About HBOT

James Biddle, MD

Future Doc

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is recognized as an effective treatment by Health Canada for 13 medical conditions and has been used around the world for over 60 years in the prevention and improvement of a continuously growing list of debilitating conditions.

Oxygen is essential for proper healing of body tissues, whether it's skin, muscle or bone. In most cases, the act of breathing combined with a healthy network of arteries and veins provide enough oxygen for body tissues to heal. However, in certain circumstances, HBOT is used to substantially increase oxygen flow within tissues to improve healing.

HBOT involves breathing 100% pure oxygen while relaxing in a pressurized chamber. The increase in atmospheric pressure (up to 2.5 ATA) will allow up to 2000% more oxygen to be dissolved in the hemoglobin and plasma. This dramatic increase in oxygen will improve circulation and promote healing of tissues, organs and cells.

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the mechanisms of HBOT

Normal Blood Flow

There is 21% oxygen in the air that we breathe, and our lungs transfer this oxygen to our red blood cells (via haemoglobin). These oxygen-filled red blood cells are carried around the body by the plasma (fluid), which travels through the blood vessels. The oxygen diffuses into the surrounding tissue ensuring that it is delivered to where it is needed most.

Restricted Blood Flow

When there is a restriction (occlusion) in blood flow due to surgery, illness, or injury, the red blood cells block the blood vessel and are unable to transfer oxygen to the cells on the other side of the occlusion. This causes swelling and starves the area of oxygen, causing hypoxia (a lack of oxygen), when this occurs the tissue begins to break down.

Hyperbaric Oxygenation

Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure causes the oxygen to diffuse into the blood plasma. This oxygen-rich plasma is able to travel past the restriction, diffusing up to 4 times further into the tissue. The pressurised environment helps to reduce swelling and discomfort, while providing the body with at least 10 times its normal supply of oxygen to help repair tissue damaged by the original occlusion or subsequent hypoxic condition.

Blood Vessel Regeneration

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) forces more oxygen into the tissue, encouraging the formation of new blood vessels. As these new blood vessels develop, the red blood cells start to flow, delivering even more oxygen to the affected area. This creates the optimal environment for the body's natural healing processes to repair damaged tissue.