Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an alternative treatment method that has been favored by physicians to treat various ailments for six decades.
What Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy or HBOT is a secondary treatment option wherein pressurized pure unadulterated oxygen is introduced to patients seeking relief from painful afflictions or disorders.
Medical professionals are increasingly using mild HBOT to treat physical as well as mental health issues across the nation.
How Is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Administered To Patients?
During a mild HBOT session, the patient is placed in a pressurized cylindrical capsule known as a hyperbaric chamber. Thereon, qualified hyperbaric experts administer pure unadulterated oxygen to the individual at pressures that are 1.2 to 3 times greater than normal atmospheric pressure at sea level.
The pressurized oxygen in the lungs instantly dissolves into the body fluids of the patient, thereby boosting the blood flow to the injured or dormant parts of the body. The elevated oxygen levels in the bloodstream post HBOT therapy are known to encourage the healing process in the damaged tissues.
What Are The Benefits Of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Research has indicated that a range of benefits can be availed by patients if they adapt mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a regular part of their recovery regimen.
A few have been listed herewith:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Promotes Rapid Recoveries from Illnesses
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy was initially introduced in the early 1960s’ to treat naval scuba divers for decompression sickness.
Thereafter, researchers discovered that this age-old therapy could provide significant relief to patients ailing from a range of medical conditions such as:
- Air or gas embolism.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Decompression sickness.
- Radiation injury.
- Thermal burn injury.
- Chronic wounds.
- Compromised skin grafts.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Alzheimer’s disease.
- Diabetic ulcers.
- Traumatic brain injury.
- Cerebral palsy.
- Acute anemia.
- Gas gangrene.
- Autism spectrum disorder
Individuals combating serious afflictions such as sports injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, and other medical conditions are known to have experienced significant improvement in their condition post undergoing HBOT therapy.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is known to greatly benefit patients with the following ailments:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):
Traumatic brain injury is an affliction that can occur due to:
- Collisions during contact sports such as football or boxing.
- Blast related injuries on a battlefield.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
Hypoxia and inflammation are the two common conditions associated with TBI and are caused due to the lack of oxygen in the injured areas of the brain. Mild HBOT is known to relieve the pressure on the brain tissues with the increased blood supply within the oxygen-deprived parts of the brain, thereby reducing the inflammation caused due to hypoxia.
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also known to activate the ability of the brain to alter, adjust and regenerate through a process known as neuroplasticity.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a preferred treatment solution for patients with ASD.
The enhanced supply of oxygen-rich blood within the body during HBOT therapy is known to stimulate the dormant neurons in the affected parts of the brain. Physicians are known to have observed the following changes in autism patients post their HBOT therapy:
- Improved cognitive functions.
- Better behavioral patterns.
- Lowered aggression levels.
- Better sleep quality.
- Increased social interaction.
Alzheimer’s Disease:
Patients with Alzheimer’s are known to display considerable improvement in their brain metabolism post mild HBOT therapy due to the increase in cerebral blood supply.
Research studies by HBOT experts have indicated the following changes in Alzheimer’s patients having undergone mild HBOT regularly:
- Reduced anxiety levels.
- Improved focus.
- Enhanced concentration.
- Better sleep habits.
Additional Benefits Of Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy:
Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being increasingly preferred over conventional treatment options.
This alternative therapy is a non-invasive procedure that can be undertaken by patients on an out-patient basis as it does not require overnight hospitalization.
Mild HBOT therapy can be administered through three types of chambers, namely:
- Multiplace Hyperbaric Chamber:
This chamber is typically installed in large medical facilities wherein multiple individuals can simultaneously undergo mild HBOT in a single chamber.
- Monoplace Hyperbaric Chamber:
This chamber is predominantly installed in clinics or homes. A monoplace hyperbaric chamber can be used to administer mild HBOT to a single user at a given time.
The option of installing this device at a residence coupled with the simple operating mechanism has made this a favored option for patients undergoing mild HBOT on a long-term basis.
- Portable Hyperbaric Chamber:
A portable hyperbaric chamber is constructed using urethane or canvas and comes equipped with a zipper mechanism. Patients can carry this chamber to any location of their choice and undergo HBOT with minimum guidance.
The health benefits of mild HBOT and the portability factor of this chamber has made this device a favored option with top athletes and celebrities.
Apart from the above-mentioned health benefits, Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also known to:
- Strengthen the immune system.
- Enhance stem cell production.
- Fight bacterial infections.
- Improve memory retention.
The surging popularity of mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being attributed to the numerous health benefits experienced by patients across the nation.