Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, is a medical treatment in which people breathe concentrated oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process introduces high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream, which may support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Here is more information about how hyperbaric therapy can positively impact wound healing:
Delivers Oxygen
During HBOT, the elevated air pressure allows your lungs to take in more oxygen than at normal atmospheric pressure. The circulatory system transports oxygen-rich blood to all tissues. Because oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma, it can reach areas where circulation may be diminished or blocked.
This increased oxygen supply is a key component of the therapy’s application for wound care. Certain wounds, especially those that have not responded to other treatments, may have compromised blood flow. Supplying high oxygen levels via plasma meets the metabolic needs of damaged cells and aids healing.
Fights Infection
Some bacteria struggle to survive in oxygen-rich environments, so introducing high levels of oxygen may help manage certain infections. White blood cells also use oxygen to fight foreign invaders and remove dead cells. Your immune system’s ability to combat infection can benefit from an ample oxygen supply. When white blood cells have enough oxygen, they may be better equipped to find and destroy harmful bacteria.
Oxygen also works alongside certain antibiotics to improve their effectiveness. Some antibiotics require oxygen to properly function against bacteria, and HBOT provides this necessary element. Enhanced white blood cell activity combined with improved antibiotic function helps control bacterial load within a wound.
Stimulates Tissue Growth
The body requires oxygen and specific growth factors to build new tissue, and hyperbaric therapy helps provide them. New blood vessels form, which is stimulated by the high oxygen levels achieved during treatment. These new capillaries create pathways for blood to reach damaged areas, which supports long-term healing.
Growth factors are proteins that signal cells to multiply and rebuild. The body produces several growth factors, which are needed for healing. HBOT has been observed to promote the release of these substances. When these growth factors are present, they encourage the formation of a new tissue matrix, helping to close the wound.
This therapy also supports the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure to your skin and other tissues. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for producing collagen, and they function more effectively in an oxygenated environment. A strong collagen matrix is a scaffold upon which new skin cells can grow.
Reduces Swelling
Swelling, or edema, occurs when fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, and it can restrict blood flow to a wound. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy causes blood vessels to narrow, which may reduce swelling. Less swelling can relieve pressure and improve blood flow to the affected area. The reduction in swelling may help with the following:
- Improving blood flow to the injury site
- Alleviating discomfort associated with pressure
- Enhancing the delivery of nutrients for repair
Schedule Hyperbaric Therapy Today
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a supportive treatment that addresses several aspects of the wound healing process. If you are managing a non-healing wound, it is useful to explore all available treatment paths with your healthcare provider. Contact a naturopathic clinic to discuss your situation and to schedule an appointment to learn more.