Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has long been used to aid in the recovery of serious medical conditions. Originally developed to treat decompression sickness in divers, HBOT has since gained recognition for its wide-ranging medical and overall health benefits. From accelerating wound healing to enhancing cognitive function, this therapy has become a powerful tool in modern medicine and as a popular wellness treatment.
In a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, atmospheric pressure is increased two to three times normal levels, allowing the body to absorb significantly higher amounts of oxygen. HBOT is often prescribed after surgery because the increased pressure pumps more oxygen into the bloodstream, and this heightened oxygenation promotes cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and stimulates the production of stem cells, which play a crucial role in tissue regeneration. The increased oxygen supply also enhances circulation and helps combat infection by boosting the immune system.
The increased oxygenation that accelerates the natural healing process has numerous overall health benefits as well, and there are Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers at wellness and medical centers all over the country. These benefits can include increased energy, improved cognitive clarity, better sleep, and over wellbeing. The anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT have been shown to help improve athletic performance and reduce recovery time. The extra oxygen in the bloodstream can also improve aerobic capacity and endurance.
I had back surgery 3 weeks ago and went to Restore Hyper Wellness for their Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to accelerate my recovery. Restore offers a suite of the most popular wellness and recovery treatments like Cryotherapy, Infrared Sauna, IV Drips, and more that include HBOT – one of the most popular on the health menu.
The treatment lasts 60 minutes, which doesn’t include 10 minutes at the start to pressurize the chamber, and 10 minutes at the end to depressurize it. It felt a bit like being inside an airplane – not as fancy, but like those first-class flat beds — with the soft hissing sound of oxygen pumping in, ears popping as you ascend, and little windows along the curved chamber.
Though it’s hard to judge now how it affected my healing, I felt incredibly relaxed during and after the treatment, and didn’t want the flight to end. Looking forward to taking off again soon!
Sources:
John Hopkins Medicine – Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Medical Solutions – 6 Reasons Top Athletes Use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Healthline – What Are the Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
