How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy takes place inside a chamber in which you breathe oxygen while the pressure inside the chamber is slowly increased to 1.4 to 3 or more times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Oxygen, which is normally delivered to tissues via the hemoglobin in red blood cells, dissolves in all of your body's fluids, cerebro-spinal fluid (in the brain & spinal cord) and lymph system. Oxygen is transported to all tissues, even those with poor blood supply. The typical treatment session lasts about one hour, during which the patient can listen to music, read, or simply relax. You may notice slight pressure in your ears, a feeling similar to that of an airplane takeoff or landing, but there is no other discomfort. When the session ends, the pressure slowly returns to normal. There is no downside to HBOT because there are no negative side effects that can be damaging to you. Sessions may be repeated, depending on the patient's condition (anywhere from 5 to 40 times). HBOT ...  more