HBOT & Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis—meaning “porous bone”—is aptly named, as it is a disease that causes weakened bones (1). These weakened bones have less mass and strength, leaving you at a greater risk of fractures. These fractures can occur suddenly and without warning, during normal everyday activities. Worldwide, it is estimated that over 200 million people have osteoporosis. About 54 million Americans live with this potentially debilitating disease.
Osteoporosis is common, and usually shows up late in life: after their 50th birthdays, 50% of women and 25% of men will suffer at least one bone fracture caused by osteoporosis (1). Osteoporosis directly causes more than two million fractures annually.
Osteoporosis is often referred to as a “silent” or “invisible illness.” This is because the vast majority of patients don’t experience pain or symptoms until they unexpectedly fracture a bone. Some common risk factors for developing osteoporosis include being of Caucaian or Asian descent, a petite and/or thin body type, family history, and certain medical conditions like celiac disease and overactive thyroid (1).
Despite its widespread prevalence, both worldwide and here in the U.S., treatment options for osteoporosis are limited and not always effective. But there is hope: research increasingly shows promising results using a scientifically proven, low-risk, cost-effective treatment. You may have even heard of it, usually in the context of decompression sickness from deep sea diving. It’s called Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and if you have osteoporosis, it can greatly improve your quality of life.
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 (2). At the same time, HBOT promotes circulation and stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation and supports the immune system (2). For decades, HBOT has proven effective for treating a multitude of medical conditions, including diabetic wound healing, post-operative recovery, arthritis, and radiation skin damage (3).
Doctors and researchers are increasingly using HBOT to treat a myriad of health conditions that were not previously known to benefit from this therapy. While more research needs to be done, there have already been several studies showing promising results for osteoporosis. A 2015 study on mice found that HBOT has the potential to significantly enhance bone and tissue regeneration in mammals.
A 2020 case study explored the effects of four weeks of daily HBOT sessions in a 63-year-old female osteoporosis patient. This four week regimen resulted in significant improvement in the patient’s bone density and bone turnover markers (5). More research is being done all the time, and we are following it closely. To read more scientific research on HBOT’s benefits for osteoporosis and bone regeneration, check out this research from 2021, 2020, and 2017.
At Holistic Hyperbarics, we have successfully treated many osteoporosis patients, reducing their pain and greatly improving their quality of life. We have seen how powerful HBOT is at speeding the healing of fractures and reducing the edema often associated with osteoporosis. We work with everyone, and would love to tailor an HBOT regimen to your needs.
If you are seeking new treatments for osteoporosis, 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 osteoporosis and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Give us a call today.
SOURCES:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis
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.
Staff, IHAUSA. “Anti Aging.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/anti-aging.html.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14756366.2017.1302440