Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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Are you looking for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Contact Hargrave Chiropractic at our Breaux Bridge and Lafayette locations. We're here to help.


What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, also known as HBOT, utilizes oxygen at an air pressure higher than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA). Under the pressurized environment, the oxygen dissolves into the blood plasma saturating the fluid and bringing about a wide range of positive cellular, biochemical, and physiological effects. HBOT has been demonstrated as a trusted, non-invasive form of treatment to increase oxygen levels in the organs of our body. Generally, an HBOT session can continue for about 60 to 90 minutes.

Several clinical research demonstrated HBOT’s innate capability of enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities. HBOT is used as a supplementary form of therapy to boost the healing process in both acute and chronic health conditions.


HBOT BENEFITS

Patients with a different variety of conditions are seeking help from HBOT. Oxygen as a required nutrient helps nourish our body and improve recovery. Chronic inflammation, Neuropathy, Parkinson’s, Dementia, Cerebral Palsy, Post Stroke, Traumatic brain injury, Post-concussion, Multiple sclerosis, and many others.

A Great HBOT analogy

It’s like when you purchase a bottle of soda, the CO2 (carbon dioxide) gas bubbles are under pressure, which decreases the size of the bubbles enough that they dissolve into the liquid. Therefore, you are unable to see them. When pressure is released, the volume of each bubble increases and the bubbles appear. While an individual is under pressure, the oxygen molecules decrease in size and are able to dissolve into the blood plasma. This exponentially increases oxygen delivery throughout the body and makes it possible for oxygen to reach inflamed tissue and support optimal cellular and organ functionality.

Athletes

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy helps athletes at all skill levels heal quickly and get back ”in the game.” Many sports injuries involve strains and sprains, which naturally cause swelling and edema (accumulation of excess fluid in connective tissue). These natural reactions to injury compress blood vessels and restrict the vital flow of oxygen-carrying plasma and red blood cells to the injury site. Cells and tissues surrounding the injury site become starved for oxygen, which impedes healing. In extreme cases, cell and tissue death can occur. (Reads a little harsh!)

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy saturates the blood plasma and hemoglobin with oxygen. The red blood cells become more malleable as well, increasing their ability to penetrate restricted blood vessels. Life-giving oxygen is, therefore, able to reach the injury site so that cells can heal and the immune system can fully defend the body against harmful agents. Healing time is reduced significantly, and athletes get back into play faster.


Faqs about HBOT

Can I overdose on oxygen?

Added enriched oxygen does need to be monitored. Ask your doctor and trained hyperbaric professional. Of course, if enriched oxygen is not being supplemented into the chamber, this is not an issue.

Is Hyperbaric safe?

Hyperbarics has a very good safety record. Many hyperbaric centers report only mild ear discomfort as a contraindication to therapy. Such a discomfort is similar to the ear pressure felt when ascending or descending in altitude. These discomforts may be minimized by descending at a slower rate. Discuss these concerns with the treating physician and hyperbaric technician.

Does insurance cover Hyperbarics?

In the United States, there are certain indications of which insurance covers. This includes gangrene, radiation burns, carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness. Traditionally insurance does not cover these treatments for the conditions we are using it for in our office.

What is the difference between Mild Hyperbarics and High Pressure Hyperbarics?

Mild Hyperbarics is generally a pressure protocol up to 1.3 ATA or 4 psi. High-Pressure Hyperbarics involves pressures above 1.5 ATA cannot be done in a Chiropractic office in the state of Louisiana. These pressures are achieved in a variety of chambers currently available on the market, including monoplace, multiplace and portable chambers. 

Where can I go for treatments?

We offer HBOT treatments in our office 5 days a week. 

How many treatments are needed?

Each case is different and the doctors may regulate protocols, depending on a patient’s disease, prognosis and improvements through the course of therapy.

What is Hyperbarics used for?

Traditionally HBOT has been used for diabetic foot wounds, air and gas embolism, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, gas gangrene, thermal burns, decompression sickness and acute mountain sickness.

Due to the healing effects of oxygen therapy HBOT is now also used for

  • cerebral palsy
  • brain injuries
  • multiple sclerosis
  • ALS
  • anemia
  • wound and scar healing
  • post-stroke care
  • post-surgical care
  • improved performance
  • dementia
  • bell’s palsy
  • many more conditions

How does hyperbarics work?

Hyperbarics is a technology in which the air pressure in the environment is increased. When a person’s body is placed in a more pressure environment, it absorbs more oxygen molecules per volume of compressed air. The body normally transports oxygen via the hemoglobin of the red blood cells. By increasing the air pressure, oxygen is then driven into the body’s fluids, allowing a super-saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen. The increased pressure infuses the body with oxygen, even reaching injuries with damaged circulation. An example of this is a blood clot in the brain (stroke).

OUR LOCATIONS:

Breaux Bridge

P: (337) 486-4415
F: (337) 466-4898

Lafayette

P: (337) 232-6000
F: (337) 466-4898

Chiropractic Breaux Bridge LA Hargrave Chiropractic - Breaux Bridge