Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy or HBOT is a medical treatment which is given by placing the patient’s entire body in an enclosed chamber. The patient breathes 100% oxygen while under increased pressure. Most patients are treated at a pressure equivalent of 2-2 ½ times the normal atmospheric pressure. At RJenx we have the largest mono-place (or single person) chambers in the country.
How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) work?
The purpose of breathing 100% oxygen under pressure is to dissolve more oxygen in the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood. This increased level of oxygen is then delivered throughout your body tissues. White blood cell activity is enhanced at the wound site. Vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels) occurs and aids in reducing swelling. HBOT may start the formation of new peripheral blood vessels (angiogenesis) in the damaged area of the body (wound).
What are some conditions that benefit from HBOT?
- A diabetic person with a wound that is slow to heal, or is simply not healing
- Certain infections of the bone and skin
- Anyone with a wound that has showed no improvement in 4 weeks.
- Someone with damaged tissue from radiation therapy (no matter how long ago)
- Someone with a skin graft that has questionable blood supply
- Anti-aging treatments
- Autism
- Brown recluse spider bite
- And many more…
Do I need a prescription for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Yes, a prescription is required for HBOT. Either you are referred to us by your personal physician or you will meet with our medical director for a consultation to determine if your condition may benefit from HBOT. After a prescription is written, a series of specified treatments can be scheduled.
How many treatments are required?
There is no magical number of HBOT treatments (or dives) because each person responds slightly differently. However, it is possible to estimate how many treatments you may require based on your problem. For example, the average number of treatments required to heal a patient with a problem wound is between 20-40.
How long will it take before I start to see changes in my condition?
The time it takes to see results are dependent upon the condition being treated and the individual. Some conditions may see desired results within a few treatments while other conditions may require more treatments.
The patient will be assessed prior to treatment and will be asked (or their caregiver) to keep a treatment diary to document their progress and assist in the development of future treatment plans. With the authorization of the patient and/or caregiver, we will document their progress with photographs, video, and assessments.
How long do HBOT treatments last?
An average treatment lasts approximately 2 hours. This includes the time to compress and decompress the chamber coupled with the 90 minutes at the prescribed treatment depth. Remember, treatment times can vary depending on what you are diving for.
What can I do during an HBOT treatment?
You have several possibilities to avoid boredom during your treatment. Since every chamber has a TV/DVD/CD combination for your viewing during the dive you can always watch TV or listen to music. You’re welcome to bring your own DVD or CD that you would like to play during your treatment as long as the tape is appropriate for all to view. Of course you can also just relax and enjoy a nap during your HBOT treatment or talk to our certified hyberbaric technician who will supervise your treatment.
Are there any sensations associated with the HBOT treatment?
At the beginning of the treatment, the most noticeable feeling will be in your ears. This is exactly the same feeling you would experience when landing in an airplane, diving to the bottom of the swimming pool, or descending from a tall building in an elevator. The hyperbaric staff will instruct you on different methods of relieving ear pressure. The chamber will be quite noisy during the first few minutes of your treatment, called the compression phase. This is due to the large flow of gases into the chamber and will subside once the prescribed pressure is achieved. As the pressure is increased in the chamber, it may feel warmer. Likewise when the pressure is decreased to end the treatment, it may feel cooler. This pressure decrease is called decompression. Compression and decompression phases take about 10-15 minutes each.
Do patients suffer from claustrophobia?
Most HBOT patients do not suffer from claustrophobia. This could be due to either the large size of the chamber or the fact that it’s made out of clear acrylic. From inside the chamber, it is possible to see out in all directions. There is always an attendant in the room during your treatment. For those patients who still feel anxious about their treatment, the hyperbaric physician can prescribe medication that will relax you and
make your treatment less stressfull.
Are there any side effects or risks?
The hyperbaric treatment is very safe as long as all safety precautions are followed. As a patient you are given a thorough orientation prior to your first treatment. Our staff will assure your safety and make your treatment comfortable and stress free.
Will family members be able to remain in the hyperbaric room during treatments?
No, family members will not be able to remain in the hyperbaric room during treatments. However if you are anxious about your first few treatments, one family member may stay, but must leave the room after your compression phase. Family members need to wait in the lobby area or return after the treatment. Visitors/family members may wish to visit Starbuck’s or Quizno’s located in the building. This policy is for the privacy and well being of all involved. Of course your whole treatment is supervised by our certified hyperbaric technician who you can always talk to or ask questions.
What if I’m a smoker?
Smoking even one cigarette, causes blood vessels to constrict which decreases the blood oxygen supply to the tissue, counteracting the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen treatments. To receive the maximum benefit, patients are highly encouraged not to smoke during the course of therapy.