Phenom Athlete - What Is Hyperbaric Therapy?

What Is Hyperbaric Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specialized medical intervention in which the atmospheric pressure is increased above 1 ATA (above sea level-14.7 psig), usually by the filling of a single person chamber, multi-place chamber or a hyperbaric room with a dose specific amount of oxygen (atmospheric oxygen or enriched oxygen). At sea level, our lungs absorb a certain amount of oxygen molecules from the air. When descending to lower altitudes (below sea level), the pressure is greater (above 1ATA) and now the lungs more easily absorb the compressed oxygen molecules in the air.

In contrast, at higher altitudes, when the pressure drops, the lungs work harder to absorb the dispersed oxygen molecules from the air. This is why oxygen masks deploy in an airplane during sudden high altitudes changes, helping to increase the O2 content due to a lack of pressure.

During a hyperbaric "dive" the fluids and tissues of the body receive an infusion of readily available oxygen. In fact, even cells and areas of the body with limited circulation become saturated in oxygen. The effect is an uptake of oxygen in the blood, plasma cerebral-spinal fluids, and tissues. In addition, the vaso-constrictive nature of hyperbaric therapy has an added effect of reducing inflammation and edema.

Why does it work?

Henry's Law of Physics:

An increase in atmospheric pressure allows for more gas to be dissolved into any given liquid.

Oxygen, the 8th element on the Periodic Table, exists as a gas at room temperature.

The human body is composed almost completely of water.

Gas … under pressure … dissolves in water

Who Can benefit?

Acid stomach, Anxiety/Panic, Athletic Performance Autism

Bone disorders, Brain Injury, Breathlessness, Burn out

Cerebral Palsy, Chemical exposure, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Circulation problems

City Pollution, Dental or oral surgery, Depression, Digestive disorders

Dizziness, Excessive colds and infections, Excessive Fluid Retention

Excessive travel, Excessive work, Exhaustion

Fibromyalgia, Hangovers, Headaches/Migraines, Hypoxia

Jet Lag, Loss of Brain function, Loss of Limb, Lyme

Muscle/ tendon aches, Chemical Sensitivity, Multiple Sclerosis

Nausea, Premature Aging, Radiation or Chemotherapy

Recent or future surgery, Rheumatoid Arthritis Sick Building Syndrome

Sleeping Disorders, Smoke Inhalation or fumes, Smokers

Stress, Stroke, Swollen joints, Wound Healing

Is it safe?

YES! nThe hyperbaric chamber uses filtered ambient air, so there is no risk of oxygen toxicity to the body even with regular use.

The chamber can be depressurized and opened from the inside.

Once inside the chamber, both visual and verbal communication is possible with the outside, and there is also a buzzer for help.

Most people report a comfortable, relaxing experience and emerge from the chamber feeling refreshed.

This therapy is non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and there are no dangerous side effectsThis treatment is non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical, and there are no dangerous side effects reported.

Are there any side effects?

No dangerous side effects have been reported with Mild Hyperbaric Therapy.However, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for your first session in a chamber:

Some people experience a mild discomfort to the ears when pressurizing the chamber, not unlike during the ascending part of an airplane ride.

Some people following their first few sessions experience slight fatigue as the body sweeps itself clear of toxic debris that has built up in the body. This is safe and necessary.

It is advisable that you wear comfortable, loose clothing. (Pantyhose and other tight garments may contribute to feelings of claustrophobia.) Bring something to read, as the sessions last about 60 minutes. You may want to bring a favorite cd, dvd player, portable game, etc.

Do not drink large amounts of fluids before entering the chamber.

Do not wear perfume or cologne when you are coming for your session.

What can I expect to happen during my session?

The chamber will seem smaller when deflated than it is when fully pressurized. Within one minute the chamber will inflate completely, allowing enough room for an adult to sit upright or lie fully extended. After the chamber inflates, it will begin to pressurize. This is the time when you may experience pressure in your ears. The easiest way to relieve any discomfort this may cause is to equalize your ears using one or more of the following methods:

Close your mouth and firmly clamp your nose shut with your fingers and thumb. Blow, as if you were blowing your nose, but keep nose and mouth closed. You will feel the air come out through your ears when you have done this procedure correctly, and this should relieve the pressure.

Yawn. Stretching your mouth as wide as possible, even stretching your tongue out. This will cause the sinus passages surrounding your ears to drain and relieve the pressure.

If you are the parent of a small child who is having trouble with their ears during pressurization, try massaging the area just below the ears and right behind the jaw. A baby still on the bottle or pacifier should be given either of these, but if your child is likely to spill drinks in the chamber please try to monitor them with liquids.

Sit upright. Turn your head completely to the right, then completely to the left. Repeat earlier steps until the ears are cleared.

Are there any reasons a person should NOT go into the Hyperbaric chamber?

Yes. You should NOT go into the chamber if you are inebriated (drunk), if you have ear canal problems or an ear infection, or if you are experiencing flu or cold symptoms. Also please do not enter the chamber wearing perfume or cologne. We do have individuals who are sensitive to chemicals that might enter the chamber after you.

How much are the sessions?

Sessions vary in cost according to the package purchased. Please contact the center by visiting the Contact Us page.
*Special rates may apply.

What Does It Do?

The pressurized environment of the hyperbaric chamber promotes healing and general wellness by allowing wounds to heal faster, reduces swelling at a much quicker rate by restoring/increasing blood flow to restricted areas. Hyperbaric therapy helps athletes on three levels by forcing more oxygen to reach tissue, organs, cells and bodily fluids, providing up to 300% oxygen saturation. Furthermore, it has been shown that the pressurized environment of the chamber allows the athlete to recover more quickly from injury, swelling, fatigue, dehydration and jetlag.