Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around since the 1600s but was heavily used in the early 1900s, primarily for deep-sea divers suffering from decompression sickness. It then evolved into aiding multiple breathing ailments, even treating certain types of bone disease. 

This type of therapy, also known as HBOT, should only be prescribed by a medical professional. Certain hospitals will contain the chambers used for HBOT.

There are two different types of chambers: monoplace and multiplace chambers. The monoplace’s design is meant for one person to sit inside, similar to an MRI machine, while the multiplace chamber has the capability to treat multiple patients simultaneously.

Once inside, the patient can sit or lie down. While remaining relaxed, they then breathe in and out deeply, which will continue from around 45 minutes to about five hours. 

During these sessions, the treatment will begin helping repair injured tissues that are oxygen deprived. As the treatment involves an excess of oxygen being sent throughout the body, it is common for patients to feel pressure in their ears, similar to being inside an airplane. Swallowing or yawning can help relieve this pressure. Once completed, the individual may feel lightheaded or fatigued and may develop a headache. 

HBOT has the potential to treat several different ailments, such as:

• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Cyanide poisoning
• Crush injuries
• A form of gangrene known as gas gangrene
• Decompression sickness
• Decreased blood flow in the arteries
• Complications with skin grafts,
• Infection of the bone, delayed radiation injury
• Air bubble trapped in a blood vessel
• Flesh-eating disease
• Chronic infection
• Diabetic wounds. 

Above all, HBOT has been proven as an effective treatment for chronic illnesses. 

The Use of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Chronic Pain Syndrome

Many adults who suffer from chronic pain are looking for an effective way to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, chronic pain is not easy to cure. In many instances, it is not possible to cure permanently.

Hyperbaric oxygen has been used to treat those with chronic pain with promising results. Studies conducted on animals have shown that there is an analgesic effect as a result of this type of therapy.

For those with chronic external wounds, hyperbaric oxygen treatment will deliver oxygen-rich plasma to the tissues in the body that are deprived of oxygen. This is necessary as the wound swells, causing the tissues to die. HBOT prevents swelling, allowing oxygen to revive the dying tissue. 

For extensive tissue damage, when healing slows or stops due to a crush injury, HBOT allows oxygen radical scavengers to prevent more harmful radicals from being released. This treatment can also block bacteria from entering the body, allowing the immune system to strengthen and white blood cells to focus on attacking intrusive cells. It can also assist with new blood vessel growth, allowing collagen and new skin cells to develop.

This therapy aims to accelerate recovery time, which it achieves by increasing ATP production.

Other chronic ailments, such as Lyme disease, can potentially benefit from HBOT therapy. Since Lyme disease thrives on low oxygen levels, HBOT is effective in fighting against it as it provides an increase of oxygen to the body.

Another type of chronic pain that can benefit from HBOT is chronic back pain. For all chronic ailments, the treatment and the benefits of receiving treatment are the same.

The Major Benefits of Hyperbaric Therapy

The number one benefit of receiving this treatment is a faster recovery time.

Increased circulation is another significant benefit. With increased circulation, toxins leave the body while oxygen and mineral levels increase.

This treatment can also help reduce inflammation, one of the main reasons why wounds or chronic illnesses do not heal or take longer to heal. Patients may also experience increased blood flow, which is extremely beneficial to those with diabetes.

Another benefit of hyperbaric therapy is increased collagen production, crucial to creating new skin, connective tissue, and blood vessels. It can also strengthen the immune system, as white blood cells are more functional.

In addition, patients can sometimes enjoy anti-aging benefits through HBOT, as it helps restore and renew the body’s cells. 

With such a wide range of physical benefits, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a highly advantageous treatment option for numerous conditions. While everyone reacts differently to treatments, patients will surely enjoy at least one of the many benefits of HBOT.

Clinical Effectiveness of HBOT

Currently, HBOT is typically the most effective for those suffering chronic pain due to headaches, fibromyalgia, or complex regional pain syndrome. An independent research agency, CADTH, conducted a study to discover the effectiveness of HBOT for those with fibromyalgia.

The study included giving the HBOT treatment over the course of five days each week for a total of two months. The results concluded that a higher tolerance for pain was achieved for these participants, lower stress, as well as an overall higher quality of life. 

One study involved a 41-year-old who suffered from constant pain in his foot. After being treated with HBOT, he was able to experience lasting pain relief, allowing him to return to work and enjoy daily life once more. 

Another study included participants struggling with myofascial pain syndrome that was given the HBOT treatment over the course of two weeks, five days per week. The results were similar to the previous study in that they obtained a higher tolerance for pain and a better quality of life. Participants declared that these results lasted for about three months. 

