HBOT & EDS
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders, primarily affecting joints, skin, and blood vessels (1). The most common type is Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which primarily affects the joints and causes widespread chronic pain. Once thought to be extremely rare, hEDS is now believed to be much more common than previously thought.
Collagen is a major building block of the body. A tough, fibrous protein, it is a major component of skin, ligaments, bones, and organs (2). People with hEDS have issues with their collagen; it is theorized to either be structurally weak or abnormally formed. Among other symptoms, this faulty collagen causes poor wound healing, hypermobile joints prone to injury, and easy bruising (2). The standard EDS treatments are physical therapy and pain management. But as more patients are diagnosed, medicine is slowly catching up with new treatments.
An emerging treatment for hEDS is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% infused oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. This enables oxygen to reach every part of the body, where it both repairs damaged cells and encourages new cellular growth (3). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (3). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic ulcers, bone infections, and radiation injury (4).
So how can HBOT help hEDS? HBOT is proven to help with poor wound healing (5), which is a common issue among EDS patients. Hypermobile joints tend to move beyond a normal range of motion in normal activities, often causing micro-tears in the tissues surrounding joints. HBOT’s ability to promote new collagen growth, repair damaged cells, and speed wound healing is ideal for healing these daily micro-injuries. Those with hEDS are also prone to acute injuries and dislocations; HBOT can help quicken and deepen the healing of these injuries, as well (6). A regular HBOT regimen is a powerful tool for EDS patients, helping to improve healing, reduce pain, and increase quality of life.
If you are seeking new treatments for hEDS, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. Though hEDS has no cure, there is hope and there is help. We’d love to answer your questions about hEDS and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
1. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 16 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125.
2. Staff, RareDiseases. “Ehlers Danlos Syndromes.” NORD (National Organization for Rare Disorders), NORD, 9 Oct. 2020, rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/.
3. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380.
4. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
5. Bhutani, Sourabh, and Guruswamy Vishwanath. “Hyperbaric Oxygen and Wound Healing.” U.S. National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health , Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery , May 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495382/.
6. Barata, Pedro, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Effects on Sports Injuries.” U.S. National Library of Medicine | National Institutes of Health , SAGE Publications | Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, Apr. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3382683/.