (severe)
  • Radiation injury
  • Skin graft flap at risk of tissue death
  • Vision loss (when sudden and painless in one eye due to blockage of blood flow)
  • Wounds (non-healing, diabetic foot ulcers)

In addition to the FDA approved conditions, numerous clinical studies have shown promising results in treating:

  • Stroke: HBOT may aid in stroke recovery by promoting brain healing and reducing inflammation.
  • Sports Injuries: HBOT can speed up recovery from sports-related injuries by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: HBOT has shown promising results in reducing fatigue and improving energy levels in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
  • Anti-Aging: HBOT can improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote cellular rejuvenation, leading to a more youthful appearance.
  • Cognitive Function: HBOT may enhance cognitive function and mental clarity by increasing oxygen delivery to the brain.

HBOT is being studied for other conditions, including COVID-19. However, at this time, the FDA has not cleared or authorized the use of any HBOT device to treat COVID-19 or any conditions beyond those listed above. The website, clinicaltrials.gov, has more information on HBOT clinical trials for COVID-19 and other conditions.

Preparing for Treatment

  • Dietary Considerations: It’s advisable to avoid consuming caffeine before your session, as it can constrict blood vessels. Opt for a light, nutritious meal about an hour or two prior to treatment, ensuring proper hydration while abstaining from alcohol and carbonated beverages. Diabetic individuals should monitor their blood glucose levels before and during treatment, with glucose replacement readily available if needed.
  • Medication Evaluation: Certain medications may interact with oxygen therapy, including some chemotherapies and topical ointments for wounds, among others. Consult with your healthcare provider beforehand to discuss the compatibility of your medications with HBOT.
  • Smoking Cessation: If feasible, refrain from tobacco use and smoking during your treatment period, as they hinder the body’s oxygen transportation mechanism, potentially counteracting the benefits of HBOT.
  • Health Assessment: Even minor ailments like a cold can impede ear clearing during treatment, increasing the risk of inner ear injuries. Postpone treatment if you’re unwell, experiencing high blood pressure, fever, flu symptoms, or frequent loose stools until you’re sufficiently recovered.
  • Attire: Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended for your HBOT session, as you’ll spend up to two hours in the chamber.
  • Ear Preparation: Ensure your ears are free of excess wax before treatment to facilitate pressure equalization. Discuss any recent ear-related issues or surgeries with your doctor before proceeding with HBOT.
  • Anxiety Management: Familiarize yourself with the hyperbaric chamber to alleviate any claustrophobic tendencies. Spending time inside the chamber with the door open prior to treatment can mitigate anxiety.
  • Scheduling: Allocate 1-2 hours for your treatment session, factoring in potential post-treatment fatigue and lightheadedness. Avoid strenuous activities immediately after treatment.
  • Assistance: Depending on the type of chamber, you may require assistance from a friend or family member to enter and exit the chamber safely.
  • Items Allowed Inside the Chamber: Unlike medical-grade oxygen chambers, home units utilize oxygen delivered via a face mask, permitting the use of electronic devices, books, or other forms of entertainment during treatment.

During Treatment

  • Ear Equalization: Prioritize ear equalization techniques to minimize discomfort and protect the inner ear during treatment.
  • Comfort Assessment: While HBOT is generally well-tolerated, individuals may experience mild discomfort or fatigue. Listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
  • Anxiety Management: Utilize the home chamber’s accessibility to acclimate yourself to the environment and alleviate any anxiety or claustrophobia.

After Treatment

  • Nutrition and Medication: Resume normal activities post-treatment, ensuring adequate hydration and consulting with your healthcare provider regarding any medication adjustments.
  • Post-Treatment Effects: Expect potential fatigue after HBOT due to mitochondrial activity stimulation. Take it easy for the day if experiencing fatigue.
  • Driving Consideration: HBOT should not impair driving ability, but exercise caution if feeling lightheaded immediately after treatment.
hyperbaric chamber

Take the Next Step

If you’re considering hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy, take the next step towards wellness by scheduling a consultation with a qualified healthcare provider. They can provide you with the information and guidance you need to determine if HBOT is right for you.

At Dr. Megan Mullin Physical Therapy, our team of experienced professionals specializes in hyperbaric medicine and is dedicated to helping you achieve your health and wellness goals. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and embark on your journey to optimal well-being with hyperbaric chamber oxygen therapy.