When and why to opt for hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Although for many years it was reserved mainly for severe medical cases, today hyperbaric oxygen therapy – HBOT is increasingly used as a support for conventional treatment of various conditions, and its numerous benefits are being discovered in everyday life.

But how exactly does it work and when can it help?

How does HBOT affect the body?

During treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, our body is exposed to a higher pressure than atmospheric, usually between 2 and 2.5 bars, which allows oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma in much larger quantities than under normal conditions. This means that oxygen reaches deeper into the tissues, even to those parts of the body that are poorly supplied with blood due to illness, injury or poor circulation.

The results of HBOT’s effects on the body thus manifest as very powerful processes:

1. Increased amount of oxygen in the blood – Since oxygen dissolves better in the liquid part of the blood (plasma), its availability to all cells in the body increases.
2. Improved circulation and tissue oxygenation – Although hyperbaric therapy cannot directly dilate clogged blood vessels, it can improve oxygen supply and encourage the growth of new capillaries, which aids tissue regeneration.
3. Reducing inflammation and swelling – Oxygen has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, helping the body fight infections and reduce swelling.
4. Faster wound healing and tissue regeneration – HBOT stimulates fibroblasts and stem cells, crucial for the repair of damaged tissue.
5. Improved immune system function – Higher oxygen concentrations can destroy bacteria and improve the body’s ability to fight infections.
6. Detoxification and increased energy – Oxygen is crucial for mitochondria, the “powerhouses” of our cells, which produce energy. More oxygen means more energy and better functioning of the entire body.

When to use hyperbaric oxygenation?

Due to the previously mentioned results of HBOT, there is a wide range of medical and everyday situations in which it could be useful and result in an improvement in the initial condition. Here are the most common examples:

1. Acute conditions

In all conditions requiring urgent tissue oxygenation, such as severe hypoxia and ischemia, gas gangrene and embolism, and carbon monoxide poisoning, HBOT rapidly corrects oxygen deficiency.

2. Recovery after surgeries and injuries

In post-operative recovery or if you have suffered a more serious injury, HBOT can significantly speed up healing and reduce the risk of complications such as infections or tissue necrosis.

3. Circulatory problems and diabetic wounds

People with diabetes often have poor circulation, which can lead to difficult-to-heal wounds. HBOT improves tissue oxygenation and promotes regeneration, reducing the risk of amputations.

4. Neurological diseases and stroke

Research shows that hyperbaric therapy can aid in recovery after stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

5. Recovery and increasing endurance in athletes

Many professional athletes use HBOT to speed up muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, and increase performance.

6. Chronic fatigue and burnout syndrome

If you are feeling exhausted and low on energy, HBOT can help by increasing oxygen levels in the body, improving mitochondrial function, and reducing stress.

7. Recovery from COVID-19 and lung problems

Many people experience long-term breathing problems, fatigue, and decreased exercise tolerance after COVID-19 infection. HBOT can help by improving oxygenation and lung tissue regeneration.

8. Anti-aging and skin health

HBOT stimulates collagen production, reduces oxidative stress and improves circulation, which contributes to a fresher and healthier appearance of the skin.

9. Fighting chronic infections and inflammatory conditions

Chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory processes can be alleviated by increased oxygenation, which helps the immune system fight pathogens and reduces chronic inflammation.

Video: The experience of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and Raynaud’s syndrome after 10 visits to oxygen treatment in a hyperbaric chamber – a video posted on social media – can a link be embedded?

How often and for how long should HBOT therapy be used?

The number and frequency of treatments, or protocol, for each patient depends on the individual’s specific condition and the goal of the therapy. For faster recovery after injury or surgery, 5-10 treatments may be sufficient, while for chronic conditions, therapy may last longer. Each session usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.

Hyperbaric oxygenation is not just a therapy for extreme medical situations – it can be a valuable tool for improving overall health, speeding up recovery, and increasing energy. Whether you are involved in sports, recovering from an injury, struggling with chronic fatigue, or simply want to support your body’s health in the best possible way, HBOT can be a valuable addition to your lifestyle . svog organizma na najbolji mogući način, HBOT može biti vrijedan dodatak vašem životnom stilu.