by Leigh Harter
In the realm of advanced medical treatments, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a multifaceted approach to healing various conditions. The science behind HBOT lies in its ability to saturate the body with increased levels of oxygen, promoting accelerated healing and recovery. It disrupts the cycle of swelling, oxygen deprivation, and tissue decay, infusing the body with the revitalizing effects of pure oxygen at a cellular level.
At its core, HBOT hinges on the simple yet profound concept of enhancing the delivery of oxygen to body tissues. While normal air contains 21% oxygen, HBOT takes it a step further by saturating air with 100% pure oxygen within a pressurized chamber. This exceeds regular air pressure by two to three times, allowing the lungs to absorb a significantly higher amount of oxygen.
The FDA has granted approval for HBOT treatment in various conditions, including anemia, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, crush injuries, hearing and vision loss, skin and bone infections, skin grafts, tissue necrosis, and radiation injury. The way this regenitive therapy works in a few of these situations is:
Wound Healing: Chronic wounds, such as burns, face challenges in healing due to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply. HBOT floods tissues with pure oxygen under increased pressure, triggering the formation of new blood vessels, promoting cell proliferation, and expediting the healing process.
Crush Injuries: Characterized by sudden compression and potential tissue damage, crush injuries lead to swelling, pain, and compromised blood flow. HBOT prevents further tissue deterioration and aids in the regeneration of damaged tissues, playing a crucial role in rehabilitation.
Immune Response: HBOT proves effective in treating radiation injuries by increasing oxygen levels, promoting blood flow through angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and stimulating tissue repair processes. Its multifaceted effects contribute to restoring normal tissue structure and function, making it a valuable therapeutic option for those with radiation-induced injuries and potentially those with other immune disorders.
HBOT is believed to help with many other conditions. While not FDA approved, there is a significant amount of research documenting the benefits of HBOT for addressing anti-aging, CP, autism, COVID-19, strokes, migraines, sports injuries, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, and depression.
It is crucial to highlight that individuals seeking HBOT should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the therapy’s appropriateness for their specific condition. The prescription process ensures a thorough evaluation of the individual’s health status, guaranteeing the safe and effective administration of the therapy.
Leigh Harter Speech Services is proud to introduce Hartland’s first mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Having completed our level 1 safety training, we are excited to provide this therapy in our clinic. We welcome you by extending a warm invite to try this transformative therapy with a $20 discount on any session purchased in December, 2023. This will allow you to pre-pay for sessions that you can use later in the year.
HBOT is revolutionizing health care and redefining the typical recovery and treatment process. We aim to help our patient,; members of the Hartland community and our neighboring communities have access to cutting edge treatments without the drive and hassle of dealing with a large health system. Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out for more information on how HBOT might be able to help you.
Leigh Harter, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
