<p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a fascinating scientific wonder that harnesses the power of oxygen to heal. The science behind this therapy is quite straightforward, yet incredibly intriguing. It revolves around the concept of increased atmospheric pressure and the biological effects of pure oxygen on the human body.&nbsp;</p><p>Understanding the science behind HBOT is crucial to appreciating its benefits. Let's delve into the fundamentals of this therapy and explore how it harnesses the power of oxygen to promote wellness.</p><h2>The Basics of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy</h2><p><a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/what-is-hyperbarics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(51, 122, 183);">HBOT is an innovative medical treatment</a>&nbsp;that has gained traction in the past 20 years. But how does HBOT work? It involves a patient lying in a chamber wherein atmospheric pressure is increased.&nbsp;</p><p>While lying in the chamber, the patient breathes 100% pure oxygen through an oxygen mask to boost the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues throughout the body. The air you breathe normally has 21% oxygen. This increased oxygen can help promote healing, reduce swelling, and stimulate new blood vessel formation.&nbsp;</p><h3>Definition and Purpose of HBOT</h3><p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive treatment. As we mentioned, it utilizes 100% oxygen, and does so within a pressurized chamber. This oxygen under pressure enhances the delivery of oxygen to bones and soft tissues. It is approved by the FDA, Medicare, and several private insurance companies for a wide range of medical conditions.</p><p>By increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues and cells in the body, HBOT enhances the body's ability to repair and regenerate. This makes it an invaluable tool in various medical contexts, from wound healing to managing certain chronic conditions.</p><h2>How HBOT Works?</h2><p class="ql-align-center"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1694624424/bahyperbarics_10_10/hbot-chamber-1694624422524.jpg"></p><p>The increased oxygen supply that results from supplying 100% oxygen under elevated atmospheric pressure can promote healing and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/treatable-diagnoses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(51, 122, 183);">enhance the body's ability to combat various conditions.</a></p><h3>The Hyperbaric Chamber</h3><p>The hyperbaric chamber is a remarkable medical device that uses elevated atmospheric pressure to enhance healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy finds application in various medical contexts, like wound healing, treating decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation injury resulting from cancer treatment.&nbsp;</p><p>By increasing pressure and administering pure oxygen, the chamber improves tissue oxygenation and outcomes for diverse medical conditions. It's a testament to human advances in healthcare, offering hope and healing to individuals facing medical challenges that have not found a solution with traditional medicine.</p><h3>The Mechanism in Action</h3><p>Inside a hyperbaric chamber, the process unfolds with two key elements:&nbsp;pressurization&nbsp;and&nbsp;oxygen delivery.</p><p>Pressurization involves sealing the chamber and gradually increasing the pressure by introducing compressed air. This mimics the experience of being at greater depths underwater, albeit in a controlled and safe manner.</p><p>Simultaneously, patients breathe pure oxygen through a specialized mask. This high-oxygen environment facilitates the absorption of oxygen into the bloodstream, promoting efficient delivery to areas with compromised blood flow or damaged tissues, expediting healing. This combination of controlled pressure and oxygen administration forms the essence of the hyperbaric chamber's healing mechanism.</p><h3>Oxygen's Role in Healing and Recovery</h3><p class="ql-align-center"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1694624420/bahyperbarics_10_10/hbot-in-healing-1694624418272.jpg"></p><h2>What to Expect During an HBOT Session</h2><p>Now, it’s time to learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://bah-pq.vercel.app/latest-research/bay-area-hyperbarics-talks-with-parents-about-concussion-recovery-4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(51, 122, 183);">what you should expect from your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session</a>:</p><h3>Preparation</h3><p>Prior to your initial hyperbaric treatment, our knowledgeable medical staff will engage in a conversation with you. They will collect your medical background, address any inquiries you may have, and provide a thorough explanation of the hyperbaric process. Additionally, they will evaluate your suitability for hyperbaric treatment and arrange your intake and first session.</p><p>For your intake:</p><ol><li>Eat:&nbsp;Have a snack or meal an hour before your visit for energy, assuming you will get into the chamber after your intake.</li><li>Bring Info:&nbsp;Bring ID, insurance cards, and paperwork from your doctor.</li></ol><h3>First Steps</h3><p>When you arrive, we welcome you warmly, recognizing the significance of your first treatment. It's normal to feel a bit nervous before your initial session, but there's nothing to worry about. You can also watch an informative video to familiarize yourself with the process. In our clinic, we've created a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, where you can bring a family member or friend with you.&nbsp;</p><h3>Your Intake</h3><p>This session, conducted by David Roberts, our Senior Hyperbaric Technician with two decades of experience, or Suzanne White, or Nurse Practitioner, or Lisa St John, the Clinic Director for the past 25 years, occurs just before your first hyperbaric treatment. During this time, we'll discuss your expectations, the healing process, and how hyperbaric oxygen will address your specific condition. We'll also review your medical history and payment details, ensuring you understand your insurance coverage and how HBOT contributes to your recovery.</p><h3>Orientation to Your Chamber</h3><p>You'll meet your hyperbaric chamber and get comfy. Your technician assists with everything, and you can select a movie to watch while the treatment is being done. Many patients find the chamber cozy for relaxation and meditation.</p><h3>Your Treatment</h3><p>Your technician ensures your comfort. Pressure changes may affect your ears, similar to flying. You can sleep, watch a movie, or chat while being inside the chamber. Pressurization and depressurization takes 10 to 15 minutes and your technician is always with you.</p><h3>Emerging from the Chamber</h3><p>Some patients say they need a few minutes to orient themselves before they get on with their day, and we can provide refreshments. Hyperbaric treatment can be energetically demanding. We're here to support your healing journey by constantly monitoring you.</p><h3>After Treatment</h3><p>Be gentle with yourself, avoid strenuous activities, and get enough rest. We're here to help if you have questions or concerns. Your comfort and healing are our priorities.</p><h2>Get Started with Bay Area Hyperbarics!</h2><p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy operates at the intersection of science and medicine, leveraging the remarkable properties of oxygen to enhance the body's healing capacity. By immersing patients in a pressurized environment and increasing oxygen levels, HBOT contributes to faster recovery and improved well-being.</p><p>At&nbsp;Bay Area Hyperbarics, we strive to provide clients with the best possible hyperbaric oxygen therapy experience. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable practitioners and state-of-the-art facilities offer the latest medical technology. If you want to learn more about HBOT or start a treatment plan, don't hesitate to reach out and&nbsp;<a href="https://bayareahyperbarics.as.me/schedule.php?calendarID=8352752" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(51, 122, 183);">book a consultation today</a>! We're here to help you experience the healing power of oxygen.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Uncover the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its benefits in our guide. Discover how this innovative treatment works and its potential for health needs.</span></p>

The Science Behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How Does It Work?

<h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: The Future of Medical Therapy</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is quickly gaining traction in the medical field as a future-forward therapy. This innovative treatment involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized room or chamber.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">The increasing acceptance and research around HBOT reveal its potential in managing more complex conditions. This includes treatments for serious infections, anoxic brain injuries, and wounds that won't heal due to diabetes or radiation injury. Join us as we dive deeper into the compelling world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?</span></h3><p><a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/what-is-hyperbarics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a cutting-edge treatment</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"> that harnesses the power of 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber through an oxygen mask. Enhancing oxygen delivery to bones and soft tissues offers a non-invasive solution for promoting healing and rejuvenation. The FDA, Medicare, and private insurance companies have approved various medical conditions.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Work?</span></h3><p class="ql-align-center"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1694109484/bahyperbarics_10_10/how-does-hbot-works-1694109483280.jpg"></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">HBOT capitalizes on oxygen's remarkable properties. Under heightened pressure, oxygen becomes more soluble in the bloodstream, facilitating its delivery to cells and tissues. This oxygen-rich environment triggers various physiological responses that enhance healing and support the body's natural regenerative processes.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">In simple steps, here's how HBOT works:</span></p><p><br></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The patient enters a chamber that is pressurized with medical-grade air to increase atmospheric pressure, and is fed 100% oxygen through an oxygen mask.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">This pressure forces the oxygen to penetrate the skin and bones into tissue cells.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Oxygen-rich blood flow enhances the healing process, stimulates new stem cell growth, and promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The HBOT procedure is completed within two hours, with no downtime or recovery following the session. This depending on the patient, sometimes it is necessary to check the patients blood pressure, their blood sugar levels or help them clear their ears after the procedure.</span></li></ol><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Medical Conditions and Benefits</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">HBOT's potential reaches far and wide, offering </span><a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/treatable-diagnoses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">benefits for various medical conditions</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">It has been used to treat conditions including:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Chronic wounds&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Traumatic brain injury and anoxic brain injury</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stroke recovery&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Decompression sickness&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Sports injuries and athletic recovery</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Osteomyelitis (bone infection)&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Carbon monoxide poisoning</span></li></ul><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">HBOT can also help improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote the development of new blood vessels.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">By providing oxygen-rich tissues and stimulating cell growth, HBOT can help accelerate wound healing, reduce pain, and restore tissue to its healthy state. It's an incredible way to support natural healing without intensive or invasive treatments.</span></p><p><br></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Technological Advancements in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy</span></h3><p class="ql-align-center"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1694109649/bahyperbarics_10_10/hbot-technology-1694109647721.jpg"></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">The rise of HBOT treatment is largely due to the development of advanced hyperbaric technology. State-of-the-art chambers provide precise pressure control and advanced safety features. Rigorous safety measures and protocols ensure patients' well-being throughout the therapy. In addition, we have medical staff on site during treatment, as well as EMTs and Certified Hyperbaric Technicians (CHTs).&nbsp;</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(67, 67, 67);">Modern HBOT Chambers and Equipment</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">The modern systems are designed with safety and convenience. Today's HBOT systems feature powerful controllers that regulate oxygen flow and pressure levels, ensuring the exact pressure to ensure optimal healing.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(67, 67, 67);">Safety Measures and Protocols</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Safety remains paramount in HBOT. Stringent protocols are in place to improve patient conditions, manage potential side effects, and maintain a secure treatment environment. They also offer oxygen monitoring and automatic emergency shut-off features. We follow treatment protocols recommended by the Undersea &amp; Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), Medicare and the FDA.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Future of Therapy</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">The horizon of medical therapy is undergoing a transformative shift, and HBOT is at the forefront. As research and understanding of HBOT's benefits grow, it's increasingly integrated into mainstream medical practice, offering patients new avenues for improved health.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(67, 67, 67);">Integration into Mainstream Medical Practice</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">The future holds exciting possibilities for HBOT. As its efficacy gains recognition, HBOT is being embraced by healthcare professionals as a complementary and standalone therapy, contributing to comprehensive patient care.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Embracing the Potential of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is rapidly emerging as a multi-faceted solution for various medical conditions. If you're interested in exploring the benefits of HBOT, it's important to talk with your medical professional. If you have questions, you can contact our medical staff, who can help you make the right decision about whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is right for you or a loved-one.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">At </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Bay Area Hyperbarics</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">, we are the longest-running independent HBOT clinic in the country and have helped heal thousands of patients. Our team is committed to providing compassionate care and personalized treatment plans to help you reach your health goals. </span><a href="https://bayareahyperbarics.as.me/schedule.php?calendarID=8352752" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Schedule a free consultation today</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(14, 16, 26);"> to learn more about our services!&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">In this blog, discover the growing benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for a variety of medical conditions and how it may be the right choice for you.</span></p>

