Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
ABOUT Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive, painless specialised oxygen therapy. It is used around the world for medical, wellness and sports-related issues and conditions, to assist the body to repair, recover and rejuvenate.
The amount of oxygen dissolved in the body has long been known to be directly proportional to the pressure surrounding the body and the pressure of the air breathed.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pressurized oxygen in a controlled and safe chamber. This increase in pressure is scientifically proven to increase the body’s absorption of greater amounts of oxygen into the bloodstream.
Why Oxygen?
Oxygen is an element that is vital to every cell in your body.
Oxygen is essential for energy production, the fight against infection and is fundamental to growth, regeneration and healing.
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help?
With the help of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, more oxygen can be supplied to your plasma, cerebral spinal fluid (the fluid that is surrounding the brain and spine), the central nervous system fluids, the lymph system and bones.
The increased delivery of oxygen may help with:
Improved energy levels and tissue function
Regeneration and renewal (your body and its organs and organ systems)
New tissue
New blood vessels
Reduced inflammation
Reduced pain
Improved and enhanced immune system
Understanding how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works
At normal air pressure, our oxygen-carrying cells (red blood cells) are saturated and therefore cannot carry any more oxygen that may be introduced into our bodies.
During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, the body is gently placed under pressure, creating an environment where oxygen can dissolve directly into the blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids, thereby increasing oxygen levels in the cells allowing for enhanced energy availability over time.
Think of it like an ‘oxygen supplement’...
The extra oxygen reacts with glucose in the body to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells.
This stored energy can then be used to help with overall health and vitality.
More Oxygen, More Energy...
The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber is used to provide an increase in the amount of oxygen that passes into your body from your lungs every time you breathe.
The extra oxygen makes more energy available in the body, giving the body extra capacity to fight disease, accelerate the healing of injuries, and improve overall health and vitality.
The increase in pressure from your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) will increase the oxygen levels in your body and, in turn, increase the available energy in your body to support the brain, heart, and liver. High oxygen availability can also improve immune function and response.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
More to follow soon
WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE HYPERBARIC THERAPY (hbot)
Why People Choose Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Whilst the list of reasons for using HBOT are numerous, they can all be grouped into one of three main categories of usage…
Accelerated Healing
Injuries are common, whether a result of everyday living or a sporting injury or accident. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can support the body to speed up the healing process.
Using a HBOT chamber will help to boost the levels of oxygen in the body, which is needed to release energy. By increasing the body’s overall energy supply, means that there is energy readily available to be released to the trauma site. This can help to significantly reduce the healing time for injuries.
Quality of Life
The increased delivery of oxygen that occurs during HBOT allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids, thereby increasing oxygen levels in the cells dramatically triggering a far greater availability of energy.
This increased release of energy can help support the body’s coping mechanism with the effects of ageing, stress, and other conditions that can leave us feeling less than 100%.
Sport
Elite sportspeople from Rugby, Tennis, American Football (NFL), Basketball (NBA), Olympic Swimming and more have been known to use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to aid them with their injury rehabilitation, energy levels, and endurance. HBOT can:
Aid the repair of damaged muscle tissue
Help injuries to heal faster by enriching the bloodstream with extra oxygen
Speed up the healing process to reduce inflammation
Lead to a more efficient recovery
Reduce the effects of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
There is a growing body of scientific research regarding the potential benefits of using HBOT in a wide range of conditions.
BENEFITS OF a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
The Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) works by increasing the levels of oxygen saturated in the body tissues, which increases the body’s access to useable oxygen.
The increase in oxygen availability also increases the availability of energy which supports the body’s function, self-healing and regeneration processes
HBOT is used across the globe to support a variety of medical, wellness and sports-related issues and conditions, supported by an increasing body of peer-reviewed research from across a variety of academic disciplines.
What are the physiological benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Improved energy levels
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy supports tissue repair and function by increasing the available cellular energy.
When HBOT is used consistently, an increase in available energy provides long-term benefits for the body, by increasing the body’s ability to fight disease, accelerate healing and improve overall vitality and wellbeing.