Research isn’t conclusive on the long-term effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. While these studies mentioned have positive results, there is not enough research to confirm whether this type of therapy is long-lasting. However, the results of these studies are promising, especially for those suffering from ailments related to chronic pain, and deserve further investigation.  

Quantity of Research Available on Hyperbaric Therapy

Researchers are still conducting studies in this area. Most include the long-term improvements of the patients experiencing fatigue, sleeping habits, and tender points. However, limited studies may exist due to the low number of randomized control groups. Because of this, results may be insufficient or inconclusive. 

While this treatment may benefit those struggling with chronic pain and fatigue, insomnia, and tender points, we need further research.

A Review of Cost-Effectiveness of Using Hyperbaric Therapy

Chronic illness is difficult to live with; therefore, an individual can spend lots of money trying to find treatment with long-lasting results. Over-the-counter medications may offer temporary relief. Surgeries may also offer temporary relief, depending on the condition, if surgery is an option.

While over-the-counter medication is not always expensive, it can still be costly to the person, as they will continually need to purchase it. Surgeries, if an option for their condition, are also expensive.

However, using HBOT may be cost-effective for the patient if they are able to have longer-lasting results. It is also a non-invasive option for those who prefer to avoid surgery. 

For those looking for HBOT treatment, remember that Medicare, Medicaid, and many insurance companies cover it. However, coverage can depend on why the individual is requesting this treatment. Before undergoing this therapy, check with your provider. 

Limitations of Using Hyperbaric Therapy

Although there are many benefits for those who use HBOT, it is not recommended for everyone. Those who have had surgery on the ear, have a cold, or those with lung disease should not use this therapy.

In addition, those considering this treatment should understand that the changes in the atmospheric pressure experienced when in the chamber tend to affect patients. It is also important to note that this treatment is unavailable in all areas of the country. 

As with any medical treatment, risks and complications are involved– the most common being issues to the ear. Other issues that can result are damage to the eye, decreased blood sugar levels, sinus issues, and even lung collapse. Rare cases have also reported oxygen poisoning. 

If you are suffering from a chronic illness or chronic pain, looking into hyperbaric therapy may be a good option for you. While this therapy can treat many ailments, keep in mind that the results may be temporary, or it may not even be an option for you, depending on your location.

In most circumstances, patients achieved pain relief, which continued for at least three months. Remember, as you are researching treatment, why you are seeking this treatment may affect coverage. Understand the pros and cons and speak with your insurance provider on treatment coverage. 

Additional Read: HBOT for Chronic Pain from Bowel Dysfunction

Contact NexGen Hyperbaric LLC to Learn More About HBOT for Chronic Pain

Are you seeking more information to decide whether or not HBOT is for you? Contact us at NexGen Hyperbaric to learn more by calling (888) 567-4302. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a modern, medically proven technique many physicians use to promote healing after an injury or surgery. Some doctors also offer HBOT as an elective procedure for patients who want to restore and maintain a youthful look. So, how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging?

As humans age, skin loses elasticity, muscles become less dense, and cognitive functions start to decline. In addition, aging causes the body to stop producing collagen, causing the skin to wrinkle and lose some of its youthful “glow.” This process can occur quickly, depending on a person’s genetics and health conditions.

Many people spend thousands of dollars on anti-aging beauty products from brands that claim to revitalize skin. Some treatments only mask the aging process or damage the body further with harsh chemicals. Often, beauty care companies do not target the root causes of aging.

Healthy cell growth is fundamental for maintaining a youthful appearance. More oxygen in the blood improves metabolic stability and cell production—additionally, higher oxygen levels in the brain support cognitive function and alertness.

Recent studies indicate that HBOT may be one of the first clinically supported techniques to modulate the pathophysiology of aging skin in humans successfully. Read on as we unpack this study and explain how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can enhance the anti-aging process for healthy adults, levels in the brain support cognitive function and alertness.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Basics

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a non-invasive, clinically tested, and FDA-approved medical solution suitable for treating a wide range of conditions. Doctors primarily use HBOT to deliver oxygen into their patients’ blood to facilitate cell growth and heal soft tissue damage. Many doctors also administer this treatment for people who experience decompression sickness (“the bends”) and radiation injuries.

HBOT takes between three minutes and two hours to complete, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. First, the doctor determines which type of HBOT system the patient needs. For example, monoplace chambers usually fit one person, while multiplace chambers provide enough space for two or more.

After the patient is comfortable, the doctor can pressurize the chamber up to three times its normal pressure. This action causes the patient’s lungs to expand as more oxygen enters the body. HBOT helps fight off infections, reinforces the immune system, and promotes essential biological functions.

