Healing the Body With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

By Samuel Shor, MD, FACP

Internal Medicine of Northern Virginia, PLLC

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Healing the Body With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Traditional treatment methods may not adequately manage many conditions. In this setting, alternative options are often explored. One such evidence-based, literature supported approach is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT represents an introduction of 100 percent oxygen under mild pressure. Oxygen acts as a catalyst in healing wounds including wounds to the brain that often fail to respond to other medical and surgical treatment.

The FDA has formally approved this treatment for 14 indications, providing dramatic healing action to a number of injuries, especially wound healing and for divers with “the bends.”

HBOT stimulates over 5,000 genes, including improving function of mitochondria, “the power house” of every cell. There is also potential to stimulate nerve stem or “progenitor” cells and thus likely contributing mechanisms for the following more recently identified evidence-based indications of HBOT

Traumatic brain injury [TBI]

Post-stroke state

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]

Lyme disease and associated conditions

Chronic pain- Fibromyalgia, Headaches, Neuropathic pain

Cerebral palsy

Multiple Sclerosis

GI conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and radiation proctitis

Sports injuries

Urologic conditions such as interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis/prostatitis

In our center, a patient typically spends an hour in the chamber at depth. The treatment is repeated numerous times per week for several weeks. The most common side effect is similar to the changes in pressure such as might be generated when flying in an airplane.

We have found that HBOT can offer real improvements in many conditions with limited options. Recognizing that no treatment strategy is for everyone, this intervention is usually well tolerated and helpful for the majority of our patients.

Please let us know if you or a loved one has one of the above conditions and does not seem to be improving adequately. We can make an assessment as to how HBOT may be helpful for you.