Your physician might consider Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for you if you have a wound that has not been healing for a long time. The therapy involves inhaling 100% pure oxygen in a chamber that has a higher pressure than normal air pressure.
It might take a little time to adjust when you do your first HBOT session. But knowing in advance what is going to happen can help you feel more comfortable. At TenMed Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, we offer our patients a range of wound care and HBOT treatments customized to each patient’s needs.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is another name for HBOT. HBOT is a treatment that allows you to breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This treatment involves staying in an enclosed chamber with special seats, and you can sit or lie down.
Extra oxygen could help your body support the natural healing process. Based on a patient’s condition, the physician may decide whether HBOT is suitable for that person.
HBOT is not needed for treating every wound and medical condition. First, your healthcare provider will evaluate your case and then will talk you through the available treatment options.
What Happens Before Your First Hyperbaric Session?
Before your first treatment in the hyperbaric chamber, the staff at TenMed Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine will explain the procedure to you and respond to any questions that you might have. Before your hyperbaric session, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and the medications that you are currently taking.
Consider informing your healthcare team about any medical conditions, medications, or treatments that you are currently receiving. The team will then use this information to plan your treatment safely.
You will also be guided on the clothing you’re allowed to wear and the items you’re allowed to bring into the chamber. Please abide by the given instructions to help keep your treatment safe.
What Happens During a Hyperbaric Session?
You walk to a special chamber during a hyperbaric treatment. It’s a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and the air pressure inside the chamber is higher than normal. As the chamber pressurizes, you may feel some pressure or blockage in your ears. Such an experience should resonate with you, for instance, in an airplane on takeoff or landing. The pressure is increased gradually so that it’s more comfortable for you to get used to it. The doctors and other specialists in your healthcare team will be nearby to monitor you and provide support.
Once the pressure in the chamber reaches the required level, you’ll be directed to breathe oxygen. The whole time, the team will be keeping a close watch on you. The length of sessions varies among patients. Your provider will let you know the estimated time of your treatment session.
What Should You Wear During HBOT?
Your TenMed Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine team will decide what clothes and gear are appropriate in the chamber. They may also tell you which personal items that you can bring into the treatment area.
Certain products and materials may not be allowed, as there is a high level of oxygen in the environment. Because of this, adherence to all safety guidelines is really important.
If you are not sure whether the use of a particular item or the bringing in of something is permitted during the hyperbaric therapy, then make sure to consult with the team first before the treatment starts.
How Many Hyperbaric Sessions Will You Need?
Ultimately, the number of treatments you require will depend on your condition and the treatment plan laid out by your medical professional.
There will be cases where certain patients may need several sessions, while others may need even more. It is likely that your healthcare provider is the best to decide the frequency of your treatment sessions.
If you keep to your treatment regimen, the result may work better if you also keep showing up for appointments, just like the medical team suggested you do.
Prepare for Your First HBOT Session With TenMed Wound Care Specialists
The number of treatments you will receive depends on your disease type, its severity, and your treatment plan. Some patients may be given three or so sessions, but others would get more than that. Still, your doctor is the one who would know how often you should come for the treatment sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question No 1. What is Hyperbaric Therapy?
A hyperbaric session is a treatment where you breathe oxygen in a special chamber with higher air pressure. It could be recommended by a healthcare provider for some medical conditions.
Question No 2. How long is a hyperbaric session?
The time of treatment varies from patient to patient. Your healthcare provider will inform you of how long they expect your session to last.
Question No 3. What is it like to be in a hyperbaric session?
You may experience ear pressure when there is a change in air pressure. It might feel like the pressure you feel in an airplane when it takes off or lands.
Question No 4. What should I wear to a hyperbaric session?
Your healthcare team will tell you what clothing and items you can take into the chamber. Always follow their safety guidelines.
Question No 5. How many HBOT sessions will I require?
The number of sessions you need depends on your condition and treatment plan. Your health care provider will decide how many treatments you might need.