Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment involving the inhalation of nearly pure oxygen within a specialized pressurized chamber. Research indicates that HBOT offers a diverse range of therapeutic applications, including the facilitation of wound healing.  

Under typical conditions, oxygen is exclusively transported throughout the body by red blood cells. Through HBOT, oxygen permeates all bodily fluids, encompassing plasma, central nervous system fluids, lymph, and bone. This allows oxygen to access areas with compromised or obstructed circulation. HBOT supplementation of oxygen enables the body to fortify its intrinsic healing processes, as the increased oxygenation significantly amplifies the bactericidal capacity of white blood cells, mitigates inflammation, and fosters rapid neovascularization within affected tissues. 

• Air and gas embolism (bubbles in blood vessels)
• Anemia (severe cases when blood transfusions are not viable)
• Burns (severe and extensive burns managed at specialized burn centers)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Crush injury
• Decompression sickness (diving-related risk)
• Gas gangrene
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
• Infection of the skin and bone (severe cases)
• Radiation injury
• Skin graft flap at risk of tissue necrosis
• Vision loss (sudden and painless in one eye due to blood flow blockage)
• Wounds (non-healing, diabetic foot ulcers)

• Cosmetic Reconstructive Surgeons
• Dental Surgeons
• General Surgeons
• Infectious Disease Physicians
• Neurologists
• Oncologists
• Ophthalmologists
• Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons
• Orthopedic Surgeons
• Otolaryngologists
• Pain Management Physicians
• Plastic Surgeons
• Podiatrists
• Vascular Surgeons
• Wound Care Physicians

It is scientifically established that the healing process in various bodily areas is reliant on suitable levels of oxygen. The majority of illnesses and injuries manifest and persist at the cellular or tissue level, where the presence of adequate oxygen is imperative. Conditions such as circulatory problems, non-healing wounds, and strokes can obstruct the delivery of sufficient oxygen to affected areas, thereby impeding the body's innate healing capacity. Research findings indicate favorable responses to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in cases of stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue. HBOT, when traditional medical interventions prove ineffective, serves to enhance patients' quality of life in diverse aspects. Notably, this therapy offers supplemental oxygen in a natural manner with minimal adverse effects. 

The wellness industry operates on pseudo-science and placebo effects, and for patients who are ill and seeking alternative treatment, delays equal to increased morbidity and mortality.

"Wellness companies use the same strategies as evidence-based medicine to sell tests for diseases that don't exist and treatments that don't work, recommended by individuals who aren't qualified."

Unfortunately, in the US, the Federal Trade Commission and the FDA are failing to protect Americans against the onslaught of "providers" of low-pressure hyperbaric treatments claiming miracle cures, like this, "Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy happens in our… 1.3 ATA chamber. This is a healing and re-energizing experience provided while relaxing in a spacious chamber. This low pressure hyperbaric therapy is extremely safe. HBOT treatments are 60 minute sessions twice weekly x 4 weeks."

There is zero evidence for this claim and the equipment used does not meet engineering standards defined by ASME PVHO 1 and 2, nor NFPA 99 Ch 14.

Since the regulatory bodies responsible for protecting the public are failing, buyer beware.

John Peters
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society