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Medical Treatment

<h1>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide</h1><p>When it comes to innovative and effective therapies, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is gaining significant attention for its potential to promote healing, enhance well-being, and address a range of health concerns. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the potential applications and diverse benefits of HBOT, shedding light on how this therapy harnesses the power of oxygen to offer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/treatable-diagnoses" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">a holistic approach to wellness for various medical conditions.</a></p><h2>Exploring the Potential Applications and Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy</h2><p><br></p><p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1694115606/bahyperbarics_10_10/application-of-hbot-1694115605421.jpg"></p><p><br></p><p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy isn't just a singular approach – it's a versatile tool with a wide array of benefits. Let's take a closer look at the specific applications where HBOT shines:</p><h3>Healing Acceleration and Tissue Regeneration</h3><p>HBOT's ability to accelerate healing processes and promote tissue regeneration is one of its top advantages. By saturating tissues with oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, HBOT fosters optimal conditions for the body's natural healing mechanisms to thrive.</p><h3>Non-Healing Wounds and Ulcers</h3><p>For patients dealing with non-healing wounds and stubborn ulcers, HBOT offers a promising solution. By delivering oxygen-rich blood to affected areas, HBOT can facilitate healing, potentially reducing recovery time and enhancing overall well-being.</p><h3>Oxygenation of Brain Tissues</h3><p>The brain thrives on oxygen, and HBOT capitalizes on this by oxygenating brain tissues. This process may improve cognitive function, mental clarity, and overall brain health. Having the correct amount of oxygen in the brain, HBOT can help reduce cognitive decline, memory loss, and other neurodegenerative conditions.</p><h3>Cardiovascular Health and Enhanced Blood Flow</h3><p>HBOT doesn't just benefit localized areas; it can also positively impact cardiovascular health. HBOT promotes heart health and overall vitality by enhancing blood flow and circulation. For cardiovascular health issues such as hypertension, HBOT can effectively complement conventional treatments.</p><h3>Inflammation Reduction and Pain Management</h3><p>Inflammation plays a significant role in chronic pain, and HBOT offers a promising solution by soothing inflammatory responses. This therapy shows potential in alleviating chronic pain and targeting specific types like headaches and migraines. By creating an oxygen-rich environment, HBOT demonstrates its ability to reduce inflammation and provide effective pain management, presenting a compelling approach for those seeking relief.</p><h3>Neurological Disorders and Rehabilitation</h3><p>HBOT offers potential benefits for those with neurological disorders and conditions and patients looking to rehabilitate from an injury or illness. This therapy can be used with other treatments to facilitate recovery and improve outcomes. HBOT is being explored for its role in aiding neurological healing and restoration from stroke recovery to neurodegenerative conditions.</p><h3>Immune System Enhancement</h3><p>A robust immune system is crucial for overall health. HBOT help to bolster the body's defenses by promoting a healthy immune response. By stimulating the release of oxygen-rich hemoglobin, HBOT facilitates efficient white blood cell activity and can enhance immunity overall.</p><h3>Radiation Therapy Support</h3><p>Radiation therapy is a common approach for treating cancer, but can lead to tissue damage and other complications. HBOT can support those undergoing this treatment by stimulating repair mechanisms and promoting overall healing.&nbsp;</p><h3>Pre and Post-Surgery Preparation</h3><p>Surgeries can be taxing on the body, putting patients at risk for complications. To help support better outcomes, HBOT is being offered as a pre-operative tool to facilitate tissue healing and improve overall wellness before surgery. This therapy may also be used post-operatively to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and accelerate recovery time.&nbsp;</p><h3>Athletic Performance and Recovery</h3><p>For athletes, recovery time is of the essence. HBOT shows potential to enhance muscle regeneration and repair, helping individuals bounce back from intense workouts and training sessions. HBOT may also improve performance in the long run by oxygenating muscle tissue.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbqmQZX8xYE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183);">Brandi Chastain and Hyperbaric Medicine</a></p><p><br></p><h2>Tailoring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to Your Needs</h2><p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy presents an array of potential benefits that go beyond healing acceleration and tissue regeneration. From immune system enhancement to cardiovascular health and beyond,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/what-is-hyperbarics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">HBOT offers a holistic approach to wellness</a>&nbsp;by leveraging the power of oxygen to support the body's natural healing processes.&nbsp;</p><p>At&nbsp;<strong>Bay Area Hyperbarics</strong>, we understand the importance of using evidence-based treatments to promote healing and enhance well-being. We are proud to be&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/about-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">the longest-running independent hyperbaric clinic in the country</a>, helping thousands of patients on their journey towards optimal health.&nbsp;<a href="https://bayareahyperbarics.as.me/schedule.php?calendarID=8352752" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Schedule a free consultation today</a>&nbsp;for more information about how HBOT can benefit you or any loved ones under your care.&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Explore the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and find out how it can help improve your overall health, from your immune system to cardiovascular health.</span></p>

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits

<h2><strong style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Expedite Recovery from Sports-related Injuries</strong></h2><p>Sports injuries are common for athletes at all levels. Numerous professional athletes embrace hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a part of their recovery regimen and have reported exceptional results. We have seen NFL players, soccer stars, MMA champions, and high school athletes with concussions, torn ligaments, muscle tears and strains. All of the athletes we have seen have experienced faster healing and shortened rehabilitation periods for a quicker return to peak performance.</p><p>Athletes often tell us that HBOT reduces swelling and pain almost immediately. The increased oxygen supply stimulates the body's natural healing processes and promotes tissue repair, making it a game-changer for athletes looking to expedite their recovery from sports-related injuries. In fact, some of our athlete patients have told us that HBOT cuts the time to heal from injury by one half or more. Daniel Cormier, world champion MMA fighter, received an injury from one bout that required him to walk with crutches. After only two hyperbaric sessions, he was back to running and his normal workout regimen.</p><h2><strong>How HBOT Accelerates Healing</strong></h2><ol><li><strong>Enhanced Oxygen Delivery</strong>: The primary mechanism behind HBOT's effectiveness lies in its ability to flood the body with high levels of oxygen. This increased oxygen supply helps to revitalize damaged tissues, boost collagen production, and promote the formation of new blood vessels, fostering a more rapid healing response. Oxygen is a crucial component in the body's healing process. Damaged tissues need more of it to heal. However, inflammation and scar tissue make it more difficult for oxygen to reach damaged tissues. During HBOT treatments, you breathe 100% oxygen under increased pressure, which increases oxygen in the blood by over 1,200%. This allows it to reach deeper tissues and areas with restricted blood flow due to injury.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Reduced Inflammation:</strong> Sports injuries often lead to inflammation, which can delay the recovery process. HBOT has been found to decrease inflammation by reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to faster resolution of swelling and pain.</li><li><strong>Neurological Repair: </strong>Injuries to the nervous system, such as concussions, anoxic brain injury, traumatic brain injury and nerve damage can significantly impact an athlete's performance. Research has shown clear evidence that HBOT supports neurological repair by stimulating brain cell regeneration, down regulating inflammation and swelling, and improving nerve conduction.</li><li><strong>Improved Immune Function:</strong> The new oxygen-rich environment increases the number and enhances the functioning of white blood cells, bolstering the immune system's response to infection and facilitating tissue repair. It also promotes the production of white blood cells and enhances their ability to fight infections. This immune-boosting effect can be particularly beneficial for athletes recovering from open wounds or surgical procedures, reducing the risk of infection and expediting recovery.</li><li><strong>Accelerated wound healing:</strong> Increased oxygen levels support the growth of new tissue and help repair damaged blood vessels, leading to faster wound closure and reduced scarring.</li></ol><p>As more athletes and medical professionals recognize the potential of HBOT, its integration into the standard rehabilitation protocols for sports injuries is becoming more prevalent, helping athletes return to the field, court or ice stronger and more resilient than ever before.</p><h2><strong>Common Sports Injuries Benefiting from HBOT</strong></h2><p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has exhibited positive results in aiding the healing of various sports-related injuries, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Muscle Tears and Strains: </strong>HBOT accelerates the repair of damaged muscle fibers, helping athletes regain strength and mobility faster after suffering muscle injuries.</li><li><strong>Ligament and Tendon Injuries: </strong>For conditions like ligament sprains or tendonitis, HBOT promotes collagen synthesis, increasing the tensile strength and flexibility of these connective tissues.</li><li><strong>Fractures and Bone Injuries:</strong> HBOT supports bone healing by stimulating osteoblast activity, the cells responsible for bone formation, and enhancing the production of bone-building proteins.</li><li><strong>Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs):</strong> HBOT has demonstrated neuroprotective effects and can reduce swelling in the brain, aiding in the recovery process for athletes with head injuries.</li></ul><h2><strong>References</strong></h2><ol><li><a href="https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-021-00403-w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Mitochondrial Respiration and Physical Performance in Middle-Aged Athletes: A Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial</a>. Amir Hadanny, et al., Sports Med Open. 2022 Feb 8;8(1):22. doi: 10.1186/s40798-021-00403-w.</li><li><a href="http://www.apple.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hyperbaric Oxygen&nbsp;Therapy&nbsp;in&nbsp;Sports Musculoskeletal Injuries</a>. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Moghadam+N&amp;cauthor_id=31876671" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(32, 84, 147);">Navid Moghadam</a>, et al. Med Sci Sports Exerc<span style="color: rgb(0, 113, 188);">.&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(91, 97, 107);">2020 Jun;52(6):1420-1426.</span></li></ol>

<p>Athletes we have treated tell us that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helped heal their sports injuries and shortened athletic recovery times by 50% or more. Athletes of all levels, from high school to professional, note that HBOT reduces swelling and pain almost immediately. </p>

The Game-Changer for Sports Injuries: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

<p>Bay Area Hyperbarics is quite proud to announce the addition of two exceptionally experienced, competent and compassionate Nurse Practitioners to our medical staff:</p><ul><li>Michelle Steiny, MSN, CNS, NP-C</li><li>Suzanne White, BSN, RN, NP</li></ul><p>Our goal is to continue to provide you with exquisite care, and to ensure you have all the time you need with a medical providers to help you understand your treatment and progress, to answer any questions you might have, and guide you along your journey with us. From the time you first talk with a member of our staff until you have finished your treatments, we want you to feel our team’s ongoing support. Indeed, many of our patients have remarked that we support them like they are a precious family member. This is exactly why Michelle and Suzanne are here: Because they care deeply about you and your treatment time with us.</p><p>The next time you visit Bay Area Hyperbarics, reach out and ask to meet them both. Either Michelle or Suzanne will work with you throughout your treatment. They will help you understand hyperbarics and what to expect as your treatment progresses. They will talk with you frequently and communicate with your physician and care team about your progress.</p><h2><strong>Michelle Steiny, MSN, CNS, NP-C</strong></h2><p>Michelle is a Nurse Practitioner with 20 years of experience in helping patients manage their health and work through health problems in outpatient settings. She is dedicated to improving her patients’ overall health and wellness through medicine and science. She believes in a holistic approach to healthcare. This includes preventive care to improve patients’ quality of life, such as nutrition, movement, exercise and lifestyle modifications enhanced by recent science and medication management. She provides her patients with personalized care that addresses their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1687549525/bahyperbarics_10_10/michelle-1000-min-1687549523471.png"></p><p>Michelle is committed to staying up to date with the latest research and advancements in healthcare and is always looking for new ways to improve patient outcomes.</p><p>In Michelle’s own words, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), first identified in the 1600’s, was developed in the 1800’s to treat decompression sickness. HBOT is known to be an effective method to regenerate and protect soft tissue in non-healing diabetic wounds, thereby reducing amputations. HBOT helps promote graft and skin flap healing, promotes healing of thermal wounds, and promotes healing before and after surgery. Early treatment has been shown to reduce idiopathic hearing loss.</p><p>HBOT has also been shown to maintain retinal oxygenation Central Retinal Artery Occlusion. Recent studies show promise in improving overall health by reducing inflammation. Studies in Israel and Florida show HBOT appears to stimulate stem cells, reduce inflammation and maintain telomere length and are looking to HBOT to improve overall health and longevity.&nbsp;</p><p>I am excited to join the worldwide hyperbaric medical community and be able to provide HBOT to our patients and families here in the Bay Area.”</p><h2><strong>Suzanne White, BSN, RN, NP</strong></h2><p>Suzanne is a Family Nurse Practitioner with 18 years of healthcare experience. Although new to Hyperbarics, her passion for providing patients with the highest quality of care has been consistent throughout her career. She appreciates in particular that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a unique and effective treatment that can help patients with a wide range of medical conditions, from chronic wounds to radiation injuries. She is committed to educating her patients about the benefits (and potential risks) of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. She is passionate about her work and takes great pride in helping her patients achieve their health and wellness goals.</p><p><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dzo2yu9vs/image/upload/v1687549518/bahyperbarics_10_10/suzanne-1000-min-1687549516235.png"></p><p>In Suzanne’s own words, “I strive to help patients achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized treatment plans and compassionate care.&nbsp;I am excited to share my knowledge and expertise with you and look forward to helping you on your journey to better health. If you are interested in learning more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and how it may benefit you, I am always available to answer any questions you may have.&nbsp;Please don't hesitate to contact me to schedule a consultation. I look forward to hearing from you soon!”</p>

