9 - Hyperbaric Healing Treatment Center

Editor’s Note:

This therapy is generally designed for individuals who have experienced ischemic strokes, not hemorrhagic strokes like mine. That was an important lesson I learned firsthand—some providers may offer treatments that aren’t ideal for your condition. That said, if you are considering HBOT, Aviv Clinics is a reputable facility you may wish to explore: https://aviv-clinics.com.

My Personal Experience

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) was not particularly effective for me and came at a significant financial cost—approximately $8,000 for 40 sessions. Results may vary, so I’ve compiled relevant information to help you make an informed decision.

How HBOT Works

The air we normally breathe contains about 21% oxygen. Under typical conditions, red blood cells carry this oxygen via plasma to the body’s tissues. However, when blood flow is restricted—due to surgery, injury, or illness—oxygen delivery is compromised, resulting in hypoxia (oxygen deprivation), tissue damage, and swelling.HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen that dissolves directly into the plasma, allowing it to reach tissues that red blood cells cannot access. In this high-pressure environment, oxygen can diffuse up to three times farther into damaged tissue. The result is enhanced oxygenation, reduced swelling, and tissue regeneration through the formation of new capillaries (angiogenesis).During treatment, you’ll be pressurized according to medical guidance and breathe pure oxygen. You may feel your ears pop, similar to flying in an airplane. Once at full pressure, the environment inside the chamber is quiet and comfortable—comparable to resting on a sofa. Treatments typically last up to 90 minutes.Post-treatment recommendations include staying hydrated, eating well, and resting.

FDA-Approved Conditions for HBOT

HBOT is approved by the FDA and Medicare for a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Air or Gas Embolism

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Chronic Osteomyelitis

• Compartment Syndrome / Crush Injury / Other Traumatic Ischemias

• Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps

• Decompression Sickness (“The Bends”)

• Diabetic and Non-Healing Wounds

• Exceptional Blood Loss (Anemia)

• Gas Gangrene

• Intracranial Abscess

• Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections

• Osteoradionecrosis and Radiation Tissue Damage

• Thermal Burns

• Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (covered by select insurers)

Emerging and Off-Label Applications

Scientific research continues to expand HBOT’s applications. Although not yet FDA-approved for the following, these off-label uses have shown promise:

• Stroke

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• Anoxic Brain Injury

• Autism

• PTSD

• Addiction Recovery

• Fibromyalgia

• Lyme Disease

• Migraines

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Near Drowning

• Sports Injuries

• Recovery from Plastic Surgery

• Cerebral Palsy

• Avascular Necrosis

• Crohn’s Disease

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Circulatory Conditions• Concussions

Clinical Trends

Due to the rise in diabetes and related complications, HBOT is increasingly used for treating non-healing wounds. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, this has contributed to a 75% decrease in amputations over the past few years due to treating diabetic wounds with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.