Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Baton Rouge
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an effective treatment where patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
Think of it as a supercharged oxygen spa for your tissues! This chamber increases air pressure 2 to 3 times higher than normal, allowing lungs to absorb more oxygen than usual.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has numerous benefits, including:
- Fighting infections.
- Releasing growth factors and stem cells for healing.
- Treating issues like air bubbles in blood vessels.
- And more.
What is the purpose of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that boosts the amount of oxygen in your blood, aiding in tissue repair and recovery. It's used to address various medical conditions, including:
- Severe anemia
- Brain abscess
- Air bubbles in blood vessels
- Burns
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Crushing injuries
- Sudden deafness
- Decompression sickness
- Gas gangrene
- Infections leading to tissue death
- Non-healing wounds (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers)
- Radiation injury
- Skin graft or flap complications
- Sudden vision loss
HBOT increases blood oxygen levels, facilitating healing by enhancing tissue oxygenation. It's recommended by healthcare providers based on specific symptoms present in patients, and its benefits can persist even after treatment concludes.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Risks
Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment is generally safe but can have rare complications, including:
- Middle ear injuries from air pressure changes, leading to fluid leakage and eardrum rupture.
- Temporary nearsightedness due to changes in the eye lens.
- Lung collapse (barotrauma) from air pressure changes.
- Seizures from excess oxygen (oxygen toxicity) in the central nervous system.
- Decreased blood sugar levels in diabetic patients treated with insulin.
- Fire risk in the treatment chamber due to the oxygen-rich environment.
Preparation for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Before undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, your healthcare team will provide preparation instructions. Remember, items like lighters or battery-powered heat-producing devices are prohibited in the chamber. Additionally, products containing petroleum, such as hair and skin care items, may need to be removed due to fire risk.
What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
There are two main types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment chambers:
- Single Chamber: These cozy, clear pods are ideal for individual sessions. Lie comfortably on a table that slides into the chamber, and let the oxygen work its magic.
- Multi-Person Chamber: These spacious rooms can accommodate multiple individuals simultaneously. Think of them as enhanced hospital rooms with added oxygen! You can sit or lie down, using a mask or comfortable hood for breathing.
Regardless of the chamber type, the benefits remain consistent. The room's air pressure is higher than usual, temporarily causing a sensation of fullness in your ears, akin to being in an airplane or at a high elevation. You can alleviate this sensation by yawning or swallowing. Typically lasting around two hours, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is closely monitored by your healthcare team throughout the session.
What to Expect After Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Following your session, your medical team will conduct a check-up, including examining your ears, measuring blood pressure and pulse, and testing blood glucose levels if you have diabetes.
Once cleared by the team, you're likely free to leave. While you might feel slightly tired or hungry, there are no activity restrictions post-treatment.
Results You May Notice
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy typically requires multiple sessions tailored to your medical condition, with varying numbers needed based on the issue. For example, carbon monoxide poisoning might need three sessions, while non-healing wounds could require 40 or more.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is often combined with other treatments and medications as part of a comprehensive plan tailored to your needs.
Find Healing at Moreau Physical Therapy with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Near Baton Rouge
Contact our Highland Park location for more information on scheduling your HBOT session. To explore our other therapy services, contact Moreau Physical Therapy at 855-483-6673. We're dedicated to helping you find the most effective recovery plan.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQs
1. What is the success rate of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The success rate of HBOT varies depending on the condition. For example, research shows it can significantly improve wound healing in diabetic patients, with success rates exceeding 80% in some studies. In cases of decompression sickness, HBOT is considered standard treatment, and its effectiveness is well-established.
However, for other conditions like autism or chronic pain, research is ongoing, and individual responses may vary. Be sure to consult with one of our healthcare professionals to understand the potential benefits and limitations of HBOT for your specific condition.2. What kind of issues does HBOT fix?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Baton Rouge is used to treat various medical conditions, categorized by how it helps:
- Boosting oxygen delivery: For chronic wounds, decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain infections, HBOT increases oxygen levels in the blood, promoting healing and fighting harmful bacteria.
- Reducing inflammation: In conditions like arthritis, sports injuries, and some neurological disorders, HBOT's anti-inflammatory properties can minimize pain and swelling, aiding recovery.
- Stimulating stem cell growth: For traumatic brain injuries and stroke, HBOT can encourage the production of new stem cells, potentially aiding tissue repair and functional improvement.
3. Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy expensive?
HBOT costs can vary in Baton Rouge, ranging from $150 to $300 per session, depending on factors like:
- Number of sessions needed: Treatment plans differ for each condition, with some requiring only a few sessions and others needing more extended therapy.
- Facility fees: Different clinics and hyperbaric centers may have unique pricing structures.
- Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans may cover HBOT for specific conditions, so checking with your provider is crucial.
4. Who is not a candidate for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Certain medical conditions or situations may make Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Baton Rouge unsafe for some people, including:
- Untreated ear infections: Pressure changes within the chamber can worsen ear infections.
- Untreated pneumothorax: Increased pressure could aggravate a collapsed lung.
- Certain respiratory conditions: Individuals with severe asthma or COPD may experience breathing difficulties with increased oxygen.
- Pregnant women: Research on HBOT's safety during pregnancy is limited, so consulting your doctor is essential.
5. Can you sleep in a hyperbaric chamber?
When it comes to hyperbaric healing, it's not recommended to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber. While chambers are often comfortable and spacious, remaining awake allows healthcare professionals to monitor your condition and address any potential discomfort. Treatment sessions typically last 60 to 90 minutes, making them manageable while awake.
6. How long does it take for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to work?
The time it takes to see results varies depending on the condition and individual response. Some patients experience initial improvements after a few sessions, while others may require prolonged treatment (weeks or months) for noticeable changes. Consult your healthcare provider to understand the expected timeframe for your specific condition.
7. How do you feel after Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Most people report feeling energized or relaxed after hyperbaric medicine due to the increased oxygen levels. However, some may experience fatigue or mild pressure changes in the ears. These side effects are usually temporary and subside quickly. Communicate any unusual or persistent discomfort to your healthcare professional.