Many patients also choose HBOT to help them heal injuries faster. Healthy cell growth helps combat problems like:

• Anemia
• Brain abscesses
• Third degree burns
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Crush injuries
• Necrotic injuries
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Loss of vision

Additional Read: What Conditions Can Be Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT can be an excellent supportive procedure for conventional treatments like surgery and prescriptions. In the case of anti-aging, it may provide faster results than some traditional solutions. Researchers continue to explore the benefits of HBOT as more technology becomes available to monitor its effects.

Utilizing the Hyperbaric Chamber: Aging Study

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging when compared to other solutions?

Many people claim that over-the-counter skin care products, anti-inflammatory drugs, and fringe diets can offer anti-aging benefits. However, few credible studies can support these claims. A 2021 study written by Hachmo et al. at the Research and Development Unit of Shamir Medical Center and its affiliates highlights the results of a four-year-long prospective clinical trial evaluating the anti-aging benefits of HBOT.

Seventy healthy adult participants committed to a three-month, regulated control period for this hyperbaric chamber aging study. At the end of the three months, researchers collected a skin biopsy from each to serve as a baseline for the trial. Participants then underwent three months of daily HBOT sessions, after which the researchers collected another biopsy sample.

The purpose of collecting skin biopsies was to identify changes in collagen fibers, elastic fibers, and blood vessels after prolonged exposure to 100% oxygen. Prior to the evaluation, a blinded pathology technician applied a formaldehyde solution to the samples and waited for paraffinization.

Researchers identified changes in elastic fiber length and thickness. They also tracked fiber fragmentation and the number of senescent tissue cells before and after HBOT. Fiber fragmentation and senescent cells can accelerate tissue remodeling, contributing to organismal aging.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Anti-Aging Results

Once the trial ended, researchers observed several changes in their samples – most notably, a significant increase in collagen density, effect size, and elastic fiber length (despite no changes in elastic fiber density and thickness).

Sixty daily HBOT sessions allowed physicians to reduce papillary dermis thickness and increase elastic fiber length and collagen fiber density in a healthy older male. Post-HBOT results also showed decreased fiber fragmentation and senescent cells in tissue. It was the first time a human study demonstrated that therapeutic intervention could accomplish such a feat.

The study suggests that q and cellular metabolism, leading to healthier cell growth. HBOT may also reduce inflammatory reactions, aid the development of new blood vessels, and alleviate oxidative stress, which hastens the aging process.

In summary, the study indicates that routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy anti-aging chambers may facilitate the longevity and restoration of skin cells in healthy adults.

The Hyperbaric Chamber Benefits: Anti-Aging

The above study provides optimistic results for those seeking effective anti-aging solutions. Changes in collagen production and elastic fiber length indicate that a high oxygen infusion can promote healthier skin and biological function. Additionally, subjects reported only two side effects in the study, only one of which – moderate barotrauma to the ear – needed treatment.

Still, how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging associated with cognitive decline?

Recent studies involving patients who manage prolonged symptoms of COVID suggest that HBOT can reduce fatigue and improve awareness. These findings could indicate that HBOT is also practical for offsetting adverse neurological effects of aging. However, more conclusive research may be necessary to understand HBOT can reduce or reverse aging beyond the dermis.

Using the Hyperbaric Chamber for Aging: Is It Suitable for Everyone?

Can everyone use the hyperbaric chamber for aging? The FDA considers HBOT a low-risk procedure. However, it may not be suitable for everyone – especially those with specific medical conditions.

Most clinical studies focus on the effects of HBOT on physically healthy and neurotypical adults. Those with mental health conditions or severe age-related injuries may not be the best candidates for HBOT anti-aging treatments. Pressurized environments can cause problems for patients with collapsed lungs or severe infections.

Healthy elderly patients may enjoy some benefits in using HBOT to reduce the adverse effects of aging. Even in a patient’s later years, treatments can slow muscle tissue degradation and help patients experience a higher quality of life.

Physicians should always take the time to discuss this treatment with their patients in detail before recommending it. Some safer alternative options may be available.

Additional Read: Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Clinic: 9 Essential Factors to Consider When Selecting HBOT Clinic

Potential Side Effects of HBOT

Like most medical treatments, those who undergo elective hyperbaric oxygen therapy can experience some minor side effects. Potential risks include:

• Middle ear damage from the highly pressurized environment
• Myopia or “nearsightedness” (this problem is usually temporary)
• Lung injuries caused by significant changes in pressure
• Seizures as a result of oxygen toxicity in the nervous system
• Diabetic complications caused by changes in blood sugar

The FDA regulates HBOT facilities to ensure that they are safe for use. Those who seek treatment from non-standardized facilities – also called “soft chambers” – risk potential injuries, some of which could be life-threatening.

Power disruptions can cause the hyperbaric oxygen system to deflate. This scenario could cause a patient to suffocate. Additionally, the risk of oxygen tank combustion increases when operators need to secure flammable materials in the proper locations.