<p>Meet our two nurse practitioners, who joined Bay Area Hyperbarics in May, 2023</p>

Welcome Our Two New Nurse Practitioners: Michelle Steiny and Suzanne White

<h1>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats Numerous Medical Conditions</h1><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been widely used to treat various medical conditions, including non-healing wounds and radiation injuries. Some radiation oncologists though have expressed concern about HBOT for patients with malignant cancer cells or tumors. Specifically, they question whether HBOT can lead to further growth of malignant cancer cells or promote the growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis) that can supply blood and oxygen to tumors, which causes them to spread.</p><h2><strong>Research Shows that HBOT Does Not Stimulate Tumor Growth</strong></h2><p>That said, research strongly suggests that hyperbarics does not stimulate tumor growth. Some recent studies in fact suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may actually inhibit tumor growth.</p><p>It is important to understand that tumor angiogenesis is a complex process that is influenced by many factors. The main issue though is that there are real differences in how angiogenesis works to heal wounds versus how it works on tumors and cancer malignancies.</p><p>Let’s take a look at some background about the impact of angiogenesis in cancer patients. Tumors that grow in oxygen deprived (hypoxic) environments are:</p><ul><li>more prone to spreading (metastases)&nbsp;</li><li>more lethal to patients</li><li>more likely to mutate, which makes them more resistant to treatment</li></ul><p>A tumor cell that is hypoxic has a very low blood flow, which means that they can’t receive as much of the chemotherapy drugs that are intended to kill the cells. It turns out that by increasing oxygen in tumor cells, HBOT makes tumors more sensitive to irradiation and chemotherapy drugs. Basically, increased oxygen makes these therapies function better.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, hyperbaric oxygen helps heal the rest of the body, including the cells surrounding the tumor. Hyperbaric oxygen also causes the body to eliminate cells that are becoming less effective and are dying (senescent cells). HBOT increases the removal of senescent cells by up to 37%, which helps the rest of the body function better.</p><p>In essence, there has been no high quality research on cancer growth and angiogenesis in tumors that shows hyperbaric oxygen therapy promoting the growth of malignant cancer cells or metastases. According to current research, a history of malignancy should not be considered a contraindication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. There has been fear from oncologists. These fears are reasonable because caution keeps us all safe. Fortunately, these fears turn out to be unfounded and HBOT has been shown to be safe for cancer patients.</p><h2><strong>HBOT Offers Some Anti-tumor Effects</strong></h2><p>Moreover, some recent studies have shown that HBOT can actually have anti-tumor effects. They also highlight several likely mechanisms that cause these anti-tumor effects. One way hyperbaric oxygen inhibits tumor growth is by increasing oxygen levels within tumor tissues. Tumors tend to have a disorganized and inefficient vascular network. Thus, when HBOT delivers a high oxygen content to tumor cells, it can prove toxic to tumor cells. In medical terms, oxygen under pressure can stimulate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in tumor cells, leading to their death.</p><h2><strong>HBOT Can Increase the Effectiveness of Some Chemo Drugs</strong></h2><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been found to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy and certain chemotherapeutic drugs:</p><ul><li>Radiation therapy relies on the production of reactive oxygen species to damage tumor DNA. HBOT can amplify this effect by increasing oxygen levels within the tumor.&nbsp;</li><li>HBOT has been shown to sensitize tumor cells to some chemotherapeutic agents. These cells are then more susceptible to the drugs' effects, which are to kill tumors. In other words, HBOT helps some chemotherapy drugs to kill tumors.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Specifically, HBOT can help increase the effectiveness of Doxil. In these Stage 3 trials, HBOT was shown to overcome tumor hypoxia, which improved tumor penetration for DOXIL.</p><p>HBOT not only improved Doxil tumor penetration by decreasing the collagen deposition, but also sensitized tumor cells to Doxil. As a result, the combination treatment synergistically inhibited H22 tumor growth, with a tumor inhibition rate of 91.5%. The authors concluded that the combination of HBOT with Doxil showed neither extra side effects nor promotion of tumor metastasis. These findings revealed that the combination of HBOT with Doxil is a safe and effective treatment modality.</p><h2><strong>HBOT Increases Immune Response</strong></h2><p>HBOT can also modulate the tumor microenvironment and the immune system in a couple ways:</p><ul><li>Adding oxygen to tumor tissues can increase the number of immune cells (such as cytotoxic T cells) into the tumor. These cells can help in the recognition and destruction of cancer cells.</li><li>HBOT has also been shown to reduce the expression of certain proteins involved in tumor invasiveness and metastasis.</li></ul><p>Studies are currently underway to look at the combination of HBOT and radiation for glioblastoma.</p><h2><strong>Our Approach to Treating Patients</strong></h2><p>As with patients undergoing treatment for any medical condition, it is essential to carefully evaluate each patient's condition and consult with an oncologist. Our goal is to determine the suitability and potential benefits of HBOT as part of an individualized cancer treatment plan.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>We Work Closely with the Patient’s Care Team</strong></h3><p>Our approach to working with patients, regardless of condition, is to work closely with the patient’s care team, which includes their primary care physician as well as specialists, including Oncologists. Oncologists who currently refer patients to Bay Area Hyperbarics stay updated with the latest research. They also consult with other healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about treatment options for their patients. Getting this right matters.</p><h3><strong>Thorough Evaluation and Screening Process</strong></h3><p>Before initiating HBOT, patients undergo a thorough evaluation and screening process to identify any contraindications or potential risks. This assessment helps determine whether a patient is suitable for HBOT and ensures that any underlying conditions or medications are taken into consideration to maximize safety.</p><h3><strong>Tailored Treatment Plan</strong></h3><p>In addition, each patient's treatment plan is tailored to their specific medical condition and needs. The duration and frequency of HBOT sessions are determined based on the patient's diagnosis, response to treatment, and overall health status. This personalized approach helps minimize the risks and maximizes the therapeutic benefits.</p><h3><strong>We Follow All Standard Protocols</strong></h3><p>Our physicians, nurses and technicians follow specific treatment protocols approved by Medicare, the UHMS (Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Society), and leading peer-reviewed research in the field.</p><h3><strong>Studies</strong></h3><p>1. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20562529/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20562529/</a></p><p>Oxygenation inhibits ovarian tumor growth by downregulating STAT3 and cyclin-D1 expressions. Cancer Biol Ther. 2010 Aug 15;10(4):386-90. Karuppaiyah Selvendiran et al.</p><p>2. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19787219/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19787219/</a></p><p>Hyperbaric oxygen as a chemotherapy adjuvant in the treatment of osteosarcoma. Once Rep. 2009 Nov;22(5):1045-50. Yasuomi Kawasoe, et al.</p><p>3. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12841604/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12841604/</a></p><p>Hyperbaric oxygen: does it promote growth or recurrence of malignancy? Undersea Hyperb Med. 2003 Spring;30(1):1-18.</p><p>4. <a href="https://www.uhms.org/images/MEDFAQs/Medical-Patient_Care/Daruwalla_hyperbaric_oxygen_and_cancer.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.uhms.org/images/MEDFAQs/Medical-Patient_Care/Daruwalla_hyperbaric_oxygen_and_cancer.pdf</a></p><p>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Malignancy: A Review. World Journal of Surgery. 2006. World J Surf, 2006, 30: 2112-2131. Justine Daruwalla, et al.</p><p>5. <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.201700859" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.201700859</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Wiley Online Library, Advanced Science. Wu X, Zhu Y, Huang W, Li J, Zhang B, Li Z, Yang X. Hyperbaric Oxygen Potentiates Doxil Antitumor Efficacy by Promoting Tumor Penetration and Sensitizing Cancer Cells. Adv Sci (Weinh). 2018 Jun 25</p>

<p>Research strongly suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not stimulate tumor growth. Some recent studies in fact suggest that HBOT may actually inhibit tumor growth, especially in combination with specific chemotherapy drugs.</p>

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe for Cancer Patients?

