Frequently Asked Questions about Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

» I have a particular illness. Will HBO help me?
» If I respond positively to treatment, how long will the effects last?
» How long will it take me to see results?
» How many treatments will I need?
» Will my medical doctor approve of HBO?
» Can I do other therapies while I do hyperbaric?
» Will HBO interfere with my medication?
» I'm claustraphobic. Will I be able to handle the chamber?
» Do I need to bring someone with me?
» Do I need a physical first?
» If I am hypoglycemic, what precautions do I need to take?
» If I am hyperlycemic, what precautions do I need to take?
» If I have a heart condition, how will the hyperbaric treatment affect me?
» Are there any conditions that exclude me from hyperbaric treatment?
» I'm wheelchair-bound. Can I still do the treatment?
» Hyperbaric is new to me. How long has it been used for medical conditions?

I have a particular illness. Will HBO help me?
Hyperbaric oxygen will in general help any condition through its seven physiological effects. Some illnesses respond quicker than others requiring less number of treatments, others may need a large number of treatments, and others may only hold the illness stable and slow its progression. If nothing else, hyperbaric will keep the body refreshed and enhances recovery.

If I respond positively to treatment, how long will the effects last?
Treatment progress gained is generally kept. Some illness has a natural progression that hyperbaric may only slow down or do nothing at all for that illness except keep the body refreshed. When doing HBO over a long period, you may experience gains with some diminishment post treatment but acquiring cumulative affects over time.

How long will it take me to see results?
Some people see results in as little as 30 minutes. Others may have some feeling of progress in 3-5 hours of HBO. One should have the distinct feeling in most conditions after 7-10 hours of HBO.

How many treatments will I need?
Some people may need as little as 1-5. Others may need a series of 20-60. Call us for your particular condition.

Will my medical doctor approve of HBO?
Perhaps so and perhaps not. Doctor’s of course vary in their method delivery. If you want a consultation with one of our affiliated physicians, please let us know.

Can I do other therapies while I do hyperbaric?
You can do most other therapies while doing HBO however; please let us know what you are doing so there are no contraindications. Adjunctive therapies are encouraged to expedite a speedy recovery especially in the stroke and brain trauma areas.

Will HBO interfere with my medication?
Some medications are contraindicated while doing HBO. Please have a list of your medications available to discuss with us prior to your start of HBO.

I'm claustraphobic. Will I be able to handle the chamber?
Most people use Xanax, Valium, or Ativan with no problems if they are claustrophobic. Please let us know if you are claustrophobic.

Do I need to bring someone with me?
In general, your hyperbaric oxygen treatment is safe and does not require a driver accompanying you.

Do I need a physical first?
Physical exams of the ears are needed and a physical history as well, completed before starting HBO.

If I am hypoglycemic, what precautions do I need to take?
You need to have the appropriate foods and medication if necessary immediately available.

If I am hyperlycemic, what precautions do I need to take?
You need to have the appropriate medications and food with you prior to beginning your HBO session.

If I have a heart condition, how will the hyperbaric treatment affect me?
Pacemakers, defibrillators, and any other electrical apparatus need to be cleared by the manufacturer prior starting HBO therapy. A report of your heart condition is also needed. Low ejection fraction, pulmonary edema, low blood pressure, and some arythmias are contraindicated.

Are there any conditions that exclude me from hyperbaric treatment?
Some heart conditions such as low ejection fraction, pulmonary edema, some arythmia’s, previous ear trauma, etc.

I'm wheelchair-bound. Can I still do the treatment?
Yes, if you have no contraindications. Our facility is handicapped-accessible.

Hyperbaric is new to me. How long has it been used for medical conditions?
Since the 1950’s, hyperbaric was used to oxygenate the brain while the heart was stopped during open heart surgery. In the 1960’s, HBO was discovered to have affects on problem wound healing. Of course, carbon monoxide poisoning and treatment for the bends have been around as long as diving has been.

Please feel free to contact us if you have other questions concerning hyperbaric treatment.

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