Key Takeaways

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging? In short, HBOT addresses many of the hallmarks of aging, such as telomere shortening, senescent cell clearance, and blood vessel development. In addition, infusing oxygen into the bloodstream enables the body to restore skin texture and elasticity.

Oxygen also feeds muscles, bones, and joints, which can become weak over time. Some evidence suggests that HBOT helps facilitate stronger cognitive functions and boosts energy levels that often decline with age.

HBOT fortifies the body’s immune response, allowing it to heal and resist harmful bacteria that could cause the body to age faster.

Patients can safely take advantage of these practical solutions by seeking treatment from a regulated facility. This way, the physician can develop a treatment plan that suits their medical history and personal needs.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Anti-Aging Solutions From NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC

Annually, millions of Americans invest in anti-aging products and strategies to look and feel younger. At NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC, we take pride in providing our patients with accessible solutions at a comfortable facility. We administer hyperbaric oxygen therapy for those looking to restore their youthful features and patients seeking treatment after an injury or surgery.

We dedicate ourselves to providing unmatched care to everyone who comes through our door. You can expect transparent communication and professional advice from our team. We have over 19 years of HBOT experience.

Don’t hesitate to contact our representatives if you have questions about hyperbaric oxygen technology or the procedure. We have all the answers you need.

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging? Learn more with NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC, in Edwards, CO. Schedule a consultation at 888-567-4302.

Have you heard about the latest developments surrounding a hyperbaric chamber for bone healing? Bone damage is an all too common problem, especially for athletes, seniors, and others suffering from chronic illnesses. 

Unaddressed breaks, fractures, or infections can wreak havoc on the body. They can also lead to serious health complications. But there’s hope—in hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Below, the team from NexGen Hyperbaric LLC unpacks the many benefits of hyperbaric chambers in healing bones and more.

HBOT and Broken Bones: How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Heal Fractures

A basic understanding of hyperbaric oxygen therapy would easily lead you to assume it’s only for scuba divers or people experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. However, although it’s perfect for those applications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is also ideal for treating various problems. It addresses issues as varied as cyanide poisoning and necrotic tissue infections but is especially effective for broken bones.

Broken bones cause many problems, and the first step to helping them heal has always been stabilizing them. Restricting movement allows the body to replace the damaged bone cells with new, healthy bone material. However, while traditional approaches to healing broken bones—casts, pins, and surgeries—have their place, more intensive care can make a difference.

Many factors impair the healing process, including infection, diabetes, and health conditions. So with supportive treatments like HBOT, the body can much more effectively handle bone fractures for faster healing. It starts with administering 100% oxygen at heightened pressure levels to accelerate bone regeneration and collagen production for better cell formation.

How This Therapy Heals Bones Quickly

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy for broken bones accelerate bone healing and cellular regeneration? It delivers oxygen-rich blood plasma to bone marrow and cell tissue. 

Injuries will harm the body’s blood vessels, causing swelling and inflammation, leading to tissue death and decay. HBOT halts and even reverses this process. Bone fractures and breaks reverse after the body receives extra oxygen. HBOT also prevents reperfusion injuries or troubling complications when the body improperly resupplies damaged tissues with blood.

Is your doctor concerned about your immune system after a nasty bone fracture? HBOT excels at strengthening your immunity. It prevents bacterial infections by improving the oxygen concentration within your bloodstream, which enables white blood cells to eradicate remaining pathogens. 

Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Bone Reconstruction

Why consider a hyperbaric chamber for bone healing? Doctors can typically handle broken or fractured bones with conventional approaches. However, it’s not unheard of for patients to experience more severe complications, especially if they have certain outstanding risk factors. 

Bone Infections Are The Biggest Risk Factor During and After Reconstruction

Osteomyelitis refers to bone infection. It’s almost always the byproduct of bacteria or fungi. For instance, staph infections remain a common culprit that interferes with the body’s blood supply and starves the bones of much-needed oxygen. 

What’s the risk of experiencing bone loss in this way? Many patients face amputation surgeries. 

So, tackling infection is a priority, with the first line of defense for osteomyelitis usually being a course of antibiotics. They’re readily available and simple to use, but these drugs only sometimes eliminate or limit the infection. Under these circumstances, more intensive care will aim to prevent blockage in the blood vessels, which could lead to bone decay and rot. 

Where Bone Infection Is Most Commonly Found

Osteomyelitis can occur in anyone who experiences a broken bone, although athletes, other active individuals, and seniors are at special risk. However, individuals with neuropathy issues—diabetes, in particular—are most susceptible. Patients with nerve issues might not even realize that they have a broken bone or an open wound, and any cut, gash, burn, or form of bone damage provides nasty bacteria with a way into the bloodstream.