<h1>Hyperbarics: The Best Anti-Aging Therapy?</h1><p>Truthfully though, <em style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">anti aging</em> isn’t quite the right term. A more accurate term is <em style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">reverse aging</em>, because hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proven scientifically to reverse the biological markers of aging in ways that no other pill, creme or therapy to-date can!</p><p>In fact, leading researchers and physicians are calling hyperbaric oxygen therapy the fountain of youth: Patients actually grow younger in a biological sense.</p><p>The first question I get is “isn’t this too good to be true?” The truth is that the healing benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy don’t happen over night. Hyperbarics requires you to invest a great deal of time and energy to achieve results. The issue though is that it does work. Benefits include you feeling:</p><ul><li>less pain in your body</li><li>more energized, vital and able to engage in activities you had given up, perhaps decades ago</li><li>quicker mentally and improvements to your memory</li></ul><p>Patients often report improved wellbeing after one or two sessions of HBOT. However, the recommended protocol for reverse aging is up to 60 sessions.</p><h2><strong>From Wound Healing to Reverse Aging</strong></h2><p>HBOT has traditionally known for its applications in wound healing, preventing amputations resulting from diabetic foot wounds, and treating illnesses such as radiation damage. However, due to significant research over the past five years, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is increasingly gaining recognition for its potential to slow down the aging process.</p><p>Researchers from Tel Aviv University and the Shamir Medical Center in Israel found some exciting data. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments in healthy adults can stop the aging of blood cells. It can even reverse the aging process. In essence, the study participants’ blood cells actually grew younger in a biological sense as treatments progressed.</p><p>Let’s examine some of the&nbsp;benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an anti-aging treatment, as shown in recent research.</p><h2><strong>Hyperbarics 101— What It Is</strong></h2><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The air you breathe has 21% oxygen, whereas in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, you breathe 100% oxygen.</p><p>The atmospheric pressure around you at sea level is 1 ATA. Technicians use hyperbaric chambers to increase atmospheric pressure. The range is between 1.5 ATA and 2.8 ATA. This is based on the protocol recommended by the Undersea Hyperbaric Medical Association (UHMA) and leading research in the field.</p><p>This oxygen-under-pressure increases the oxygen concentration in your body by over 1200%. This process also enables oxygen to dissolve in bodily fluids. This dissolved oxygen can then reach areas of the body with limited blood flow.</p><p>Studies show that HBOT gives you a higher energy level and has few side effects. The most common side effect is patients needing extra time to clear their ears.</p><h2><strong>Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Anti-Aging</strong></h2><p>Researchers have known for years that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a range of benefits. These include cellular regeneration and collagen production, reduced inflammation, improved cognitive function, and increased energy and vitality. Some recent breakthrough research though has shown that HBOT can actually help reverse biological aging.&nbsp;</p><h3>Recent Major Breakthrough Research</h3><p>The recent research identified mechanisms that reverse two processes associated with aging and resulting illnesses:</p><ol><li>Lengthening of telomeres. Telomeres are protective regions located at both ends of every chromosome in ever cell in your body. Normally, they grow shorter as the body ages until the cell dies. During hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments, telomeres grow longer instead of shorter. Moreover, they did so at a rate of 20% to 38%, depending on the type of cell.</li><li>Removal of old and malfunctioning or <em>senescent</em> cells in the body. Senescent cells are toxic to other healthy cells, so removing them helps strengthen surrounding cells. Cell death is a natural process. However, as we age, our bodies struggle to remove dying cells and replace them with new, healthy cells. During these studies, the presence of senescent cells decreased by between 11% and 37%, depending on the type of cell.&nbsp;</li></ol><p>Researchers around the world are trying to find the holy grail of environmental and pharmacological treatments that can lengthen telomeres. Hyperbarics does this exactly. They proved that the aging process can be not only slowed, but biologically reversed at the cellular level.</p><h3>Striking Research that We’ve Known for a While</h3><p>We have known for years that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is beneficial. It helps patients feel better and function more like a younger person. Some of these benefits include:</p><ol><li><strong>Cellular Regeneration and Collagen Production:</strong> One of the primary effects of HBOT is the promotion of cellular regeneration. Increased oxygen levels are essential to form new new blood vessels, stimulate collagen production, and enhance the healing of damaged tissues. Collagen, a vital structural protein, is responsible for maintaining the elasticity and strength of the skin, helping to combat wrinkles and fine lines commonly associated with aging. Many people report that friends and family tell them “you look so much younger! Did you do something special?” In our patients, we notice that it reduces small wrinkles and causes the skin to radiate a healthy glow.</li><li><strong>Reduced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress:</strong> <span style="color: rgb(25, 27, 35);">Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributors to the aging process. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proven to have anti-inflammatory effects. It reduces the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases the body's ability to neutralize dangerous free radicals. HBOT minimizes inflammation and oxidative stress. This helps to preserve and regenerate the integrity of organs, bone, tissues, and cells. Slowing down the aging process is a result.</span></li><li><strong>Improved Cognitive Function:</strong> As we age, cognitive decline becomes a concern for many individuals. HBOT has shown promising results in improving cognitive function, memory, and attention. The increased oxygen levels in the brain promote neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize and form new neurons and connections. This enhances cognitive abilities, potentially reducing the risk of age-related cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and increasing brain processing speeds by up to 38%.&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Enhanced Energy Levels and Vitality.</strong> HBOT increases energy levels. It does this by enhancing mitochondrial function, which is the generator of energy in our cells. Additionally, it helps to harmonize some important hormones. HBOT increases oxygen supply, which optimizes cellular respiration efficiency. This boosts energy levels and enhances vitality. Renewed energy can have many benefits. It can improve well-being, motivation, and productivity. <span style="color: rgb(25, 27, 35);">This enhances cognitive abilities. It potentially reduces the risk of age-related cognitive disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. It also increases brain processing speeds by up to 38%.</span></li><li><strong>Accelerated Healing and Recovery:</strong> Aging is often accompanied by slower healing and increased recovery times. HBOT's ability to enhance collagen production, tissue regeneration, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation can significantly accelerate healing processes. This includes helping aging skin by reducing or clearing sun damage and visible bruising. Whether recovering from an injury, surgery, or age-related conditions, HBOT can expedite recovery and improve overall quality of life.</li></ol><h2><strong>Our Approach to Your Reverse-Aging Therapy</strong></h2><p>What can you expect as part of your treatment to help reverse biological aging in your brain and body? You will meet a member of our medical staff for any hyperbaric treatment.</p><p>They will discuss your medical history with you. After that, you will be medically cleared for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. One of our Nurse Practitioners (NPs) will be your personal guide, partner and health educator through your healing journey.</p><p>We take time with each patient. We look at you holistically. This includes understanding the various factors that support your life. Such as nutrition, exercise, sleep and other aspects that affect your life.</p><p>One of the key things we do is to help repattern your brain to effect specific changes you want to see. We can help you find the results you want to achieve.</p><p>These results include reducing pain, improving memory and processing speed, increasing range of motion, and improving balance. For a stroke patient, your goal might be to lift your hand. There are exercises we have you conduct while in the chamber to enhance cognition and coordination.</p><h2><strong>Meet with our Medical Staff to Reverse Your Biological Aging Today</strong></h2><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is revolutionizing the anti-aging industry, offering a safe and non-invasive approach to rejuvenation. Research shows that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a promising treatment to reverse biological aging. It has the ability to increase telomere length, enhance cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function.</p><p>Optimizing bodily functions helps to mitigate the effects of aging at the cellular level. This can benefit your bones, organs, muscles, brain, and skin. <span style="color: rgb(25, 27, 35);">It can also help decrease age related diseases and illnesses. </span>HBOT enables you and your family members to not only look younger, but also feel more energetic and vibrant.</p><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is quite safe. However, our medical staff must speak with you before starting any treatment. Proper guidance and personalized treatment plans can help you, your family, and your lovers harness the potential of HBOT. This will enable you to age gracefully and enjoy a more youthful and vibrant life.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(25, 27, 35);">Age does not define us. Science and treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help us unlock secrets for a healthier life, no matter our age. We can lead fulfilling lives regardless of our age.</span></p>

<p><strong>The Fountain of Youth: Exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as an Anti-Aging Treatment</strong></p>

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats Age-Related Decline

<h2><strong>Beyond Core Conditions</strong></h2><p>As you’ve seen on our blog to-date, numerous studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a powerful tool in the management of a wide range of medical conditions, from wound healing and tissue regeneration to healing long covid to the treatment of concussions and traumatic brain injury. One area where our physician partners have increasingly recognized the value of HBOT is plastic surgery.</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Patient Case Study</strong></h2><p>One patient came to us the day after he cut a tendon in his thumb with a power saw and received 16 stitches. Honestly, the wound looked ghastly. After two weeks of hyperbarics, his doctor looked at the wound and did a double-take, looking into his notes and said “Wait— we must have entered the date of your accident wrong— it wasn’t just two weeks ago that this happened. This looks like six weeks of healing. How is that possible?” It was possible because of hyperbarics.</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Why HBOT Helps with Plastic Surgery</strong></h2><p>The increased pressure and oxygen levels in HBOT provide greater oxygen concentration in the blood. This helps promote healing by directly increasing oxygenation of injured tissues. It also has secondary benefits, including stimulating the growth of new blood vessels and tissue, as well as reducing inflammation and swelling.</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Grafts and Flaps</strong></h2><p>First and foremost, HBOT can greatly improve the success rates of skin grafts and flaps. These procedures involve taking tissue from one part of the body and transferring it to another area, often to repair a wound or injury. However, these grafts and flaps are at risk of failure due to a lack of blood supply or oxygen, which can cause the tissue to die off. HBOT helps to increase the oxygen levels in the graft or flap, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.</p><h2><strong>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Infections</strong></h2><p>Another area where HBOT can be valuable in plastic surgery is in the treatment of infections. Infections are a common complication after surgery, and can be particularly dangerous in the context of plastic surgery, where the skin is often under tension and at risk of necrosis. HBOT can help to combat these infections by boosting the immune system and increasing oxygen levels, which can kill bacteria and promote healing.</p><h2><strong>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Reduces Scar Tissue</strong></h2><p>Finally, HBOT can also be beneficial in reducing the appearance of scars. Scars are a natural part of the healing process, but in some cases they can become raised, thick, or discolored, causing cosmetic concerns. HBOT has been shown to reduce the appearance of scars by increasing collagen production and promoting blood flow, which can help to improve the texture and color of the skin.</p>

<h5>Over the last year, a large number of patients have been referred to us by plastic surgeons. Our purpose is to heal our community, and it is our deepest joy to watch our patients as they heal faster and more completely than they would have without hyperbarics. Many of our patients have mentioned that their scar tissue has decreased dramatically, in some cases it has become almost invisible.</h5>

Hyperbarics Accelerates Healing for Plastic Surgery Patients

<h2><strong>Long Covid Took Away My Emotional Energy</strong></h2><p>At 59, I liked to boast that 30-year-olds had a hard time keeping up with me (and it was true). But Covid got me. I couldn’t even muster the energy to&nbsp;<em>try</em>&nbsp;and regain my previous enthusiasm, and worried that this new baseline would persist the rest of my life. I also noticed that I had begun to shuffle, rather than walk, because of increased pain in my joints and limbs. I had difficulty recalling words during conversations, felt depressed, and felt breathless during even minor exercise. I’d aged 15 years in two weeks!</p><h2><strong>A Friend Insisted I Try HBOT</strong></h2><p>For background, I’m one of those guys who is very skeptical about most “alternative” treatments are silly. Acupuncture? Maybe. (Not that I don't try alternate therapies; I'm just skeptical.) Fortunately, a dear friend insisted I try Hyperbarics. She attested that it healed her bone infection when after years of trying, nothing else did. Had she not pushed me, I never would have tried HBOT.</p><h2><strong>HBOT Started Helping Immediately</strong></h2><p>What surprised me the most was that the evening after my first treatment, I completed several chores that had been sitting around for months, and then I took my dogs out for a run. I didn’t really think anything of it, because that’s how I used to approach life. It was normal for me. But my partner pointed out that I hadn’t actually run with my dogs in months— since before Covid and that I hadn’t done a chore in as long. That night, I hard-wired smoke detectors that had been sitting around for six months into my electrical system. Do you realize how big a change this represented? I did not have the energy— physical or emotional— to do virtually anything for months. And here, after one treatment, I felt like my old self again. To say this felt miraculous is not an overstatement.</p><h2><strong>Research Suggested I Stick with It</strong></h2><p>The challenge was that I let a couple days go by before my next treatment, and by the second day, I was again exhausted, both physically and emotionally. Emerging from the hyperbaric chamber again, I felt normal. It wasn’t like … oh, a caffeine high for example. I just felt like myself again, without the heaviness Covid had layered on. Of course, my feeling was that I could just do a few sessions and stop, but my friend showed me some of the research. She showed me studies highlighting that hyperbarics reduced inflammation in both brain tissues and throughout my body, which occurred for some patients during Covid. She showed that it could re-oxygenate tissues in the lungs and neuronal systems that had been adversely affected, and that brain scans in studies proved that idling brain cells were again activated. Studies of people who had died from Covid also showed thousands of minor dead spots throughout the body, in the lungs and brain tissue. She convinced me that to create long-lasting healing, I needed at least 20 treatments.</p><h2><strong>I Ended Up Completing 40 Treatments</strong></h2><p>In the end, I received 40 treatments, and I am back to 95% of my previous self. I have the physical energy, the emotional energy, and my cognitive functions, including word recall. They have returned to normal. A number of people have asked if the results have been worth the cost of hyperbarics. I would choose hyperbaric oxygen therapy over any other expense, because for me, it makes life feel worth living again. I am in fact so pleased with hyperbarics that I am going to set up treatments every year to reverse the effects of aging.</p><h2><strong>The Bay Area Hyperbarics Team Cares!</strong></h2><p>I also cannot speak highly enough about the team at Bay Area Hyperbarics. They treated me not only with respect, but with the care of a family member. Every member of the team treated me like my concerns mattered, from my first initial intake to my final treatment. I look forward to seeing them again for my anti-aging treatments.</p>

Before I had Covid, my friends used to say they felt exhausted just hearing about all of my activities. After Covid, I didn't have the energy to hang out or even answer my friends’ calls, let alone hike, bike or go to concerts. I never knew what it was like to feel exhausted in the morning or to be unable to do simple things like cook a meal.

