How Often Should You Do Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
THIS ARTICLE AT A GLANCE:
In Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a natural, non-invasive treatment, patients breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen at an increased atmospheric pressure. HBOT forces oxygen into the bloodstream and can increase the oxygen concentration in the body by up to 1,200%. Patients gain health benefits such as increased blood flow, body tissue regeneration, decreased inflammation, and more.
The frequency of HBOT treatments will vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Continue reading to learn more.
How Often Should You Do HBOT?
Generally, HBOT treatments are given daily, five days per week. The number of treatments needed can range from a few to 40 or more, depending on the condition and its severity.
For example, people with acute carbon monoxide poisoning may only need one or two HBOT treatments. People with chronic wounds may need 40 or more HBOT treatments.
Patients doing HBOT for health optimization may require fewer treatments. Patients seeking out care for a chronic condition, such as fibromyalgia, long COVID, and autoimmune diseases may need 40 treatments to see results.
Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your individual needs. The treatment plan will include the number of treatments needed, the frequency of treatments, the atmospheric pressure prescribed, and the length of each treatment.
Why Consistency Is Important
Consistency is paramount when it comes to HBOT treatments. Treatment with HBOT requires the correct oxygen pressure and timing to balance both the oxidative and antioxidative effect. For example, one of our endogenous antioxidants – superoxide dismutase- will require a few sessions to begin to increase. Unlike other medical interventions, the effectiveness of HBOT often hinges on regular, uninterrupted sessions. The process of HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which stimulates the body's natural healing processes. However, these benefits are cumulative and require consistent exposure over time to yield optimal results.
Irregular or sporadic treatment schedules can undermine progress and diminish the therapeutic impact. Therefore, adhering to a consistent treatment plan prescribed by healthcare professionals is essential for maximizing the potential benefits of HBOT, whether it's for wound healing, recovery from radiation therapy, or other medical conditions. Consistency ensures that the body receives the necessary oxygen levels consistently, promoting tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and enhancing overall well-being. In essence, consistency is the cornerstone of successful HBOT therapy, offering patients the best chance at improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
What Conditions Can HBOT Treat?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions either as a primary or adjunctive treatment including:
- Chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and pressure sores
- Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
- Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions
- Radiation injuries
- Sudden Hearing Loss
- Long COVID
- Chron's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Stroke recovery
View the full list of conditions that HBOT can treat.
HBOT Under Medical Supervision
At Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, safety is our highest priority. To that end, every patient at our clinics is seen and cleared by a certified hyperbaric professional to ensure all potential contraindications are addressed prior to going into a hyperbaric chamber.
Additionally, all patient treatment plans are individually prepared by a hyperbaric board-certified physician, and each session is closely supervised by hyperbaric certified medical staff and trained technicians.
To ensure your safety, we strongly urge that you receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy under strict medical supervision.
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Learn MoreWritten by Alan Katz, MD, FUHM, FACEP, FAAEM
Dr. Alan Katz, National Medical Director of Hyperbaric Medical Solutions (HMS), is double board certified in Emergency Medicine and Hyperbaric Medicine. He directs clinical operations, as well as education and research initiatives for HMS, particularly in exploring the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy....
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