Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves sitting in a pressurized chamber and breathing in 100% pure oxygen. Hyperbaric chambers allow your body to more easily absorb oxygen.
The higher levels of blood plasma oxygenation assist in a variety of processes, including wound healing and the reduction of systemwide inflammation.
Despite all of the benefits that hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers, there are numerous misconceptions that could prevent you from considering this treatment option.
Learn more about hyperbaric chambers and what you can expect from this type of therapy.
Misconception 1: Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers Are Not Safe
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the specialized chambers in which it is conducted are safe if you rely on trained professionals. The FDA began to regulate hyperbaric oxygen chambers in 1976 and has given its approval for the use of this therapy to address numerous conditions.
It’s essential to find a treatment center with qualified professionals providing the therapy and to ensure you’re a good candidate for the process before receiving treatment. As with any other type of medical procedure, you should choose a facility that offers the latest techniques and relies on FDA-approved equipment.
Misconception 2: You Can Expect Serious Side Effects
A concern that might keep some people from considering this treatment is whether they’ll experience uncomfortable side effects. As with any other type of medical treatment, there could be some side effects, but they tend to be minor and resolve within a few hours of the process.
Some of the most common minor side effects you may experience with this type of therapy include:
- Ear pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Vision changes
- Fatigue
- Sinus
- Low blood sugar
All of these side effects are typically mild if the therapy doesn’t last more than two hours. Your provider can offer a better sense of what you can expect.
Some people may also not be good candidates for treatment, including those who have a high risk of suffering a collapsed lung, those with colds or fevers, or those who have had recent ear surgery or injury. You will receive a full evaluation before getting the therapy to see if you can benefit from what it offers.
Misconception 3: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Has Limited Uses
Getting treatment in hyperbaric chambers is a good option for the treatment of numerous conditions. All too often, people assume it’s only an appropriate treatment for scuba divers or people with carbon monoxide poisoning, but the scope of the treatments it can help with goes well beyond that.
It can help conditions that include:
- Injuries
- Certain types of wounds
- Skin grafts
- Some infections
- Severe anemia
- Decompression sickness
- Acute poisoning
- Smoke inhalation
Some people also assume that this type of therapy is only used for acute cases, but it can help with chronic conditions, too. Often, people with autoimmune disorders can benefit from regular sessions in hyperbaric oxygen chambers because of how the therapy can help reduce inflammation.
This treatment is generally used when natural healing has not been as effective as needed. There are conditions that it cannot help with, such as cancer or HIV, so it’s essential to speak with your doctor and the provider of this therapy to make certain you can benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Misconception 4: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Painful
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not painful. For many conditions, getting treatment in hyperbaric chambers can help reduce pain.
It’s a relaxing experience for the majority of people because it involves sitting in a chamber and watching television, sleeping, or listening to music. Typically, the chamber is for one person, but there are options where you can sit in a larger room with a few people getting treatment at the same time.
To make the process even safer for everyone, you will be closely monitored by technicians. If you feel discomfort, you can let them know, and they’ll adjust the pressure levels.
Misconception 5: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Expensive
Another misconception that could be preventing you from trying this treatment is cost. Many insurance plans cover at least a portion of these treatments for certain conditions. Your coverage will depend on your exact plan, but if the FDA has approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy for your condition, it’s likely that you will have some assistance.
Most clinics where you receive this treatment also offer a variety of payment options. Speak with the provider about your choices.
Misconception 6: You Will Experience Claustrophobia in a Hyperbaric Chamber
People with claustrophobia or severe anxiety can experience discomfort in hyperbaric chambers, but that is not something the majority of patients go through. If you do find that you’re getting agitated from being enclosed in the chamber, you have technicians on hand ready to assist you. They will do everything possible to put you at ease.
For some people, sharing a larger hyperbaric chamber with one or more people can help stave off feelings of anxiety or being trapped.
Misconception 7: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is a Last-Resort Option
Often, people assume that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is only prescribed when all other treatments have been exhausted. That’s not the case. This type of therapy is often paired with a variety of other options to address issues like inflammation and jumpstart your immune system.
Misconception 8: You Don’t Need a Prescription
You will need a prescription to receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Since 100% oxygen is considered to be a drug by the FDA, it must be prescribed by your doctor. This will ensure the treatment is the right one for the person and that they receive it under safe conditions.
Boosting Your Health With FDA-Approved Oxygen Therapy
If you have chronic or acute conditions and may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about beginning treatment.
At Nenergy Boost, we provide restorative medicine services to suit your exact needs. From IV therapy to oxygen therapy, we are here to provide the support your body requires to start healing.
Contact our team to schedule a consultation regarding our hyperbaric chamber services.