Bone infection can also occur anywhere in the body and inside a bone. It can then develop into serious infections that compromise organ function, requiring hospitalization and intensive care.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Fights Infection-related Issues

Bone infections interfere with osteoclasts, the cells which help the body remove dead or rotten bone matter from the bone matrix. Essentially these cells spend their time cleaning up debris or infected material to aid the body’s recovery process. However, osteomyelitis hinders the job of osteoclasts, starving these cells of the oxygen they need to function effectively.

So, visiting a hyperbaric chamber for bone healing addresses this problem at the root. It delivers extra oxygen to the bloodstream to overcome the infection’s de-oxygenating effect. This gets the osteoclasts back in the game but also pairs very well with specialized antibiotics that need to work more effectively.

Today’s researchers and scientists have clinically proven that hyperbaric oxygen therapy effectively treats osteomyelitis. HBOT seems so effective at treating osteomyelitis that it could prevent amputation or further surgeries. 

In 2013, researchers published a study in the peer-reviewed Open Orthopaedics Journal. It demonstrates HBOT’s efficacy for patients suffering from severe osteomyelitis. This article certainly isn’t the only one, as a similar study published in 2007 proved that osteoblast production greatly increases when stimulated by something like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Methods 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a state-of-the-art medical treatment with a long history. During WWII, the United States Navy used HBOT to help divers recover from decompression sickness. These days, doctors use it for even more treatment purposes, and if you can think of a health condition, HBOT can help to heal it.

During HBOT, patients enter into either a monoplace or multiplace chamber. 

• Monoplace chambers are like your average MRI machine: long, plastic tubes filled with pressurized oxygen. 
• A multiplace hyperbaric chamber that assists with bone healing can fit more than one person at a time and administers oxygen using masks or hoods.

Regardless of the chamber type, HBOT patients breathe in purified oxygen at higher-than-average air pressure levels. Typically, doctors will set the air pressure to be about one-and-a-half to three times the level of normal air. The goal is to increase oxygen within a patient’s blood supply, aiding tissue regeneration and healing, especially for broken and fractured bones.

The Process

Patients interested in using a hyperbaric chamber for bone healing or other conditions often have questions about the therapy process. It’s simple.

• Patients arrive at a hospital or outpatient facility.
• They enter a monoplace or multiplace chamber. 
• Sessions last between one to five hours.

During the treatment, patients can relax and even watch television or sleep. While HBOT isn’t painful, some individuals will experience lightheadedness and fatigue after sessions, so having a family member or friend drive you home after a session is best. Treatment usually only needs to last a few weeks or months for a speedy recovery.

Precautions 

While HBOT is safe for most patients, it’s worth discussing the potential side effects. Problems generally occur in patients that aren’t well suited to this treatment. For instance, those with HIV/AIDS, heart disease, spinal injuries, and depression should avoid oxygen therapy.

The number of conditions that HBOT treats far surpasses any risks. Still, the most frequent side effect is middle ear trauma which occurs when heightened pressure levels interfere with the eardrum or ear canal. Other possibilities include eye damage, blood sugar trouble, lung collapse, and sinus infections.

Oxygen poisoning is the worst potential side effect, with complications like seizures and lung failure. You shouldn’t take deciding to undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy lightly. As with any form of medical care, it’s crucial that you work with your trusted primary care doctor and specialists to determine whether this form of treatment would be right for you. 

Most patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy and bone injury treatments rave about how they improve their quality of life. It’s clinically and scientifically proven to work, so why not look into the options?

Additional Read: Why Athletes Should Consider Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Quality Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Denver

NexGen Hyperbaric LLC offers top-notch hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Denver, CO. We have a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber for bone healing that professional athletes and others count on for bone formations or recovery from infected bones. We’ve even helped professional athletes, like the Olympic skier Nina O’Brien, heal from extensive injuries and keep competing professionally.

Are you interested in exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Call NexGen Hyperbaric LLC at (888) 567-4302 today.

The term “long COVID” describes the presence of symptoms occurring days, weeks, or months after a positive COVID test result. Long COVID affects nearly 20% of people who have otherwise recovered from the illness.

Long COVID is a relatively new problem, so there are limited treatments and even fewer options for treating the most common symptom of long COVID: fatigue. As the number of people with long COVID continues to grow, medical practitioners are now looking for the most effective treatments for their patients. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long COVID could be one of the answers to this puzzle.

The symptoms associated with long COVID are varied and include shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, “brain fog,” depression, and anxiety. The most prevalent symptoms are fatigue and “brain fog,” with 65% of long COVID patients reporting the onset of fatigue that continues long after the original illness, along with a large number also reporting brain fog and other signs of cognitive deficits.