A Patient’s Perspective – How Hyperbarics Healed My Long Covid

<p>This is especially positive news, given that researchers estimate that between twenty and thirty million people in the US suffer from Long Covid.</p><p>At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we have treated dozens of patients who were severely debilitated by long covid, but who have returned to a normal life after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. They tell us that hyperbarics cured their long covid. In our next Blog update, our patients will share their individual experiences directly.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>The most common symptoms of long-covid</strong></h3><p>The effects of long covid vary, but in general, they include exhaustion, pain, “brain fog” (decreased ability to focus and memory challenges) depression, anxiety and more. These symptoms persist for more than two months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis.<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>3</sup></a>&nbsp;The most common symptoms of post-covid syndrome<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8806311/#CIT0007" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>4</sup></a>&nbsp;are:</p><ul><li>Fatigue, with 65% of patients reporting significant fatigue that prevents them from performing their usual work or activities</li><li>“Brain fog” (memory and focus)</li><li>Breathlessness and shortness of breath</li><li>Decreased executive function</li><li>Systemic widespread pain</li><li>Mood challenges, including depression and anxiety</li><li>Post-traumatic stress</li><li>Loss of taste or smell</li><li>Insomnia</li><li>Headaches</li></ul><h2><strong>How Covid Hurts</strong></h2><p>Researchers report that these symptoms result from inflammation in the brain as well as the body), as well as blood clots resulting from prolonged oxygen starvation to bodily tissues (tissue hypoxia).<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>5</sup></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;In the brain, this causes nerves to move from an active state to an idling state: The result? Brain fog, emotional and physical exhaustion, and cognitive and emotional difficulties. But it’s not just the brain that’s effected: SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to create blood clots in the lungs, brain and other tissues throughout the body.</p><h2><strong>How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Heals Long Covid</strong></h2><p>Researchers now understand that the combined action of pure oxygen (hyperoxia) and increased pressure in a hyperbaric chamber drives the repair and improvement.<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8848789/#CR7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>6</sup></a>&nbsp;HBOT works by triggering over 8,000 genes that are both oxygen- and pressure-sensitive.<a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/10/6/958" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>7</sup></a>&nbsp;These genes down-regulate inflammation and up-regulate cell rejuvenation and reproduction. They also instruct the body to produce stem cells and send them to damaged areas. Stem cells generate replacement cells that are lost through disease, injury, and aging. HBOT also reduces cell death (apoptosis) and decreases inflammation. It also helps heal damaged blood vessels and form new blood vessels (angiogenesis and neurogenesis).<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR11" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>8</sup></a>&nbsp;It helps the brain to regrow and reorganize connections (neuroplasticity) and can improve cognitive function, even years after the initial damage.<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8848789/#CR9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>9</sup></a>&nbsp;HBOT also induces nerves to modulate the immune system and restore mitochondrial function in cells. Your mitochondria are the power plant in your cells, and when you improve mitochondrial function, you improve energy levels.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR12" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>10</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR13" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>11</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR14" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>12</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR15" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>13</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR16" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>14</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR17" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>15</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR18" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>16</sup></a><sup>,</sup><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15565-0#ref-CR19" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>17</sup></a></p><h2><strong>What is Our Treatment for Long Covid?</strong></h2><p>Leading research shows that the most effective long covid treatment is receiving 10 - 40 HBOT sessions, depending on the severity of the patient’s diagnosis. Patients receive 100% oxygen at 2.0ATA for 90 minutes, with five-minute air breaks after every 20 minutes.</p><p>At Bay Area Hyperbarics, our medical staff recommends this protocol, though we also accept recommendations from physician-partners. At times, our physician partners recommend pressures of up to 2.4ATA for 90 minutes, with five-minute air breaks every 20 minutes.</p><h2><strong>Call Us For Your Long Covid Treatment</strong></h2><p>Call us to discuss how we might help you regain the energy, focus and enthusiasm you had before Covid.</p><p>It's really quite simple to get you or your loved-one on the road to recovery and wellness.</p>

<h5>If you or a family member has long covid, you know how debilitating it can be. Fortunately, studies over the last two years show that treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) provides more than a 90% resolution of Long Covid symptoms. More importantly, they suggest that HBOT heals the underlying conditions causing the fatigue, brain fog and other symptoms.</h5>

Research Shows that Hyperbarics Heals Long-Covid

<p>While we know that radiation treatment is so essential in fighting cancer, the challenge is that radiation can also damage surrounding tissues. This damage far too often results in conditions such as radiation proctitis (damage to the colon) and radiation cystitis (damage to the bladder). Patients can also incur other complications to their pelvic and abdomen area. Such complications can lead to incontinence and pain performing everyday activities, which can become debilitating in so many ways. I am very proud to say that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped numerous patients at Bay Area Hyperbarics recover from such damage to their colon, bladder, head and neck, breasts, bones and soft tissues.</p><p>Years of research has found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy combats otherwise painful complication of radiation therapy, as an adjunct to your physician’s care<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32736899/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>1</sup></a>. Having Bay Area Hyperbarics partner with your doctors creates a powerful professional team that can heal you or your loved one both from the cancer and the damage that radiation causes<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537343/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>2</sup></a></p><p>Perhaps the most frustrating part of having radiation cystitis or radiation proctitis is that your doctor cannot predict when these difficult conditions will end. Some patients experience severe symptoms decades after radiation therapy.</p><h3><strong>Challenges for Those with Radiation Cystitis</strong></h3><p>Patients who have had radiation therapy, or have had prostate surgery can experience a number of complications and side effects. Among those that can occur when the bladder is damaged are<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470594/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>3</sup></a>:</p><ul><li>Burning sensations when urinating</li><li>Passing painful clots</li><li>Urinary urgency and frequency, both day and night</li><li>Incontinence</li><li>Bleeding</li><li>Increased urinary tract infections (UTIs)</li><li>Severe damage to the lymphatic system (somewhat more rare)</li><li>Paralysis (very small percentage).</li></ul><p>Traditional treatments often include blood transfusions or surgery, which is often painful. That said, hyperbaric oxygen therapy successfully heals patients with radiation cystitis more than 75% of the time<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26146963/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>4</sup></a>.</p><h2><strong>Challenges for Those with Radiation Proctitis</strong></h2><p>Patients who have had radiation therapy, or have had prostate surgery can experience a number of complications and side effects. Among those that can occur when the rectum is damaged are<a href="https://uihc.org/health-topics/radiation-proctitis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>5</sup></a>:</p><ul><li>A continuous or frequent feeling that you need to have a bowel movement</li><li>Mucus drainage from the rectum</li><li>Rectal bleeding</li><li>Rectal pain (continuous) or pain during bowel movements</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>A feeling of fullness in your rectum</li><li>Pain on the left side of your abdomen</li><li>Abdominal cramps</li></ul><p>Fortunately, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to reduce and often heal damage caused from radiation by over 75%<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537343/#article-31640.s9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);"><sup>6</sup></a>.</p><h2><strong>Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a Solution</strong></h2><p>The good news is that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a proven treatment for radiation damage, without the side effects of other treatments. At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we have seen numerous patients with collateral radiation damage, sometimes 20 years after their radiation treatments. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped to eliminate or significantly decrease these side effects in over 90% of patients.</p><p>In short, hyperbaric oxygen therapy halts degradation from radiation in the body and prevents worsening of the symptoms and damage. It also helps the body heal by:</p><ul><li>Growing new tiny blood vessels, which feed healthy new cells</li><li>Growing new stem cells and migrating them to damaged areas</li><li>Stimulating bone cells to reproduce rapidly</li><li>Down-regulating inflammatory cells, which reduces swelling and pain, and also makes it easier for the urologist to see the bladder tissue more clearly.</li></ul><p>Even though we have treated patients with damage from years earlier, we encourage people with radiation damage to get their hyperbaric oxygen treatments early, because the greater the radiation damage, the harder it is to treat, and at times it can be so advanced that it is impossible to treat. We want you or your loved-one to be healthy and to return to as normal a life as possible, so contact us as soon as you or your loved one experiences potential complications. We can work with your doctor to get you started on Hyperbarics.</p><p>We have personal experience with hyperbarics healing radiation damage: We are proud to mention that Fiona St. John—my mom—was treated successfully for radiation damage with hyperbaric oxygen decades after her radiation exposure. Since then, we have been treating patients like Fiona with great success.</p><h2><strong>HBOT is Covered by Insurance, including Medicare</strong></h2><p>Beyond its effectiveness and myriad applications, what is also typically unknown is that HBOT is covered by Medicare and approved by many mainstream health insurance providers, including Medicare, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and United Health Care. What many people do not know is that insurance not only covers hyperbarics for damage from radiation, mastectomy or reconstructive surgery. Insurance also covers HBOT for pain, loss of range of motion, and swelling that results from these cancer therapies.</p><h2><strong>How Can I Get my Doctor to Refer me for Treatment?</strong></h2><p>To educate your gynecologist, oncologist, radiologist, or family doctor about the value of hyperbarics, to see if it is right for you, feel free to point them here, send them the link to our treatable diagnosis page for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/research/breast-pain-and-damage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">radiation damage to the breast,&nbsp;</a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://6300978.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6300978/Radiation-Breast-SoftTissue-print.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">download a brochure</a>&nbsp;to print and hand them. You can also get a referral in three easy steps:</p><ul><li>Have your physician's office download the&nbsp;<a href="https://6300978.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6300978/Documents/Patient%20Referral%20Form%20-%20Bay%20Area%20Hyperbarics%206-2022.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">patient referral form</a>&nbsp;, fill it out and send it back to us.</li><li>We call your insurance to get authorizations.</li><li>You come into our clinic for an intake, and start hyperbarics. We're open 7 days a week.</li></ul><p>It's really quite simple to get you or your loved-one on the road to recovery and wellness.</p>

<h5>In 2019 alone, 224,733 men were diagnosed with Prostate cancer, which is comparable to the number of breast cancer diagnoses in women, a topic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/research/latest-research-in-hyperbarics/beyond-the-pink-ribbon-lets-talk-with-our-doctors-about-hyperbaric-oxygen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">we discussed last month</a>.</h5>

Healing the Men We Love

<h5>Researchers have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is massively effective at healing radiation damage. It is also highly effective at helping patients heal from reconstruction surgery, threatened grafts and flaps, and damage from mastectomies.</h5><ol><li>Sadly, HBOT often flies under patients’ radar, simply because their medical providers don’t know to refer them for treatment, even though medical insurance typically covers these healing treatments.&nbsp;<strong>This October, for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and for all the cancers that affect us, I believe it’s time to have a crucial public conversation. Let's talk with our gynecologists, oncologists, radiologists and other providers, about hyperbaric oxygen therapy.</strong></li><li>I am passionate about this topic, because my own mother suffered from lymphedema and pain after her mastectomy. After years of her suffering, I discovered hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which eliminated the pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in her shoulder and arm.</li><li>If we could unite and discuss with our providers the incredible healing that can occur from hyperbarics, we would reduce suffering for the people we love— like my own mother.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is so important for Women After Radiation</strong></h2><ol><li>HBOT has been verified for decades through countless medical studies to speed the healing of skin, muscle, tissue and bones, both in women who have undergone radiation therapy and those who have challenges from mastectomy or reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, HBOT remains vastly underutilized. We want and need the women in our lives to regain their pre-diagnosis quality of life as quickly and painlessly as possible. Since graduating Harvard and establishing Bay Area Hyperbarics over 25 years ago, I have seen firsthand the rapid, beneficial effects that hyperbarics brings to breast cancer patients. I will continue to advocate its use to promote recovery from breast cancer treatments.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Hyperbarics as The New ‘Pink Ribbon’: Healing Conversations with Your Doctors</strong></h2><ol><li>Given the medical research and evidence (available at www.bayareahyperbarics.com), we at Bay Area Hyperbarics are encouraging all breast cancer patients to initiate conversations with their gynecologists, oncologists, radiologists and other providers to see if hyperbaric oxygen therapy can speed their healing and enhance their quality of life. We all know about the Pink Ribbon campaign every October; it is a movement that has successfully spread awareness for the prevalence of breast cancer and has educated people. This year, we advocate for more widespread awareness and use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to empower women to comfortably, painlessly reclaim their strong and active lives without pain.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>What exactly is Hyperbarics?</strong></h2><ol><li>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a proven medical treatment where you recline in a comfortable chamber for 60 to 90 minutes and inhale 100% oxygen with increased atmospheric pressure. (By contrast, the air we normally breathe has only 21% oxygen.) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy delivers up to 1,200% more healing oxygen into your brain, muscle, skin, bones, and other tissues. It mobilizes the body’s stem cells to regrow healthy tissues, while also reducing pain and swelling. HBOT is simple, effective and painless. Every year global medical research studies reveal new aspects and dimensions about how HBOT can and should be used to treat problems such as radiation damage to the breast, pelvis, head and neck, bladder, soft tissues and bones. In fact, the most recent medical research indicates that HBOT is effective in treating Long COVID Syndrome.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>HBOT is Covered by Insurance, including Medicare</strong></h2><ol><li>Beyond its effectiveness and myriad applications, what is also typically unknown is that HBOT is covered by Medicare and approved by many mainstream health insurance providers, including Medicare, Kaiser, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, and United Health Care. What many people do not know is that insurance not only covers hyperbarics for damage from radiation, mastectomy or reconstructive surgery. Insurance also covers HBOT for pain, loss of range of motion, and swelling that results from these cancer therapies.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2><strong>How Can I Get my Doctor to Refer me for Treatment?</strong></h2><ol><li>To educate your gynecologist, oncologist, radiologist, or family doctor about the value of hyperbarics, to see if it is right for you, feel free to point them here, send them the link to our treatable diagnosis page for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/research/breast-pain-and-damage" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">radiation damage to the breast,&nbsp;</a>or&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.uiaas.io/web/bah/Radiation-Breast-6x9.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">download a brochure</a>&nbsp;to print and hand them. You can also get a referral in three easy steps:</li><li>Have your physician's office download the&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.uiaas.io/web/bah/Patient%20Referral%20Form%20-%20Bay%20Area%20Hyperbarics%203-2023.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">patient referral form</a>, fill it out and send it back to us.</li><li>We call your insurance to get authorizations.</li><li>You come into our clinic for an intake, and start hyperbarics. We're open 7 days a week!It's really quite simple to get you or your loved-one on the road to recovery and wellness.</li></ol>