New collagen (connective tissue) and new skin cells
Increasing the level of oxygen available to the body allows more energy to become available to be used to support the generation of new collagen, by activating cells called Fibroblasts, which play a critical role in wound healing.
The generation of new collagen can support skin health and sustain bone, cartilage, and organ health.
New blood vessels
Increasing the level of oxygen available to the body, allows more energy to become available for the generation of new blood vessels. This can benefit those who have suffered injury or tissue damage that has destroyed the supporting blood vessels.
This new blood vessel initiation can support chronic and non-healing wounds following brain injuries, heart attacks, and wounds occurring as a result of diabetes or the ageing process.
Reduced inflammation
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the availability of oxygen in the body, enhancing cellular metabolism and the production of ATP. This can accelerate the healing process and reduce inflammation (acute and chronic).
The higher level of O2 saturation allows for a greater volume of white cell production, which combined with reducing sanguine acidity enhances the body’s ability to combat bacteria, reduce swelling, and allow new blood vessels to form more quickly in the affected areas.
Reduced pain
The anti-inflammatory and therapeutic benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can support patients with pain relief without the long/short-term side effects that often follow prescribed pain relief medication.
Improved and enhanced immune system
Higher levels of oxygen availability help the body fight off infection by boosting the immune system. In conditions where the body’s blood oxygen levels are reduced the immune cells also have insufficient oxygen and have a reduced capacity to fight infection.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy supports the delivery of extra oxygen to support the immune response, by making more energy available to the body so that vital functions are maintained and the extra available energy can be focussed on the repair and maintenance and healing process
Protection for your body
Stress plays a big part in our busy modern lifestyles – from our environment to our everyday habits, everything costs us energy, leaving less and less energy available for healing and regeneration.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy delivers more oxygen throughout the body, including to the brain, which results in a calming effect.
Increased oxygen availability can assist the body to eliminate some of the harmful by-products of air pollution, toxins, fast foods, smoking, and inflammation-inducing stress, and repair the damage caused.
With extra energy in your body, you are more able to fight disease, heal, and live life with strength and vigour.
hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQ prices
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a painless and non-invasive oxygen therapy that involves breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
What are the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The increased pressure allows blood plasma to absorb more oxygen at pressures greater than sea level. This stimulates the release of more energy, which enhances the body’s defence mechanism and promote natural healing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy creates an environment where oxygen can dissolve directly into the blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids. This helps to:
Improve energy levels
Improve tissue function
Promote collagen, bone, and cartilage repair and regeneration
Reduce swelling and inflammation
Reduce pain
Strengthen the immune system
Increase the body’s antioxidant defences
What happens during a HBOT session?
There are several stages during a typical therapy session.
The first stage is compression in which the chamber is pressurized to the required pressure
You may feel warm for a few minutes at the start of your therapy
You may feel a slight pressure in your ears or sinuses during the session. You will be guided by your HBOT therapist to relieve any discomfort
The chamber is maintained at this pressure (depth) whilst you breathe in the oxygen for the length of time prescribed in your programme (60 – 90 minutes)
You may feel sleepy during your therapy
The chamber is then depressurized and your session is finished
You may feel cool and slightly tired at the end of your therapy
What does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy feel like?
As HBOT is a pressurized air therapy, the start and end of your session may feel like the take-off or landing of an aeroplane. As the pressure builds in the chamber, the pressure builds within your ears, which may leave you with an ear-popping or fullness sensation. This sensation should only last 10-15 minutes, and our guided HBOT Therapists will guide you to relieve any ear pressure.
Once the desired pressure is reached you may feel sleepy, and you can relax and breathe normally for the duration of your session.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safe?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an extremely safe, non-invasive therapy, with very few rare potential side effects.
Your HBOT Therapist will discuss the safety aspects with you in detail at your initial assessment.
Our HBOT chambers have built-in safety devices to ensure that risk is minimised and that your safety and wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do.
