HBOT & Wound Healing
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that’s been around for decades. You may have heard about it in the context of healing decompression sickness from scuba diving. But did you know that HBOT is a proven treatment for so much more than “the bends?”
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 (1). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (1). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions (2).
HBOT is particularly helpful at facilitating wound healing. According to Johns Hopkins, some of the wounds HBOT helps heal include radiation injuries, infections, burns, skin grafts, crush injuries, and diabetes-related wounds/ulcers (3). A 2009 systematic review of HBOT wound healing research gathered thirty years’ worth of data into one place (4). This review analyzed the data and showed remarkable results for a multitude of patients with hard-to-treat wounds.
According to the review, patients with diabetic foot ulcers who get HBOT have significantly reduced chances of amputation, as well as improved healing (4). The results for treating osteomyelitis, an inflammation of bone and bone marrow (5), were especially impressive. In fact, the results for treating refractory lower extremity osteomyelitis, a chronic form that does not respond to standard treatments (6), were better than expected. About 85% of refractory lower extremity osteomyelitis cases achieve remission through HBOT (4). This high success rate is especially astounding when you consider the condition’s high risk of amputation and low risk of remission when not treated with HBOT.
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we have successfully treated all kinds of wounds, from surgical incisions, to diabetic ulcers, to burns, and more. We have saved multiple diabetic patients from painful, disabling, and expensive amputations. We work with everyone, and would love to tailor an HBOT regimen to your needs. If you are seeking new treatments to aid in wound healing, we are here to support you. Our state-of-the art spa features knowledgeable staff, a relaxing environment, and comfortable hyperbaric chambers. We’d love to answer your questions about wound healing and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
1. 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.
2. Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
3. Staff, Johns Hopkins. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2020, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-for-wound-healing.
4. Goldman, Robert J. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing and Limb Salvage: A Systematic Review.” ScienceDirect, PM&R, 14 May 2009, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1934148209002561.
5. Moser, S.A., and S.R. Gilbert. “Osteomyelitis.” ScienceDirect, Pathobiology of Human Disease, 2014, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/osteomyelitis.
6. Hanley, Mary E. “Hyperbaric Treatment Of Chronic Refractory Osteomyelitis.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, StatPearls, 17 Sept. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430785/.