<h5>In naming October 2022 National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, President Biden highlighted that we need to&nbsp;find therapies that better preserve patients’ quality of&nbsp;life.</h5>

Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Let's talk with our Docs about Hyperbarics

<h2>HBOT Shown to Improve Brain Function in Patients with Fibromyalgia</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">However, a new possibility for treatment has emerged. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been cited in a number of recent studies (listed below) to significantly improve the symptoms and quality of life, as well as brain function of patients with fibromyalgia.</span></p><h2>Fibromyalgia Is Triggered by Traumatic Brain Injury from Childhood Trauma</h2><p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Two such studies suggest that Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a neurological condition often triggered by severe stressors, including traumatic brain injury, infections involving the nervous system and severe emotional stress, such as appears in patients with PTSD (including PTSD caused by childhood sexual trauma).&nbsp;These studies showed that symptoms of FMS can be reversed in a majority of patients with HBOT. It also turned out that these same patients saw a significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms and psychological distress! We knew from previous studies that HBOT can heal parts the brain after stroke, traumatic brain and post-concussive injury, and that it stimulates neuroplasticity. But to heal FMS? PTSD? That would be groundbreaking! Of course, we need to see additional studies to validate this data, but the initial research is exciting.</span></p><h2>Heard This Research at a Conference</h2><p>I first found out about this research while attending a conference—the UHMS International Scientific Meetings in Florida—in 2018. At the conference, Dr. Shai Efrati and a member of his team, Dr. Yair Bechor talked with me about the study. Dr. Bechor pointed out that they had initially conducted a study focused on inducing neuroplasticity in the brain. During that study, they saw clinical improvement in patients with PTSD and brain injuries as a result of HBOT. Midway through the study, they observed a new and interesting pattern: A subset of patients who also had fibromyalgia complained about disturbing memories that had been recovered. These memories included fragments of images, sights, sounds and textures.</p><p>Dr. Bechor presented a poster and spoke about the disturbing experiences and emotional distress of this subset of patients during their hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. As a result, the researchers brought in a psychotherapist with experience working with trauma to help with the distress experienced by the patients, as a compassionate adjunctive therapy. Dr. Bechor excitedly told me how he observed that these women experienced a profound transformation during their 60 hyperbaric oxygen treatments. They became more outgoing, seemed excited and positive about their lives, and also experienced a reduction in pain. In addition, another fascinating result was that their brain images showed significant increases in brain activity and healed brain fissures. In short, their psychological distress and their pain decreased as HBOT was shown through imaging to heal their brains.</p><p>Dr. Efrati’s study says: “Following HBOT, there was a significant improvement in all FMS questionnaires (widespread pain index, Fibromyalgia symptoms severity scale, Fibromyalgia functional impairment), most domains of quality of life, PTSD symptoms and psychological distress. The same significant improvements were demonstrated in the control following crossover to HBOT. Following HBOT, brain SPECT imaging demonstrated significant increase in brain activity in the prefrontal cortex, orbital frontal cortex, and sublingual area (p &lt; 0.05). Brain microstructure improvement was seen by MRI-DTI in the anterior thalamic radiation (p = 0.0001), left Insula (p = 0.001), and the right Thalamus (p = 0.001).”</p><h2>HBOT Fixes Abnormal Brain Functions in Pain Related Areas in FMS Patients</h2><p>Dr. Efrati drew the conclusion that “HBOT induced significant clinical improvement that correlates with improved brain functionality and brain microstructure in CSA related FMS patients.” HBOT in this study stimulated neuroplasticity and rectified abnormal brain activity in pain-related areas of FMS patients. Additionally, this study shows that HBOT not only reduces pain but also improves the symptoms and quality of life for FMS patients.</p><h5 class="ql-align-center">“HBOT induced significant clinical improvement that correlates with improved brain functionality and brain microstructure in CSA related FMS patients.” Dr. Efrati</h5><p>HBOT in this study stimulated neuroplasticity and rectified abnormal brain activity in pain-related areas of FMS patients. Additionally, this study shows that HBOT not only reduces pain but also improves the symptoms and quality of life for FMS patients.</p><h2><strong>I Then Found Additional Studies</strong></h2><p>I then began searching for additional studies, and found several. One suggested that Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder that is caused by abnormal activity of the nervous system and that this abnormality can be reversed with HBOT.&nbsp;Another found that HBOT improves fibromyalgia in patients with childhood sexual abuse.</p><p>In short, some researchers suggest that fibromyalgia is a neurological condition that in some cases is associated with PTSD that has been triggered by childhood sexual or physical abuse. As hyperbaric oxygen therapy heals the brain, it also seems to heal PTSD symptoms and the physical manifestation of the neurological condition— FMS.</p><p>These studies point to a number or potentially exciting opportunities. They show that HBOT:</p><ul><li>Improves brain activity</li><li>Improves brain microstructures</li><li>Decreases pain</li><li>Decreases anxiety</li><li>Decreases PTSD symptoms</li><li>Decreases psychological distress</li><li>Reduces fibromyalgia symptoms</li><li>Improves patients’ quality of life</li></ul><h2><strong>Our Clinical Experiences</strong></h2><p>At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we coincidentally treated three patients in 2019—two females and one male—ages 56 to 64. All the patients reported multiple concussive events earlier in life. Two of the three patients reported early childhood physical or sexual abuse, and one reported childhood emotional abuse. All patients reported having had previous counseling regarding these childhood events. We treated the patients using Dr. Efrati et al., 2018 study protocol, albeit without formal testing.</p><p>We’re highlighting the subjective outcomes of our patients’ treatment here, of course with their approval. All three patients reported recovered memories that were deeply distressing, causing noticeable depression. They all received counseling during the treatment period. During follow-up interviews, two months after HBOT treatments concluded, all three patients reported significant relief from previous levels of anxiety and disturbing memories. They also reported greater happiness in their daily lives, improvement in critical thinking including mathematical capabilities, short term memory and the ability to maintain focus. All three reported being extremely pleased with the outcome. Two of the three reported that they were profoundly surprised by the positive results. Though this was not intended to be, nor is it reported as a study, the anecdotal clinical data suggests more studies are required.</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>References</strong></h2><ol><li><strong>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Diminish Fibromyalgia Syndrome – Prospective Clinical Trial. (By Shai Efrati, et al.). </strong>This study provides evidence that HBOT can improve quality of life and well being of many FMS patients. It shows for the first time that HBOT can induce neuroplasticity and significantly rectify brain activity in pain related areas of FMS patients. <a href="https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0127012" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Go to Study</a></li><li><strong>Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of fibromyalgia: a prospective observational clinical study. (By Atzeni F, et al.). </strong>Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of unknown aetiology that is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and disordered sleep, and often associated with neuropsychiatric and cognitive symptoms. Current treatment options are only partially effective, but hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) seems to be capable of relieving some of the symptoms. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30747099/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Go to Study</a></li><li><strong>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Induce Neuroplasticity and Significant Clinical Improvement in Patients Suffering From Fibromyalgia With a History of Childhood Sexual Abuse-Randomized Controlled Trial. (By Hadanny A, et al.). </strong>Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a persistent and debilitating disorder estimated to impair the quality of life of 2-4% of the population, with a 9:1 female to male incidence ratio. The defining symptoms of FMS include chronic widespread pain, intense pain in response to tactile pressure, prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, nerve pain, muscle twitching. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30618929/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Go to Study</a></li><li><strong>Fibromyalgia appears to be a neurological disorder that is caused by abnormal activity of the nervous system and that this abnormality can be reversed by HBOT. (By Assaf Harofeh Medical Center). </strong>Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), a condition considered to represent a prototype of central sensitization syndrome, can be induced by different triggers including childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Recent studies have demonstrated hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can induce neuroplasticity and improve clinical outcomes of FMS. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4444341/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Go to Study</a></li></ol>

<h5>Fibromyalgia is not only difficult to treat, but often leaves those affected unable to lead productive work and family lives. To date, only medications such as pain relievers, anti-depressants and anti-seizure drugs, counseling, exercise and pain-coping strategies have provided even temporary relief.</h5><p><br></p>

