Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Your Questions Answered

Originally used to prevent complications such as decompression sickness in deep sea divers, today hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a growing number of conditions. This painless therapy provides the body with 100% oxygen to aid in healing.

Premier hyperbaric physician Bruce Fishman, MD, and his team at Dr. Stem Cell in Encino, California, offer innovative therapies to treat pain and promote healing. While hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for some time, new applications have proven beneficial for a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy overview 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers high concentrations of oxygen to accelerate the body’s healing process. Saturating your body with oxygen helps heal damaged areas that have less than optimal access to the body’s oxygen supply.

Appropriate oxygen levels are a key component to the body’s natural healing process. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment boosts oxygen in the bloodstream so that more oxygen reaches damaged tissues.

What conditions can hyperbaric oxygen therapy treat?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is performed under the supervision of a physician and is recommended for controlling infection and promoting healing of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Hyperbaric oxygen is effective and works quickly for many patients, helping the body heal wounds from the inside out.

This therapy is used to treat the following:

At Dr. Stem Cell, our team successfully uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat orthopedic pain and improve function. 

What is hyperbaric oxygen treatment like?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is performed in sessions. A typical patient has therapy five days a week for four to six weeks. Each session in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber increases the level of oxygen in your blood.

Patients lie comfortably in the hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and breathing in 100% oxygen is painless. During therapy, the pressure in the room increases and you may feel a fullness in your ears. Yawning helps to relieve the pressure. This is similar to what occurs on an airplane.

Each session lasts 90-120 minutes. Most patients listen to music or watch television. An intercom and private headset provide immediate access to Dr. Fishman. 

Preparing for hyperbaric oxygen therapy

After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Fishman creates an appropriate treatment plan and discusses the number of recommended sessions for your diagnosis. Working together with Dr. Fishman and following your treatment plan is a crucial factor in your healing.

Minor preparation is necessary before your hyperbaric oxygen sessions. No perfumes, deodorants, cosmetics, or wigs are allowed in the chamber. Patients must also avoid alcohol and tobacco as it interferes with the body’s oxygen flow. Additionally, Dr. Fishman needs to know about any prescribed medications and non-prescription supplements you take.  

The team at Dr. Stem Cell is committed to providing the best possible care. We recognize that each patient has unique needs. That’s why we take an individualized and compassionate approach.

We’re excited to discuss how hyperbaric oxygen therapy may ease your pain and help improve the way you feel and function. To learn more, call our office to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online today.

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