Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Curious about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Dr. Behlmann shares what you need to know.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Conditions Treated
Diabetic wounds
Chronic bone infection
Vascular disease
Skin Flaps/Grafts
Radiation tissue damage
ORN
Radiation soft tissue necrosis
Radiation cystitis / proctitis
Crush Injuries
Hemorrhagic Cystitis
Other
Typical Session
At TenMed Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a safe, non-invasive treatment used to enhance healing for chronic wounds and other medical conditions. HBOT helps increase oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, promoting faster healing, reducing swelling, and fighting infection. It’s commonly used for diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, surgical wounds, and more.
Pre-Treatment Evaluation
Before your first session, our clinical team will review your medical history and complete a physical assessment to ensure HBOT is right for you.
Preparation
You'll be asked to wear 100% cotton clothing provided by our staff and remove any prohibited items (like electronics or flammable materials).
Entering the Chamber
You'll lie comfortably in a clear, pressurized chamber. Our technician will be with you every step of the way to ensure your comfort.
Oxygen Therapy
Once the chamber reaches the prescribed pressure, you'll breathe pure oxygen. This process typically lasts around 90 minutes and may involve gradual pressure changes, similar to flying in an airplane.
Post-Treatment Monitoring
After the session, our team will assist you out of the chamber and monitor you briefly to ensure you feel well before you leave.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Increased blood flow
Your body's natural healing process can benefit greatly from the higher oxygen levels generated by HBOT. Low blood flow and insufficient oxygen supply are also linked to some mental health issues. Attention deficit disorder and bipolar disorder are two of the many mental health conditions that HBOT effectively treats and improve.
Accelerated healing
Your body's capacity to heal itself is enhanced by the higher oxygen levels generated by HBOT. In addition to boosting cells and tissues as they naturally repair the damage within your body, the increased oxygen content lowers inflammation and swelling.
New cell generation
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy facilitates the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, which is critical for delivering oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues. By enhancing vascular growth, HBOT supports the regeneration of connective tissues and promotes the development of healthy skin. This increased oxygenation also stimulates cellular repair mechanisms, encouraging the replacement of damaged cells with new, functional tissue, ultimately contributing to faster and more effective wound healing.
The History and Evolution of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy originated in the 17th century, when physicians began experimenting with pressurized chambers to understand how air pressure affects the body. As medical science advanced in the 18th century, researchers gained a better understanding of oxygen’s role in cellular function and tissue repair.
In the 20th century, the development of larger chambers and the use of 100% oxygen under increased pressure transformed HBOT into a structured medical treatment. By the mid-20th century, it was increasingly recognized for its ability to support wound healing.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
By increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps support the body’s natural healing mechanisms and enhances tissue recovery at the cellular level.
Start Healing Now
We can usually schedule an appointment within a few days.