What are the side effects?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is extremely safe. The pressure used in our HBOT Chambers is mild, and therefore any side effects are extremely rare. However, it is common to feel slightly tired following your HBOT session.
Can I overdose on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Our HBOT Chambers offer a mild level of hyperbaric oxygen, so overdosing is virtually impossible. However, our skilled HBOT therapists will develop a programme to ensure the correct levels are used for your requirements.
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Some people do feel claustrophobic during their therapy session however most chambers have several viewing panels which have been designed to help prevent feelings of claustrophobia and allow as much light into the chamber as possible.
You will never be locked into the chamber so should feelings of claustrophobia become overwhelming, we will be able to open the chamber within 30 seconds and your HBOT therapist will be there to guide you with your breathing to help you relax again.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Painful?
No. The majority of patients find HBOT sessions relaxing and peaceful. You may experience some mild ear fullness which is similar to the sensation you experience during flight take-off or landing. However, HBOT should not be painful.
If you do experience any earaches during your therapy, inform your HBOT Therapist immediately who will adjust the pressure of the chamber to relieve the ear pressure.
Is HBOT right for you?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an effective way to support the body through physical stressors.
We offer a consultant-led service with one of our HBOT Therapists for all new patients to ensure that HBOT is safe and suitable for you and your needs. You can trust that your programme will be personalised for you.
The process allows our therapist to fully understand your individual need to determine the appropriate HBOT programme for you.
At your assessment, our therapist is there to answer any questions or help with any concerns you may have about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Why do I have to have an initial assessment?
The initial assessment is an essential suitability step, to ensure that we can offer you a safe and effective tailored therapy programme.
We offer an initial assessment service for all new patients to determine if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is suitable. This process allows us to fully understand the patient’s medical circumstances via a medical evaluation form to determine the appropriate HBOT programme, based on medical history and latest clinical research.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy just for divers?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been a widely recognised option for decompression sickness in divers since 1937, however technology and research has demonstrated an impeccable safety record to support the use of HBOT across a wide range of other situations with benefits.
Can anyone have Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
No. Although you can refer yourself to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, we must assess your suitability for the therapy before we proceed. To schedule an initial assessment, please call [NUMBER] or email [EMAIL].
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safe for children?
Yes. There is no age restriction for HBOT.
Who isn’t suitable for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may not be suitable for you if any of the following apply to you:
A collapsed lung
Upper respiratory infections
Chronic sinusitis or sinus problems
High fever
Severe emphysema or other breathing problems
Pregnancy
Additionally, we do require a doctor’s consent for the administration of hyperbaric oxygen in the presence of the things like asthma, history of middle ear surgery, seizure and other conditions. If in doubt, please contact your doctor or a hyperbaric doctor (UK approved HBOT doctors can be found on the HSE website).
Can I use a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber if I am pregnant?
It is not advisable to undergo HBOT during pregnancy.
If I am a healthy individual, what benefits can I get?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used around the world, helping bodies to repair, recover and rejuvenate. Whilst HBOT can aid several medical conditions, it can also support overall health and wellbeing.
The increased production of energy that occurs during HBOT can support the body’s coping mechanism with ageing, stress and other conditions.
I am on medication, can I still have Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen may change the effects of certain medications, so always speak with your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Therapist and health care providers to discuss the implications of combining your medication with HBOT.
Certain medications cannot be taken in combination with HBOT, including some chemotherapies, topical ointments, and opioid antagonist drugs.
Can I use Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy if I have a cold or if I am feeling unwell?
If you have a cold, fever, flu-like systems, frequent loose stools, or other illnesses such as high blood pressure, your therapy might be delayed.
The reason behind this is, a cold or illness may affect your ability to clear your ears when using a HBOT chamber, which could lead to an inner ear injury.
How are patients referred for therapy
Patients can self-refer or be referred by a physician or GP. All patients are evaluated by our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Therapist to determine the suitability and prescribe a personalised therapy programme, based on their specific needs. To schedule an initial assessment, please call us on 01622 297202 or email Nicola@ProHealthTherapy.com
How should I prepare for my therapy?
