Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Your first experience with hyperbaric oxygen therapy might be filled with excitement, curiosity, and of course lots of questions, we would love to assist you in learning more about hyperbaric oxygen treatments and how this amazing, safe and innovative treatment option can benefit you and/or your family. Below are a few commonly asked questions and additonal information.
We invite you to call 416-789-HBOT(4268) or 416-781-HBOT(4268) or email us to discuss available treatment options and HBOT protocols for your specification.
What is HBOT?
The average individual breathes approximately 21% oxygen or 6 pounds of oxygen daily. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the individual is placed in a chamber where the atmospheric pressure is increased and 100% pure oxygen is delivered. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy dissolves oxygen directly into the plasma, brain and cerebrospinal fluids creating a multilevel effect on the central nervous system: reducing swelling of inflamed tissues; repairing the blood-brain barrier and stabilizing cell membranes. It also increases the ability of white blood cells to stabilize or “clean up” damaged areas and - perhaps most importantly - creates new blood vessels in areas where they are needed. This is a process called angiogenesis*.
The large "total body" chamber allows the atmospheric pressure to be increased and controlled. This results in a greater amount of oxygen being used to facilitate the angiogenesis process.The brain is one of the body’s most sensitive organs and it suffers greatly if oxygen is deficient. Miraculously, the brain is also the most responsive to hyperbaric oxygen! This is why such positive gains are found when hyperbarics is used to treat those with autism, brain and nervous system-related conditions, stroke victims and those who suffer with cognitive difficulties.
What is HBOT treatment like?
It is pleasant, comfortable and many people find it enjoyable! Before starting your treatment, you change into "your scrubs", which are provided by the centre. Once you are ready, you lie down on the bed and our certified hyperbaric technician will roll you into the chamber. The door is then closed. As the treatment begins, you feel a little pressure on your ears, much like that of being in an airplane. Your technician will be right there; monitoring your treatment. When the treatment pressure depth is reached, just lay back and relax. You can listen to music, take a nap, or watch a movie! Drinking a little water during the pressurization and treatment can help the young ones clear their ears. When the treatment is over, the technician will indicate that the chamber is now decompressing. The overall experience is quite pleasant, and relaxing. Most children find it fun and many ask to return!
How does HBOT help?
Today, it is believed by experts that the level of oxygen we breathe is greatly reduced then what it once was. This is not hard to comprehend with the amount of environmental toxins, and pollution released into our environment daily. Unfortunately, this plays an enormous role on our environment and in turn negatively affects us and our health. Unfortunately the amount of oxygen we receive through breathing is not sufficient to compliment a healthy lifestyle or promote healing.
Oxygen promotes the growth of new blood vessels, decrease swelling and inflammation, deactivation of toxins, increases the body’s ability to fight infections, clears out toxins and metabolic waste products, regulates the body’s PH, metabolizes carbohydrates and improves the rate of healing.
How long has hyperbaric oxygen therapy been in use?
Though many people believe that hyperbaric oxygen therapy, better known as HBOT is a new therapy; in actuality the first chamber used to treat patients was constructed in 1662 by British Physician and Clergyman, Henshaw. This makes this treatment method over 350 years old. Clinically HBOT has been used since the 1800’s, as surgical suites; aiding in a speeding of healing resulting in a better outcome for patients. Most people recognize or identify hyperbaric treatments with the diving industry, where it has been a common treatment for decompression illness since the 1930’s.
How come I have not heard about this as a treatment option in Canada
This is a sad reality and hopefully this will change, as this treatment is a valuable, proven and non-invasive therapy. In Europe,
Will I feel claustrophobic?
This is not an uncommon fear...but a fear that quickly disappears once our clients experience the comfort and openness of our chambers. Our chambers are spacious, providing our clients a 36" internal diameter cylinder. To put this in perspective, our chambers will easily accomodate two average size adults lying side-by-side comfortably. Our clear, larger, patient-friendly chambers reduce any confinement anxiety.
How many treatments will be required?
The short answer to this question is simply... “If you are seeing results, why would you stop a treatment that is working?”Every condition, whether autism or other malady, must be judged on what length of treatment protocol will be best. Because each person's degree, severity and length of illness vary so will the treatment duration and results.
Our goal is to keep all our clients comfortable, and to initiate and maintain the healing (angiogenesis) process as quickly as possible. We must make clear that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not benefitcial when done sporactically (once a week, once every other week, once a month, etc.) for your initial treatment protocol or for the treatment of neurological disorders. The angiogenesis process mentioned above does not happen in one treatment! The level of oxygen in the system will dissipate over time; slowing or halting the angiogenesis process from starting or continuing.
We understand that HBO therapy is an expensive treatment option and that is why we base all our treatment protocols on what treatment duration demonstrates the most benefits.