Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy

HBOT Improves Health and Beauty

by Carl R. Sonder, M.D.

Two of the most crucial attributes in America today are strength and beauty. Athletes strive for strength as they compete in sports; women and men strive to retain their youthful beauty as they age. Now, a health treatment as old as air is helping people achieve both. Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy (HBOT) has been successful in treating a number of conditions for both men and women, and may help to reverse the physical and mental effects of aging and environmental pollution. It has also been known to increase overall energy, cognitive abilities and wellness by fighting harmful free radicals and toxins. In addition, HBOT may help increase metabolism, and give skin and hair a healthier glow.

On The Field

One might say that Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy is what lost the Super Bowl for our beloved Cardinals last January. During the championship playoff game against the Ravens, Hines Ward, one of the Steelers' leading wide receivers, severely sprained his right medial collateral ligament. But Ward's determination to play in Super Bowl XLIII despite his injury led him to undergo special treatments, including spending an hour a day in a hyperbaric chamber. He even purchased his own hyperbaric chamber and had it delivered to the hotel in Tampa. The treatments proved effective; Ward not only played that day, he helped his team defeat the Arizona Cardinals 27 - 23.

The Beauty Secret

Celebrities striving to look and feel their best are now using oxygen as a beauty treatment. While it may seem fairly basic, Hollywood has discovered that this natural remedy is highly effective. The benefits from an oxygen facial system include deep cleansing and revitalizing, stimulation of blood circulation, and toxin removal. It also strengthens elastin fibres and increases collagen production. Collagen, when bound together with elastin, is responsible for making skin elastic and firm.

Fighting to lose those last few pounds? Oxygen just might do the trick. Pure oxygen increases metabolism and is a key ingredient in the energy conversion process. It helps turn fats, carbs and proteins into heat, ultimately increasing stamina.

Clearing The Air

For some, the first mention of celebrities and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy brings to mind stories of Michael Jackson and what appeared to be extreme methods for combating his many health issues. What many people don't realize is that HBOT dates back to as early as the 14th century and is actually an FDA-approved medical treatment for as many as 15 medical conditions such as carbon monoxide poisoning, smoke inhalation, crush injury, decompression sickness, diabetic wounds, anemia, burns and skin grafts.

HBOT is also commonly used off-label to treat conditions such as chronic fatigue, traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, and ALS. The healing power of pure oxygen as a drug, properly administered by a certified physician or a technician under a doctor's supervision, has a tremendous ability to heal individuals battling a number of health issues or seeking preventative care.

When we breathe normally, we typically take in only about 20 percent oxygen and 80 percent nitrogen. When a person receives Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy, the treatment delivers 100 percent oxygen in a high pressure atmosphere, which causes a compression that drives oxygenated blood throughout the body. Flooding the body with oxygen in this way mobilizes the natural healing of tissues. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory that stimulates the development of new blood vessels, kills bacteria and reduces swelling.

Treatment Programs

Patients must be evaluated by a physician before a treatment program can be determined based on their individual needs. HBOT treatment in preparation for surgery may include two 90-minute treatment sessions prior to surgery, with the patient returning the week after surgery for two additional treatments. HBOT used on patients undergoing surgery helps to reduce bleeding or post surgery bruising, and facilitates incision healing. This is especially beneficial for those undergoing cosmetic surgery.

A stroke patient may be prescribed a more aggressive program to heal damaged capillary walls and stimulate dormant cells in the brain to reverse loss of motor skills and cognitive ability. For example, one patient who had not regained the ability to talk or walk a year after stroke rehabilitation therapy was given 20 treatments in a four-week period. After the first few weeks, her speech became clearer and her mobility began to improve.

Know Your Source

When seeking information or treatment, make sure to do your homework. Know what the practitioner is providing and who you are receiving treatment from. Many facilities claim they offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy, when their equipment is simply pup tent style and offers nothing more than a high dosage of oxygen without the benefits of a true pressurized environment. There are two types of hyperbaric chambers, monoplace and multiplace. A medical grade monoplace chamber serves a single person 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized environment, while a multiplace chamber serves several people with oxygen using masks or hoods. For optimal results, a medical grade monoplace chamber is recommended.

You will also want to ask if the physician providing treatment is certified in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Be cautious with practitioners who over promise. While HBOT has proven extremely effective in helping the body to function better and to heal through the administering of oxygen to the cellular tissue level, it is not a cure-all.

Dr. Carl R. Sonder is the Medical Director for Adam and Eve Medical Aesthetics in Scottsdale and Regency Medical Aesthetics in Phoenix.

Dr. Sonder is board certified in Psychiatry, Neurology and is trained and certified in Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Therapy.