In some cases, the patient’s fatigue is so severe that it negatively impacts their work performance and other activities. This is a significant problem, as the age group that is typically most affected by long COVID is adults who are actively involved in the workforce.

A team of researchers at University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trusts conducted a study of ten patients to evaluate the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for long COVID. The study shows that HBOT has promise for improving fatigue, global cognition, executive function, attention, verbal function, and information processing.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

The body’s tissues require a specific amount of oxygen in order to function correctly. When tissue is damaged or injured, more oxygen is needed for it to heal and survive. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen blood can carry. Repeated infusions of the high oxygen levels of HBOT encourage healing and normal oxygenation in the damaged tissues, even following the completion of the therapy.

Medical practitioners utilize HBOT in a variety of ways for both elective and emergency medicine. During the treatment, the patient sits in a pressurized (hyperbaric) chamber or room and breathes nearly 100% pure oxygen.

The doctor then increases the pressure of the room or individual chamber to two or three times higher than normal pressure. This allows the lungs to breathe in much more oxygen than they could under normal pressure.

The extra oxygen in the bloodstream staves off bacteria and helps speed the healing of damaged tissues by encouraging the release of stem cells and growth factors into the body.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is FDA approved to treat conditions including:

• Gas embolism (or what divers refer to as decompression sickness or “the bends”)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Burns and skin grafts
• Severe infection leading to tissue death of bone or skin
• Wounds that won’t heal, such as diabetic foot ulcers or radiation injuries
• Severe anemia

Additionally, HBOT is proven to be both safe and effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome, so researchers determined that it might also be effective when applied to the fatigue associated with long COVID.

About the Subjects and Methods of the Clinical Trial

The researchers studied ten patients suffering from severe and persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome for more than 12 weeks.

Participants’ primary symptoms were fatigue and reduced cognitive function, conditions that did not exist prior to their SARS-CoV-2 infection. The age of the study participants ranged between 24 and 74, and women made up 60% of the group. Participants met the following criteria:

• Over 18 years old
• Previous diagnosis of COVID-19 infection confirmed using PCR swab test or positive antibody test
• No history of traumatic brain injury
• No previous use of HBOT prior to the study
• No existing lung conditions that may be adversely affected by pressure changes (including asthma, COPD, or a history of blood clots in the lungs)
• No history of epilepsy
• No one with sinus or ear issues that could worsen with pressure changes

All participants underwent ten HBOT sessions once daily over a 12-day period. Sessions were at 2.4 atmospheres and consisted of three 30-minute exposures to oxygen at 100%, with three five-minute breaks for air. Researchers performed validated scoring assessments of fatigue and cognitive function on days one and ten.

Researchers measured the patients’ responses to the HBOT therapy in two ways: the change in fatigue and the change in cognitive function.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Fatigue

Researchers evaluated the primary outcome (complaint of fatigue) via changes in the Chalder fatigue scale between days one and ten of the HBOT treatment. The Chalder fatigue scale is a method to measure the severity of tiredness in illnesses where fatigue is a chronic symptom. It utilizes a series of questions, and patients respond to each question according to the severity of their symptoms.

The study’s results revealed that HBOT had a statistically significant effect in reducing participants’ feelings of fatigue according to the Chalder scale. Patients reported what the Chalder scale deemed a “very large” improvement in their symptoms after the ten days of HBOT treatment.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Cognitive Function

The secondary measurement addressed changes in cognitive function between days one and ten of treatment. Scoring for the cognitive assessment included:

• Overall cognitive score
• Memory
• Motor skills
• Verbal function
• Speed of information processing
• Visual-spatial
• Attention
• Executive function

The test results revealed that participants reported a “very large” improvement in attention and information processing and “large” improvements in overall cognition, executive function, and verbal function. Other cognitive functions also improved, simply to a lesser degree.

Additional Read: Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Cognition, Performance, Proteomics & Telomere Length

Key Takeaways: The Future of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID

What causes the lingering fatigue and feelings of brain fog after COVID? There is no concrete answer; however, scientific reports indicate that one possible explanation is prolonged tissue hypoxia.

Tissue hypoxia occurs when tissue receives inadequate oxygen and cannot remain in homeostasis. The theory behind this is that tissue hypoxia is often the common denominator among the other fatigue-related conditions that improve following HBOT, so perhaps this is related to the fatigue in long COVID.

Research into HBOT as a long COVID treatment will continue, as this particular study was the first known official evaluation of the effects of HBOT on long COVID. Through this study, researchers discovered significant improvements in fatigue and cognitive symptoms, both statistically and clinically. The results align with the patients’ observations, many of whom said that the significant improvement they experienced after HBOT had changed their lives.

Who Is a Good Candidate for HBOT?

