Oxygen plays a key role in healing wounds. Some people, like those who have diabetes, immune function disorders, vascular dysfunction, or other medical conditions can experience slow-healing wounds.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) infuses injured tissues with pure oxygen, creating better conditions for wound healing.
At Integrative Medica in Salt Lake City, Utah, naturopathic physician Jake Schmutz, NMD, and our team provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help people heal quickly and more completely.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatments have been in use since the 1600s, but processes and equipment have advanced over the centuries, turning what was once a revolutionary idea into a respected form of medical treatment.
Today’s HBOT chambers deliver pure oxygen at high pressures, helping your body’s tissues, lungs, and other organs absorb much more oxygen than can be achieved by breathing standard air. This flooding of the body with oxygen promotes healing inside and out.
There’s nothing invasive or painful about HBOT. All you have to do is show up wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, lie down in the chamber (a tube big enough not to be claustrophobic), and relax while the oxygen does its work.
Some people only need one session in the hyperbaric chamber to achieve the desired result, while others may require multiple visits. Our team will let you know how many sessions you will likely need before you start treatment.
The ability of oxygen to kill bacteria is one obvious way HBOT helps speed healing. But there are more wound-healing benefits provided by HBOT, including the following:
White blood cells are the main support of your body’s infection-fighting system. HBOT improves circulation, sending more white blood cells to battle the germs that cause or worsen infections.
Inflammation is a natural and important part of the healing process. However, for wounds that are hard to heal, inflammation is another enemy. HBOT helps reduce inflammation that poses an obstacle to healing, providing a better environment for tissue recovery and repair.
HBOT promotes new blood vessel growth. New blood vessels improve your overall circulation, help your body carry off, and eliminate any existing toxic byproducts that can get in the way of wound healing.
HBOT can stimulate the production of stem cells and special proteins called growth factors. These contribute individually to tissue healing and repair.
Overall, HBOT is noninvasive and can be used with or without supporting medications. It’s an ideal treatment for anyone with hard-to-heal wounds, like diabetic ulcers or frostbite. Each session takes about 1-2 hours, after which you can return to your day.
Hard-to-heal wounds can increase your risk of serious, life-threatening infections, the need for appendage or limb amputations, and other poor outcomes.
To learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can enhance your body’s healing process, contact us at 801-676-9876 or book an appointment online.
