The Science Behind HBOT
In order to understand how HBO therapy works for our bodies, we must first understand how the circulatory system works. HBO therapy works hand-in-hand with our body’s circulatory system by helping the body circulate more oxygen to areas that need sufficient perfusion. This perfusion itself is the key to the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular problems.
Blood is mostly composed of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin, platelets, and plasma. Red blood cells are oxygen-carrying cells that are responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body’s tissues.
White blood cells are responsible for fighting bacteria and viruses in order to prevent infection. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, while blood clotting is the main role of platelets. Lastly, the component that constitutes almost half of the blood’s volume is the plasma; the plasma holds the blood cells and is responsible for distributing them to all parts of the body.
Oxygen is needed by the body in order to promote tissue growth and healing. It allows aerobic metabolism that aids in the production of glucose, which is needed for energy. Without oxygen, cells would starve, tissues would degenerate, and the whole body’s system would fail not long after. Under normal conditions, when a person inhales oxygen either through his/her mouth or nose, it would go directly to the lungs where the gas exchange occurs.
When the non-oxygenated blood reaches the lungs, specifically the alveoli, it will be replaced by oxygenated blood through the process of diffusion, and will circulate back through the body. Furthermore, the oxygen-rich blood will supply oxygen to the tissues and will circulate back to the lungs as non-oxygenated blood.
The purpose of HBO therapy is to increase the amount of oxygen that the tissues are receiving by increasing the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. For conditions like anemia, the body is receiving insufficient oxygen because of decreased RBCs. HBO therapy will saturate the blood with oxygen in order to temporarily restore it to a normal level of blood gases, in order to promote sufficient tissue perfusion.
During an HBO session, 100 percent of oxygen is introduced into the lungs under an increased atmospheric pressure. Due to an increased pressure, the oxygen dissolves into plasma; thus, making it hyper-oxygenated. Since plasma covers most of the blood, the bloodstream is now capable of carrying more oxygen. With the help of an oxygen-rich RBC and hyper-oxygenated plasma, the tissue will now receive more oxygen as compared to normal blood circulation. Since plasma is capable of seeping into different areas within the body, this would ensure that the tissues that are diminished and compromised will be well-perfused. Other than blood, plasma can also go into different body fluids, like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lymph nodes, and bone. HBO therapy also helps in fighting infection.
Durant, Brad. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Understanding the Hyperbaric Chamber (Hyperbaric Medicine, HBOT).
OXYGEN
Oxygen is one of the most common elements on earth and in the universe. It has a wide range of properties including paramagnetism and combustibility. Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas, and is the third most abundant element both on earth and in the broader universe. It has many applications such as in medicine and fuel combustion. Due to its highly reactive nature, oxygen unsurprisingly plays a vital role in both nature and industry. Most importantly, oxygen is responsible for so many vital biological processes, life on earth would not exist without its abundance.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works
Full-Service Outpatient Facility
524 Zeagler Drive | Palatka, FL 32177 | (386) 385-3857
Our Reviews
Gaye Jones
Great staff - knowledgeable and exciting to have such a state of the art medical program available locally!
Stephanie Hines
Wish I had known about this place sooner! The staff are caring, compassionate and very professional. Highly recommended!
Stephanie Evans
Hyperbarics Palatka has been an answer to my prayers. A combination of hyperbaric chamber therapy and amazing wound care have me well on my way to healing. Every person is compassionate and cares about improving my health. I have been totally impressed with the professionalism of all the staff at this facility. Thank you all so much!
Candice Love
My son was in a drowning accident in March of 22 we heard about hyperberic therapy and knew this was our next step we did 60 sessions and plan to do 60 more in a month or two since hyperberic therapy my son is more aware he is smiling moving his legs and arms his hands open he is grabbing things and getting faster with what he is asked to do at his therapy and he is all over more relaxed he also was able to get off the ventilator all the way including at night and eating food by mouth we are very happy with our results and can’t wait to see what the next 60 sessions will do for our beautiful son the staff is amazing super nice
Lucas Bond
I recently received hyperbaric treatment at the Palatka facility and was extremely impressed with the level of care and professionalism I received. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and made me feel completely at ease throughout the entire process. The treatment was effective and I saw noticeable improvements in my condition. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone in need of hyperbaric treatment.
Kenneth Dyal
The facility is well-run and clean, new, friendly, and feels welcoming. Can’t say enough great things about my experience here!
Belinda Wurn
I completed 40 sessions here last week. The facility is clean and welcoming. Mitch, the owner is great. He greets you with a big smile every day and was very friendly and helpful. Shania, the nurse was excellent as well. Very professional, knowledgeable, accommodating and friendly. I would highly recommend this facility for anyone in need of hyperbaric oxygen treatment.
Matthew Swiger
I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my experience here. Mitch, Leiane and Cassie are the absolute best in the business. I have never had such an experience in a medical office. Not only are they experts in Hyperbaric and wound care but you will be made to feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you are arrive. I really can not say enough about them. Thank you so very much! 👍❤️🙂
Dawn Casontti Gandy
These people are great. If you can benefit from this kind of therapy this is absolutely the place to do it.
Kathryn Karpinski
Hyperbaric therapy has been a lifesaver and a game-changer for me in so many ways. No medication had ever touched the debilitating brain symptoms I experienced due to severe chronic brain inflammation and was seriously depressed when I walked in the door. I'm feeling great relief like no other treatment. They have guided me through every step of the way and have been kind, caring, and compassionate throughout the whole ordeal. Thank you to Mitch, Shanaya, and the whole team for all you've done for me
Greg Kane
Due to a 95% blockage in my left leg artery… gangrene had begun on 3 toes… I then began 40 h ox treatments… it really works !!! I found the crew here very professional… highly recommend this form of therapy! Thanks