Along with long COVID, patients suffering from an illness that causes chronic fatigue may be good candidates for HBOT to improve their quality of life. Patients with conditions such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome may benefit from HBOT. For patients struggling with the effects of long COVID and fighting sleepiness or brain fog, HBOT may alleviate those symptoms.

While HBOT can bring about significant health improvements, not everyone is a good candidate. Certain lung diseases and recent rhinovirus infections may worsen with HBOT, which can potentially create an increased risk for complex issues. Before beginning treatment, it is essential that patients consult their physicians, especially if they suffer from lung disease of any kind or have experienced ear injuries or surgeries, as hyperbaric pressure can adversely affect these conditions.

Side Effects Associated with HBOT

During the study, no participants reported any adverse effects during or immediately after the HBOT treatment.

While HBOT is generally a safe procedure, any medical treatment can cause side effects. Patients should speak with their physicians prior to treatment and discuss their medical history. This includes current and past health conditions, medications, etc. Some patients may still experience side effects, such as:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Ear pain
• Headache (from pressure changes)

However, if patients experience side effects, they are only temporary. The duration of treatment differs from patient to patient, and the longer the HBOT session, the more likely the patient is to experience mild side effects.

Additional Read: Essential Factors to Consider When Selecting HBOT Clinic

At NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC, we use proven safety methods to ensure that HBOT is as comfortable as possible for every patient. NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC received accreditation from the Undersea Hyperbaric & Medical Society (UHMS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to upholding the standards for patient treatments and care facilities that specialize in hyperbaric medicine. Our clinic has been through a comprehensive evaluation by UHMS and is deemed to meet the high standards of UHMS in terms of our facility, safety, training, and staff.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID at NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC

At NexGen Hyperbaric, LLC, we’ve treated patients using hyperbaric oxygen therapy for over 15 years. Our dedication and focus are on improving the health and wellness of our patients through cutting-edge technology and research, as well as patient-focused care. If you have been suffering from fatigue and brain fog due to long COVID, speak to your doctor about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long COVID could help.

Call us today at 888-567-4302 to learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

A rheumatologist generally diagnoses fibromyalgia when a patient presents with a history of pain that affects all quadrants of the body for a period of three months. The examination also needs to show a pain response from digital pressure in at least 11 out of 18 allogenic “tender” points.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and memory issues. This condition affects the productivity of patients’ lives, including their careers and relationships.

Different treatments for fibromyalgia exist, including medications like anti-depressants and counseling. Unfortunately, these treatments are only partially effective. However, clinical trials in the past decade have shown that patients respond to hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for fibromyalgia.

At NexGen Hyperbaric clinics, we provide state-of-the-art HBOT treatments for a full range of medical conditions, including fibromyalgia, in UHMS-accredited facilities in Edwards, CO. Our team monitors emerging research on HBOT and fibromyalgia; below, we share some of the most promising recent research.

What Is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia, a persistent and debilitating disorder, is a type of sensitization of the central nervous system related to abnormal brain activity affecting 2-4% of the total population, 90% of whom are female. FMS has many symptoms that can vary across patients. Patients often report experiencing:

• Chronic widespread pain, especially musculoskeletal pain
• Fatigue and sleep disturbance
• Protracted muscle spasms
• Intestinal disorder
• Overall weakness in muscles and the limbs
• Muscle twitching
• Palpitations
• Allodynia
• Diffuse tenderness
• Depression and anxiety
• Reduced information-processing speed

A Challenging Syndrome

Instead of a single cause, evidence suggests many factors that can either cause or exacerbate symptoms. For example, an infection like Lyme disease, a viral illness, or a traumatic brain injury may set off FMS. In the 2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Rosalba Siracusa et al. describe various causes of the chronic pain as “peripheral, central, cognitive-emotional and interpersonal.”

Likewise, disputes exist regarding the diagnostic criteria for establishing fibromyalgia cases. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) first classified fibromyalgia in 1990. In addition to understanding it as a central sensitization phenomenon, researchers in recent years have attributed the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia to other factors, including psychosocial, endocrine, inflammatory, immune, and genetic contributors.

The medical community lacks strong evidence-based guidelines for fibromyalgia treatment. Primarily, the PCPs who treat most cases utilize a mixture of patient education, referral to cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and pharmacological therapy.

While many other treatments exist, our goal at NexGen Hyperbaric has been to look at hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its usefulness in treating fibromyalgia and its related symptoms. A 2015 study on this topic by a large Israeli team led by Shai Efrati emerged from a controversy among rheumatologists as to whether fibromyalgia is primarily associated with abnormal pain processing in the brain or is a type of peripheral small fiber inflammation.

The Approach

The motivator behind the 2015 Israeli study was the hypothesis that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could correct the abnormal brain function underlying the symptoms of FMS patients. Earlier trials had shown that HBOT could induce neuroplasticity, repairing chronically impaired brain functions in post-stroke patients and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) patients.