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Heal Fibromyalgia & PTSD

<h2><strong>Preparation</strong></h2><p>In preparation for your first treatment, you'll spend a few minutes on the phone with Laura Jean RN, our wonderful nurse or David Roberts, our Senior Hyperbaric Technician. Laura and David ask you questions about your medical history, and take the time to answer your questions. They discuss our process and whether hyperbarics is a good option for you. They also talk about how hyperbarics works, and help address any difficulties or concerns you might have. They will set up your appointment for the intake and your first hyperbaric treatment.</p><p><br></p><p>For your intake before your first treatment, please remember two things:</p><h4>1. Eat.</h4><p>We ask you to eat a snack or meal within an hour or so before you come in. This is important to give you body lots of protein particularly when healing injuries and raise your blood sugar high enough for your treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen uses much of the fuel available in your blood stream to heal you when you are in the chamber.</p><h4>2. Bring your relevant info.</h4><p>As you prepare for your intake and first hyperbaric session, please remember to bring your identification, insurance cards if applicable and any additional paperwork, such as from your prescribing physician.</p><h2><strong>Your First Hyperbaric Treatment</strong></h2><p>From the time you arrive until you leave, you will be treated with care and respect, and you will have a relaxing time as you heal.</p><h3><strong>First Steps</strong></h3><p>When you arrive, you will see that we are happy you made it in for your first treatment. Before the first treatment, some patients have felt a bit nervous. That's normal, and there is nothing to worry about. You can take a look at our video to get more familiar with the process.</p><p>For your first visit, we will be in the clinic to greet you, and we'll invite you to come in to a private room for a discussion and enjoy our comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. You can feel free to bring a family member or friend with you. We want to meet them too. We are proud of our clinics, as we built them specifically to make them feel inviting and to help you feel comfortable. And let's be honest: who really likes the typical cold, sterile medical clinics?</p><p>We believe that your environment is also important to your healing process, as are our staff and your treatment. Thus, our sofas are comfy and our friendly staff will greet you and offer you coffee, tea, water or a snack. Please try to arrive 30-45 minutes before your first hyperbaric treatment session for your intake. We set it up this way to ensure you have plenty of time and are not rushed through your scheduled.</p><h3><strong>Your Intake</strong></h3><p>Your intake typically takes place right before your first hyperbaric treatment, and is done by David Roberts, our Senior Hyperbaric Technician of 20 years, or Laura Jean our RN. This is the time we take to review with you what you are expecting, your treatment and how hyperbaric oxygen heals your specific condition. We will tell you all about your upcoming treatments and answer any further questions you might have. We will also go over your medical history again and the paperwork to ensure that you understand your payment and insurance coverage as well as how HBOT will heal your body and often get you back to doing the things and time with the people you love.</p><h3><strong>Orientation to Your Chamber</strong></h3><p>You will be shown your hyperbaric chamber. Each chamber has a different name, so feel free to ask which one is yours. We give you our comfy and roomy cotton pajamas to change into. You can wear your underwear underneath, but we ask you to take off most of your jewelry. Don’t worry if you cannot take of a ring or necklace; we will handle that. Also at this time, we'll suggest you use the restroom, and if you'd like to watch a movie, pick it out of the hundreds of DVDs we have available.</p><p>Your hyperbaric technician will show you the ropes and offer you water to take into the chamber in case you get thirsty and to help you clear your ears if you need it. You will get pillows and blankets to make you warm and relaxed. Your technician will help you into your bed. Some people think of their chamber as a cozy nest to sleep in or where they watch movies. We had one mom say she would pay just to lay in the quiet comfort of our chamber just to rest, even if it wasn’t a healing treatment! ?</p><h3><strong>Your Treatment</strong></h3><p>Your tech will make double sure to answer all of your questions before you enter the chamber. Once you're set, they turn on the movie and close the door. Your technician will never leave you alone in the chamber room. A trained technician is always present to hear you and see you at all times.</p><p>Once the door closes, you hear a whooshing sound, as air is piped into your chamber, which is how your chamber pressurizes. In the first few minutes, you may (or may not) feel the changes in air pressure in your ears. In 7-15 minutes, the whooshing sound stops, and you reach your treatment pressure. Once the chamber is pressurized, it gets quieter, and it's easier to hear your movie! Your chamber remains at your prescribed treatment pressure for the duration of your session.</p><h4>How to clear your ears</h4><p>Our patients often tell us they don’t notice the pressure changes. Many say the feeling is similar to that of driving over the mountains to Santa Cruz or Half Moon Bay, or even going up in a plane. You may hear a popping sensation in your ears, and that's normal. Generally, your ears are the only part of the body sensitive enough to notice the pressure change. Your ears get used to the pressure changes over the first few treatments.</p><p><br></p><p>Your technician always stays in the room with you, talking and communicating throughout your session. The whole process should feel quite comfortable. We're there to make sure you are always safe and that we can help make adjustments to increase your comfort.</p><p>When you reach full treatment pressure, your technician lets you know. Some patients sleep, some watch their favorite movie or TV show, and others trade jokes with their technician. Some even practice singing their favorite songs – so if you sing, you wouldn’t be the first! When your time is up, the technician lets you know by telling you they will “bring you up," which is similar to the pressure changes that occur when you're diving, and you rise back to the surface. When the chamber begins depressurizing, you will hear another whooshing sound for approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your treatment protocol. When the pressure has all been released, your technician opens the door and slides your bed out. They ask you how your treatment went, and that's it: your treatment is complete.</p><h4>Emerging from the chamber</h4><p>Some patients say they need a few minutes to orient themselves before they get on with their day. Therefore, we suggest that after changing back into your street clothes, you sit a few minutes on our comfy coach and relax. We are happy to bring you a juice or snack if you would like. Although your treatment will feel easy and relaxed while in the hyperbaric chamber, hyperbarics also places your body into overdrive as it repairs, mobilizes cells to reproduce. It helps you metabolize and has and many more taxing processes that are also immensely healing. This process can deplete the available sugars in your bloodstream, making you feel a bit tired. Therefore, we'll check in on you, and we hope you ask for a snack if you need it, to raise your blood sugar to a comfortable level. If you are diabetic, we check your sugars to ensure that they are high enough before you get into the chamber, and then out again. The hyperbaric treatment can cause a drop in your blood sugars of up to 100 units during one treatment. We of course talk with you about all these issues and more during your intake.</p><h3><strong>After Treatment</strong></h3><p>After your treatment, you&nbsp;change back into your street cloths. Depending on your disease or injury, you may feel pain relief and/or reduced swelling, as well as other pleasant after-effects. We ask you to be gentle with yourself and not push yourself, and ask your loved ones to be gentle with you as well. Your pain relief may be so immense you want to go do lots of fatiguing activities or even sports. Please do not do anything to reinjure yourself or exhaust yourself. While any pain you have had will likely feel significantly less, your body still needs more time to heal. You may find yourself needing more sleep or more rest during your hyperbaric treatments. That's normal, so make sure to give your body what it needs, including plenty of rest. Most importantly, please always ask us if you have any concerns. We are here to help you heal comfortably, completely and with love and care.</p>

<h5>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are as simple as you lying down and watching a movie or taking a nap. Many patients say it’s the most relaxing part of their day, and they look forward to hyperbarics as a break from all of the demands of their lives.</h5><h5>We also want you to feel very comfortable with the process, so this article describes in quite a bit of detail what you can expect at each step of the way, from the time you first call, through your first treatment session.</h5><p><br></p>

What To Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session

<p>Iknow how scary and confusing having a child with a concussion can be. We desperately want to help as our kids retreat to their darkened rooms. Doctors often say there is very little that can be done for our kids other than rest and pain medication. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown to improve lives after concussions. I have seen too many high-schoolers who live in their bedrooms, their futures on hold. HBOT has turned them around.</p><p>As I write this, we just finished treating an 11-year-old boy— let’s call him Jake. He was playing around and fell over a stair railing. He dropped two feet and landed on his head on concrete!</p><p>Jake was unconscious for 10 seconds. The ER doc diagnosed him with a concussion and prescribed non-stimulation (no electronics or sports) and children’s Tylenol for the headaches. When he arrived at Bay Area Hyperbarics, he still had dizziness when moving or bending over, a consistent (though mild) headache, difficulty sleeping, confusion, emotional outbursts, disorientation, and forgetfulness with words. For example, during a discussion, he could not recall the name of the fruit he liked. Jake could not attend school and often rested in his quiet, darkened room. After approximately 20 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatments, Jake was able to return to school. HBOT is a treatment that not only reduces swelling, but it actually regrows brain cells, stem cells, and the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain.</p><p>For the fortunate kids who come to us, HBOT is typically the answer to their damaged brain. For research showing how HBOT heals brain injuries and brain lesions, refer to the page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bayareahyperbarics.com/patients/concussion-and-brain-injury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">HBOT heals Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussions</a>.</p><p><br></p>

<h5>Thousands of Bay Area teens suffer concussions from accidents and sports such as Football and Soccer each year. As a mom with a son who suffered from a brain injury, I am proud to say that over the past 25 years, we have helped hundreds of teens and children recover from concussion and traumatic brain injuries.</h5>

Bay Area Hyperbarics Talks with Parents About Concussion

<p>While we have numerous studies showing the value of HBOT on autism, concussion, PTSD, strokes, brain neuroplasticity, traumatic brain injury and sports injuries, we have seen few on the value of HTOT on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.</p><p>However, in a recent study, Dr. Kenneth Stoller chronicled that a boy with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder showed dramatic improvements as a result of HBOT. Dr. Stoller published his case study of reversing FASD in a 15 year old boy in the Journal of Pediatrics in 2005. Note that the Journal of Pediatrics is one of the most revered journals on childhood medical research in the country.</p><p>The boy in this study was found, “abandoned in a train station in Rustrov, Russia, as a toddler and subsequently adopted and brought to the United States.” After having received HBOT treatments, this boy showed significant increases in his verbal memory. Moreover, his impulse control scores improved dramatically, and his reaction times improved radically.</p><p>Several studies document that HBOT improves neuroplasticity in the brain, so perhaps it should be no surprise that it increased neuroplasticity in this boy. In fact, the case study shows dramatic improvements after 40 hyperbaric treatments, where the doctor conducted computer administered tests pre and post HBOT.</p><p>The boy was tested before re-ceiving HBOT, right after HBOT, and 6 months after the end of 40 treatments:</p><p>Verbal memory composite:</p><ul><li>Pre-HBOT 55%,</li><li>Post-40 HBOT 73%,</li><li>Six months later 73%</li></ul><p>Verbal memory composite scores six months after his 40 hyperbaric treatments was better than the high school mean, which is 87.49% (SD: 9%)</p><p>Impulse control composite:</p><ul><li>Pre-HBOT 8.00,</li><li>Post-40 HBOT 5.00,</li><li>Six months later 2.00</li></ul><p>Impulse control composite scores six months after his 40 hyperbaric treatments was better than the high school mean, which was 9.51 (SD: 8.68)</p><p>Reaction time composite:</p><ul><li>Pre-HBOT 1.03,</li><li>Post-40 HBOT 0.53,</li><li>Six months later 0.66</li></ul><p>Reaction time composite at six months after 40 hyperbaric treatments was better than the high school mean of 0.56 (SD: 0.08)</p><h5 class="ql-align-center">In addition to these noteworthy results, Dr. Stoller showed that most of the improvements endured for 6 months after the end of the 40 hyperbaric treatments.</h5><p>This shows a desperate need for more studies on FASD and hyperbaric medicine.</p><p>Dr. Stoller told me and a group of supporters that he expected people to be angry or call him a liar or challenge his data collection or analysis. But what he never expected was resounding silence. There was no response of his study in the pediatric community at all. It seems that we have an opportunity for additional research to improve the lives of children, families, and our communities.</p>

<h5>Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) has a lifelong impact for children, their families and our communities.</h5>

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

<p>For example, Dr. Sigal Tal and the team at the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Assaf Harofeh Medical Center in Israel, studied 15 patients with post-concussion syndrome (PPCS) from TBI who were treated with hyperbaric medicine. Imaging showed that HBOT stimulated the brain to repair injuries from TBI.</p><p>As background, PPCS is often a debilitating injury for 10 to 20% of those patients who have suffered a TBI. Symptoms often include headaches, sleep problems, cognitive impairment including memory loss, focus issues, confusion, fatigue, and behavioral and mood changes, to name just a few.</p><p>The purpose of Dr. Tal’s study was to assess the neurotherapeutic effects of HBOT on prolonged PPCS, using brain imaging*. The patients’ injuries occurred from 6 months to 27 years prior to the study and their ages ranged from 21-70. Of the patients, seven were female and eight were male. Dr. Tal’s team evaluated patients before treatment, who then received 60 sessions of HBOT over 60 consecutive days. Patients entered a hyperbaric chamber, where they received 100% oxygen at 2.0 ATA or absolute atmospheres. His team then evaluated patients after their treatment regimen.</p><p>The results showed that HBOT stimulates the brain to repair itself, including:</p><ul><li>Growing new blood vessels</li><li>Repairing gray matter (which contains nerve cell bodies)</li><li>Repairing white matter (which are the filaments that connect cell bodies and carry messages between nerve cells)</li></ul><p>The research found that HBOT provided a number of improvements:</p><ul><li>Increased information processing speed and global cognitive scores</li><li>Improved verbal and nonverbal memory</li><li>Improved executive function</li><li>Improved verbal processing speeds</li><li>Increased cerebral blood flow and volume</li></ul><p>There have been a number of such studies, and yet we need much more research on the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the brain. This study by Dr. Tal is an extremely important, well designed and well executed study that begins to show the potential healing properties of HBOT on the brain. It also gives hope to the families and many patients suffering from PPCS, patients who have few other options for healing their brains and functioning normally again.</p><ol><li>Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Diminish Fibromyalgia Syndrome – Prospective Clinical Trial. (By Sigal Tal, Amir Hadanny, Efrat Sasson, Gil Suzin, and Shai Efrati.)</li><li>HBOT can induce cerebral angiogenesis and recovery of brain microstructure in patients with chronic cognitive impairments due to TBI months to years after the acute injury. The increased integrity of brain fibers correlates with the functional cognitive improvement. The mechanism by which HBOT can induce brain neuroplasticity can be demonstrated by highly sensitive perfusion MRI and DTI. Further studies, using DTI - MRI, are needed in order to gain better understanding of the neuroplasticity effect of HBOT in a larger cohort of patients with different types of brain injuries</li></ol><p><br></p>

<h5>Over the last several years, there has been exciting new research showing that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can heal damaged brain tissue after traumatic brain injury (TBI).</h5>

