Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

How Does Hyperbaric Therapy Work?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and evidence-based treatment proven to speed the healing process in certain types of wounds. In fact, many find it relaxing! The clear chambers are equipped with televisions and comfortable bedding, so you are free watch your favorite television shows or a movie, or even sleep. During the treatments, the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, quickly increasing the concentration of oxygen in the bloodstream, where it is delivered to the wound site for faster healing. Essentially, hyperbaric therapy helps heal the wound from the inside out. A typical course of treatment involves spending about 90 minutes a day in the chamber five days per week over a four-to-six-week period.

This therapy can help reduce swelling, fight infection, and build new blood vessels, ultimately producing healthy tissue. It is also effective in fighting certain types of infections, improving circulation, in stimulating growth of new blood vessels, and in treating crush injuries, osteomyelitis, compromised skin grafts and flaps, brown recluse spider bites, and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.

Is Hyperbaric Therapy Covered By My Insurance?

Medicare and most healthcare plans reimburse for hyperbaric oxygen therapy for ‘currently accepted indications.’ Our courteous and professional staff is available to assist you with all of your personal insurance issues.

What to Expect During Hyperbaric Treatment

Once you are comfortably positioned inside the chamber, the pressure will gradually increase and the temperature will temporarily rise. When the desired pressure is achieved, the temperature will be adjusted to your comfort. You may experience fullness in your ears as a result of the increased pressure. The technician will instruct you in ways to help clear the pressure and relieve any discomfort. Most treatment sessions in the chamber last approximately one-and-a-half hours. When the treatment is completed, the chamber is restored to normal pressure and the interior of the chamber will become cooler.

Possible Side Effects of Hyperbaric Medicine

You may experience temporary vision changes which should return to normal within a few weeks after your therapy is completed. Our physicians recommend that you not change the prescription of your eyewear during the course of your therapy. Some patients experience fatigue during treatment. This is completely normal.

We look forward to serving you. Please contact a member of our staff at 618-988-6157 with any other questions you may have regarding your therapy