The researchers hoped to show that HBOT would facilitate the fibromyalgic brain to rectify chronically damaged brain functionality. Researchers randomly assigned 48 female patients, ages 21-67, to two groups: a treated group and a crossover group.

Study endpoints included assessments of

• Assessment of brain activity according to SPECT imaging
• Tender point count
• Pain threshold and symptom severity
• Functional impairment
• Quality of life

HBOT and Fibromyalgia

Researchers evaluated all patients at baseline and after 2 months of HBOT (or 2 months of no treatment for the crossover group). Then, the crossover group received evaluation after a subsequent 2-month treatment with HBOT.

Researchers used SPECT scans and HBOT protocols.

Researchers evaluated many issues regarding each patient during and following treatment, including psychological distress, the ability to perform tasks like cleaning and driving, and overall quality of life.

Methods

The study quantitatively evaluated participants’ pain levels using tender points as criteria. A rheumatologist blind to the study applied manual pressure to 18 tender points using thumb palpation. The rheumatologist applied 4 kg per cm2 to each tender point.

The rheumatologist then used a Chatillon dolorimeter to measure pain at 13 point sites (nine tender points and four control sites).

For functional impairment, the study used a Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire to measure the participants’ ability to perform everyday tasks.

A symptom checklist (SCL-90) examined psychological distress, including items like interpersonal sensitivity, phobic anxiety, obsession-compulsion, and paranoid ideation.

Another questionnaire (SF-36) measuring quality of life, and the study used SPECT scans for brain functional imagining.

Research, HBOT, and Fibromyalgia

At baseline, the two groups had very close mean scores for both measures. The crossover group maintained the same general score after the control period that it had at baseline. However, the HBOT treatments of both groups (at different stages in the trial) led to “statistically significant improvements in the mean scores of both the dolorimeter thresholds and of the number of tender points,” with a significant reduction in the number of tender points.

Important to note is that while researchers found a high patient-to-patient variability in the dolorimeter thresholds, their measure was the impact of the HBOT on each patient’s change relative to the base value. The analysis also looked at the relative changes in the number of tender points and how HBOT treatment affected those changes for each patient and for each group as a whole.

The results of other endpoint measures were also promising. The physical functioning score significantly improved following HBOT in the treated group (mean change was 1.31±0.99, p < 0.001) as well as the crossover group after HBOT (mean change was 1.02±0.92, p = 0.05), as did the psychological distress score:

Treated group (mean change 1.10±0.79, p < 0.01)

Crossover group after HBOT (mean change 1.29±0.76, p = 0.05)

The quality of life score also reflected the positive impact of HBOT treatment:

Treated group (mean change 0.34±0.33, p < 0.01)

Crossover group after HBOT (mean change 0.23±0.39, p = 0.05)

In terms of reliance on pharmaceuticals to manage pain, the study found a significant decrease in the fibromyalgia patients’ use of analgesic medications following HBOT in both groups.

Brain SPECT Imaging

Another significant finding stemmed from the SPECT images, which researchers performed for all patients, with two imagings for the treated group and three for the control (crossover) group. Seven of the 48 patients did not show significant improvement.

The researchers calculated

• the relative change in the SPECT measured brain activity, Rchange(i,n), during each phase
• the average changes, (n), for the 41 patients (out of 48) from both groups that showed significant improvement in FMS symptoms following HBOT treatment

Earlier studies had shown that FMS patients had reduced brain activity in BAs in the frontal cortex and elevated activity in the posterior brain. Following the HBOT period for each group in this study, improved patients (41 out of 48) exhibited elevated activity of Brodmann Areas (BAs) in the frontal lobe (25L+R, 10L+R, 47R, 45R, 11R, 9R, 8R) and in BA 38L, and reduced activity of BAs in the posterior brain (7L+R, 37L, 36L, 17L).

Following HBOT, new SPECT images showed that patients had less activity in their posterior brain alongside higher activity in their frontal cortex.

Thus, the findings of the 2015 Israeli study of the effects of HBOT on FMS patients affirm that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is associated with changes in the brain activity of specific BAs known to have been abnormal in FMS patients.

Moreover, patients in both groups following HBOT treatment improved with regard to:

• Overall quality of life
• Completing physical functions
• Reliance on pharmaceuticals
• Psychological distress
• Reduction in somatosensory cortex brain function

Additional Read: The Benefits of HBOT for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Fibromyalgia Syndrome From NexGen Hyperbaric

Contact NexGen in Edwards, CO, at 888-567-4302 to discover more about how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can treat fibromyalgia. Our team has provided patients with hyperbaric oxygen treatments for over ten years.