HyperBaric Oxygen Therapy
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy was developed as a method to treat decompression sickness in the late 1800’s. Since this first use physicians and scientists have uncovered many conditions HBOT can influence positively. The goal of HBOT is to dramatically increase the oxygen level in the body. A specialized chamber is used to harness several laws of physics that bring oxygen to the plasma portion of the blood.
Increasing oxygen levels creates an environment in the body in which inflammation is suppressed and regenerative healing is optimized. Short term benefits are experienced after one session and long term change is achieved with multiple sessions.
Introduction to HBOT
What are the benefits?
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Hyperoxygenation
HBOT increases oxygen carried into the blood stream. This allows oxygen to dissolve deep into the body and reverse hypoxia. This can help areas damaged during surgery or due to blood loss.
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Anti-inflammation
HBOT downregulates inflammatory pathways and constricts blood vessels. In the long term it also can turn off the genes responsible for inflammation.
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Antimicrobial Effect
HBOT weakens infection-causing bacteria and strengthens the natural antioxidants and free radical scavengers that are present in your body.
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Neovascularization
HBOT stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, there by increasing circulation and revitalizing the tissue.
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Stem Cell Mobilization
During HBOT, the circulation of stem cells can increase eight fold. Stem cells are key in the regeneration and healing process.
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Mitochondrial Support
HBOT facilitates the production of adenosine triphosphate or ATP. When damage occurs in the body the production of ATP is often interrupted. HBOT optimizes the energy production of your cells.
Can it treat my condition?
There are a wide variety of illnesses, injuries and other conditions Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can treat. Some are considered “on-label”. These conditions are approved by the FDA and generally covered by insurance. There are many other conditions benefit from HBOT and providers recommend sessions for. However this is considered “off-label” use and generally not covered by insurance.
Insurance Approved Conditions
- Air or Gas Embolism
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Central Retinal Artery
- Occlusion
- Chronic Refractory
- Osteomyelitis
- Crush Injury & Other Acute
- Traumatic Ischemias
- Decompression Sickness
- Diabetic Lower Extremity Wounds
- Failed Skin Grafts & Flaps
- Gas Gangrene
- Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
- Radiation Tissue Damage
- Severe Anemia (Acute anemia used as a bridge therapy)
- Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Thermal Burns (severe)
- Intracranial Abscess
Functional Medicine Conditions
- Anoxic Brain Injury
- Arthritis
- Cancer (Treatment Synergy)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
- Chronic Pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Concussion & Traumatic Brain Injury
- Crohn’s Disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Lyme Disease
- Migraine/Headache
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Stroke
- Surgery Preparation & Recovery
- Ulcerative Colitis
What to expect at Be Well Holistic Health's Hyperbaric Oxygen Studio
Be Well Holistic Health’s Hyperbaric Oxygen Studio is located on the first floor of Open Hand Health, at 2410 SE 10th Ave. Portland, OR 97214. There is a small parking lot for patient use directly in front of the building.
During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, you will lie or sit in one of our specialized chambers that gradually increases pressure while breathing 96% medical grade oxygen.
One of our chambers is 60 inches in diameter, allowing you to bring a friend.
We are committed to making HBOT affordable and accessible. We work with insurance and on a sliding scale.