Exciting Research - Regeneration of Nerve Fibers in the Brain

<p>However, in a recent study of 30 patients with avascular necrosis of the hip, researchers showed that after 20 to 30 hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments, all patients in the study remained significantly painfree after 7 years, and none required hip reconstruction or replacement.</p><p>Avascular necrosis can occur in the hip, knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow orthe wrist. Most commonly though it occurs in the hip, and specifically the femoral head. The second most common instance occurs in the knee, causing often debilitating pain when walking.</p><p>For such an intensely painful condition, we have to ask what causes it. Avascular necrosis, it turns out, can be caused by a number of factors: trauma, drug side effects and disease. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head often results in pain while walking. It also causes limping and sometimes groin pain, and sadly, often cripples people who suffer with it. Fortunately, hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps with both hip and knee necrosis.</p><p><strong>Hip Necrosis and Femoral Head Necrosis.</strong></p><p>A 2010 study by Camporesi et al studied Femoral Head Necrosis (FNH) in a blind cross-over study.</p><p>Of the 30 patients in this study, 19 had FNH stage II (called Ficat Stage II by the medical community, after the doctor who invented the FMH classification system). All patients received 30 treatments of HBOT. Although no significant improvement was noticed in range of motion within the first 10 treatments, there were significant benefits after between 20 to 30 treatments. Patients experienced a decrease in pain, and an increase in stability and range of motion. Authors indicated that all 30 patients remained significantly pain-free the after seven years! None of the 30 patients needed hip reconstruction or replacement.</p><p>A further review of the literature on using HBOT to treat osteonecrosis included a total of ten studies. Gunes et al. said in 2017 that seven of these studies proved significant, in that they were well run. In each of these studies, HBOT helped significantly in pain relief and reduction of osteoedema. The long term effectiveness was greater in the earlier stages of avascular necrosis, with MRIs often showing the bone returning to normal. Researchers also saw this result reflected in increased movement, a decrease in pain, and of course, the prevention of joint collapse. As a result, researchers recommended that HBOT be started as early as possible after injury. They wrote that HBOT shows efficacy over the long term, and shows a significant cost benefit. All of this said, the authors also highlighted that many more studies were needed in this area.</p><p><strong>Knee Necrosis (Femoral condylar necrosis)</strong></p><p>In 2018, A researcher Bosco (et al) conducted a study of 37 patients ranging in age from 29-68 years with osteonecrosis of the knee (ONK). Initially, patients were given 30 treatments of HBOT. Of these patients, 83.7% had knee damage resulting in stage !-!! (referred to as Aglietti stage I-II) progression, while 16.3% showed an Agliette stage III progression score.</p><p>After 30 sessions, 86% of the patients improved in their Oxford Knee Scores (OKS), 11% worsened and 3% did not change.</p><p><br></p><h5 class="ql-align-center">After 50 HBOT sessions, all patients improved in their Oxford Knee Scores, showing improvements in pain and mobility.</h5><p>MRIs and radiography were also used to assess the patients’ progress pre- and post-treatment. Post-treatment MRIs showed normal femoral condyle appearance (bones in the thighs), with no edema in all but one person in the study.</p><p>I met one of the Italian researchers when he presented these results in Florida. He was both delighted with the results from these studies, and also amazed that with so many hyperbaric chambers in the US, so little research was being done.</p><p>Some people have suggested that 30 to 60 hyperbaric treatments are too much of a bother and cost. However, because the side effects of HBOT are minimal, as are the complications compared to those of surgery rates, it seems odd to say that laying in a chamber and napping or watching a movie for 30 to 60 sessions is more of a bother than knee or hip replacement! In fact, perhaps we should compare 30 or 60 HBOT treatments to a life minimized by pain while walking, or surgery, recovery and complications. Only your physician can make the proper assessment, but based on this data, HBOT should be seriously considered as an option.</p>

<h5>Avascular necrosis, or bone death from an interruption in the blood supply to the bone, often results in debilitating pain, and can become crippling.</h5>

Hyperbarics effective against Avascular Necrosis (AVN) - Osteonecrosis

<p>However, researchers in a recent study concluded that HBOT, along with steroids, resulted in higher rates of response and remission. HBOT also reduced rates of progression to more severe levels</p><p>IBD causes serious complications. Patients often have abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, mucosal inflammation and diarrhea. Sadly, IBD patients frequently fail other treatments. The Siegel Study Description of 2018 highlighted that nearly 25% of severe acute episode Ulcerative Colitis patients are hospitalized. Of these, 30% will undergo surgery. Of these 25% will experience post-operative complications. Thus, it’s a serious issue for which patients need alternative healing regimens.</p><p>In a multi-center, 2017 study by Dulai et al., patients who were hospitalized for moderate to severe flareups of UC were placed in a double blind randomized study. There were a total of 18 patients treated, (10 HBOT, 8 sham treatments), in several medical centers including UC San Diego, Mayo Clinic, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. The patients were treated either with steroids and HBOT or steroids and a sham HBOT treatment. After 10 days of daily treatments, the&nbsp;<strong>HBOT group had a response of 80% vs. 25% for the sham group</strong>, and&nbsp;<strong>remission of 50% for the HBOT group vs. 0% for the sham group. Response to HBOT was seen in some patients as early as the third day of treatment.</strong></p><p>The researchers concluded that HBOT, along with steroids, resulted in higher rates of response and remission as well as a reduction in rates of colectomy surgeries (0% HBOT vs. 38% sham). It also resulted in reduced rates of progression on to anti-TNF therapy for hospitalized patients with moderate to severe flares. For patients with UC, and especially those who have been hospitalized, HBOT should clearly be considered.</p><p>There have been two recent literature reviews in the last decade, one by Rossignol in 2012 and one by Dulai et al. in 2014 to quantify the rate of response of IBD patients to treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).</p><p>In the Rossignol review published in 2012,&nbsp;he identified 19 studies to include in his review, out of 466 publications identified:</p><p>In 13 studies on the use of HBOT on Crohn’s disease,</p><ul><li>31/40 patients, or&nbsp;<strong>78%, showed improvement.</strong></li></ul><p>In 6 studies on the use of HBOT on ulcerative colitis,</p><ul><li>39/39 patients, or&nbsp;<strong>100%, showed improvement.</strong></li></ul><h5 class="ql-align-center">In all of these studies, patients had severe (IBD) that was not responsive to standard medical treatment.</h5><p>Dulai et al.<sup style="color: rgb(0, 125, 123);">&nbsp;</sup>conducted a review in 2014 that identified 17 studies to use in their analysis and outcomes:</p><p>Out of 42 patients with Crohn’s disease in these studies:</p><ul><li>18/40, or 43%, were completely healed, with perineal and/or fistulising Crohn’s</li><li>17/40, or 41%, showed partial healing,</li><li>5/40 were unresponsive</li><li>2/40 did not finish treatment</li><li><strong>88% showed a positive overall response</strong></li></ul><p>Out of 42 patients with ulcerative colitis in these studies:</p><ul><li>39/39 patients improved, which was a 100% overall response rate!</li></ul><p>Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a promising new treatment option since it targets both tissue hypoxia and inflammation. Many of the mechanisms underlying the improvement are not really known partially because HBOT works on many levels including suppressing inflammatory gene expression, rebuilding microscopic blood vessels and tissues as well as antibacterial mechanisms.</p><p>Chronic inflammatory bowel disease is often difficult to treat and the two systematic reviews cited show impressive responses.</p><p>HBOT is a relatively safe treatment. Of course, we need more studies to understand the true benefits of HBOT. But given the severity of IBD and its impact on the patient’s work and family life, HBOT should be seriously considered as an adjunctive treatment for IBD.</p>

<h5>Irritable bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, are traditionally treated with corticosteroids, anti-inflammatories and immunomodulators. Unfortunately, these treatments seldom eliminate symptoms long-term.</h5>

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy shows potential with Irritable Bowel Disease

<h2><strong>HBOT Improves Immunity</strong></h2><p>Hyperbaric oxygen (HBOT) is an essential therapy for numerous conditions, including improving the immune system. HBOT kills bacteria and may be virucidal, in that it may protect against viruses as well. It improves overall health by boosting white blood cell function, helping repair and regrow tissue and decreasing inflammation. Numerous studies have also demonstrated that patients with Long-Covid experience a significant improvement in their symptoms, including fatigue, brain-fog and shortness of breath.&nbsp;&nbsp;Thus, our patients are continuing to receive the healing power of hyperbarics, and we will continue to provide health services.</p><p>Bay Area Hyperbarics has always been committed to maintaining the highest level of cleanliness in our offices. That said, in light of the current pandemic, we’re adding some key policies to protect the health of our patients and staff.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><h2><strong>Key measures we are taking</strong></h2><ul><li>Even though the State of California and Santa Clara County have relaxed mask mandates in general, they continue to require the use of masks in medical facilities, including ours. In addition, we continue to follow the following policies to keep patients and staff safe:Screening patients to ensure none have any flu-like symptoms</li><li>Asking all patients staff to remain home if they at all feel sick</li><li>Placing hand sanitizer throughout the office</li><li>Requiring that staff wear gloves and wash hands upon entering the office and before engaging with each patient</li><li>Performing extra cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and areas where patients engage</li><li>Requiring that our staff stays home or leaves work at the first signs of illness</li></ul><h2><strong>Additional measures you can take</strong></h2><p><br></p><p>While we have all become aware of practices we should follow to stay healthy during this time, we continue to recommend these tips:</p><ul><li>Wash your hands often, scrubbing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing</li><li>Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces</li><li>Stay home if you feel sick or show any flu-like symptoms</li><li>Avoid contact with people who are sick</li><li>Avoid touching your face, including your mouth, eyes and nose with your hands, especially if you have touched anything after washing your hands</li></ul><p>We are here to help you during this difficult time. We remain committed to supporting the wellness of our patients and staff by taking these safety precautions seriously, and offering treatments that enhance your immunity. Be well!</p>

<h5>Because of concerns surrounding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Bay Area Hyperbarics would like all patients and their families to be aware of the preventative steps we are taking to reduce risk and avoid problems within our offices for our patients and staff.</h5>

Bay Area Hyperbarics - Keeping Patients and Staff Healthy during Covid

<p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Lisa is our Clinic Director and Founder. She earned her Master’s degree from Harvard University, completed a Fellowship at Stanford University, and has spent the last 30 years working in the healthcare field.</span></p>

Lisa St. John, M.S.

<p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Jeffrey H. Kaplan, M.D., F.A.C.S. is the Medical Director at Bay Area Hyperbarics. He has his own private practice in Vascular Surgery in San Jose. He is board certified in Surgery with a special certificate in Vascular Surgery.</span></p>

Jeffrey H. Kaplan

<p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Laura received her Bachelors degree in Nursing from the California State University, Chico, then spent the majority of her 25-year nursing career as an Oncology Nurse. She worked at Stanford University Medical center as an in-patient Chemotherapy nurse, where she treated cancer and Leukemia patients.</span></p>

Laura Jean

<p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">David Roberts is our Senior Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT). He received his Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) instruction at the College of Engineering and Oceaneering in San Diego in 2001, and is a California State Emergency Medical Technician.</span></p>

David Roberts

<p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Laura May is our Manager of Special Projects and Human Resources. She has been on staff since 2005 and contributes to the business side of the company. After graduating with a B.S. degree in Michigan, she spent time working to develop a strong background in contracts management and business for both large and small companies.</span></p>

Laura May

<p><span style="color: rgb(76, 77, 78);">Jim is a Product Design Leader who designs software applications and websites. He excels at optimizing those products and sites to engage customers and monetize the digital presence for small to medium businesses.</span></p>

Jim Nieters

Hyperbarics, which is oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure, heals dozens of medical conditions, many of which are paid for by insurance and Medicare

At Bay Area Hyperbarics, we provide hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments to promote healing and recovery for a wide range of medical conditions. Visit us to learn more about HBOT today.

Latest Research in Hyperbarics

The Science Behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How Does It Work?

Recent Articles

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Medical Treatment

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits

The Game-Changer for Sports Injuries: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Welcome Our Two New Nurse Practitioners: Michelle Steiny and Suzanne White

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe for Cancer Patients?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats Age-Related Decline

Hyperbarics Accelerates Healing for Plastic Surgery Patients

A Patient’s Perspective – How Hyperbarics Healed My Long Covid

Research Shows that Hyperbarics Heals Long-Covid

Healing the Men We Love

Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Let's talk with our Docs about Hyperbarics

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Heal Fibromyalgia & PTSD

What To Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session

Bay Area Hyperbarics Talks with Parents About Concussion

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Exciting Research - Regeneration of Nerve Fibers in the Brain

Hyperbarics effective against Avascular Necrosis (AVN) - Osteonecrosis

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy shows potential with Irritable Bowel Disease

Bay Area Hyperbarics - Keeping Patients and Staff Healthy during Covid

Most Popular

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treats Age-Related Decline

The Science Behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How Does It Work?

What To Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as Medical Treatment

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits

Get the latest on Hyperbaric Therapy in your inbox.