Please come to your therapy session in loose-fitting cotton clothing, and avoid wearing any cosmetics, perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants and jewellery on the day.
It’s also best to have a light meal one to two hours before your therapy session.
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose will be checked before and after each session, because Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can occasionally lower blood glucose levels.
If you are using any medications, including non-prescription medication, please advise the HBOT Therapist at your initial assessment, and please make us aware of any changes which may occur between your initial assessment and an appointment.
Please do not drink alcohol or carbonated drinks for four hours before your session. And where possible, please avoid all tobacco during the period of your therapy and thereafter to avoid any conflicts.
How many therapy sessions will I need to see any results?
The ’40-hour protocol’ is considered by experts as the gold standard for many of the physiological benefits that can be achieved with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. But everyone is different, so your exact programme will be personalised to you and your needs.
In the same essence, results will inevitably vary dependent on your programme, situation and needs. Some people will see immediate benefits, whereas others may not see any benefits until after their therapy series is complete.
24, What can I take into the chamber?
Please bring as few personal items as possible with you. Avoid using body oils, perfumes, lotions, nail polish and deodorants to prevent harmful vapours from forming in the chamber.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and mp3 players may be used within the chamber.
How long is each session?
A typical therapy session lasts between 60 – 90 minutes, depending on your condition and needs. This will be discussed with you at your initial assessment.
Will there be other people in the chamber?
No. Although some centres use much larger chambers, our chamber has been designed for individuals only. This helps us to ensure that your therapy is personalised to you and your needs.
What type of chamber do you use?
Our Henshaw Easy access Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber is made using medical grade materials that are extremely hygienic, safe and provide a luxurious experience.
1.31 ATA (4.5 psi) operating pressure
Internal and external monitoring gauges, providing added comfort and security
Automatic air pressure control system, the door is sealed by pressure
Wide viewing window that can help prevent feelings of claustrophobia and allow as much light into the chamber as possible
Delivers oxygen under pressure via face mask (optional)
Control system combines compressor, oxygen concentrator and dehumidifier/cooling unit
Lots of HBOT chambers use toxic glues to seal joints, which can leave unpleasant smells for the user. Instead, all of our HBOT Chambers are heat-welded for an ultra-strong bond that is free of toxic glues and harsh smells.
Are there different types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chambers?
Yes. There are different types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chambers which are each capable of delivering different therapies at different pressures.
The type of HBOT chambers found in hospitals are typically large, hard chambers with a higher ATA pressure (between 2 – 2.5 ATA). These are used to treat a wide range of serious conditions including radiation injury, poisoning and sickness in divers.
The type of HBOT chambers you’ll find at most private hyperbaric therapist centres are typically larger soft-shell chambers that operate at a lower ATA (between 1.3 - 1.5 ATA).
What is ATA?
ATA stands for Atmosphere Absolute and is commonly used when describing the average atmospheric pressure exerted at sea level. In Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, ATA refers to the pressure of the chamber.
One atmosphere absolute, or 1 ATA, is the average atmospheric pressure exerted at sea level. So if a therapist carried out a one-hour HBOT session at 2 ATA, the user will be breathing 100% oxygen, for one hour, while at 2 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy the same as going to an oxygen bar?
No. Although oxygen bars deliver higher concentrations of oxygen to the body, they do not use pressurized oxygen and therefore cannot deliver the same benefits at HBOT.
Do you provide disabled access?
Currently our chamber is on the first floor of the clinic, there is one set of stairs to walk up, This is something that may change in the future to be able to enable wheelchair users to use out chamber
prices
Please note : Each treatment is for the allocated time, however please allow 20 minutes extra time for pressurising and de-pressurising the chamber.
First session will include an initial consultation.
One off session
60 min session - £75
4 Treatment package
4 x 60 min Treatment - £280
10 Treatment Package
10 x 60min treatments - £650
20 Treatment Package
20 x 60 min sessions - £1,200
40 session Package
40 x 60 min session - £2,200
Please call to ask any questions or to book your appointment.