Hyperbaric Chambers have been linked with the healing of decompression illness, also referred to as "the bends". If you've ever scuba dived, you likely were warned about the potential dangers of decompression sickness, an ailment that strikes many divers who resurface too quickly following a dive. The bends is an extremely dangerous diving condition that leaves many divers with debilitating pain, as well as severe hearing and vision impairment. The bends also can be fatal if not treated in time. The bends are often accompanied by swelling, redness, fluid accumulation, and in some cases, even bubbles.
One way that the hyperbaric chamber can be used for decompression therapy is by having a therapist or physician apply pressurized air to the patient's skull. The pressurized air is mixed with a non-toxic gas such as argon, nitrogen, or oxygen at a pressure of about two barometers (one atmosphere at sea level and about atmospheric pressure). When this air is pumped into the chamber, it creates an environment that is very similar to that of low oxygen air. The hyperbaric chamber therapy allows for the quick introduction of supplemental oxygen to the body, which helps to increase blood flow and facilitate the healing process. In addition, the increase in blood flow speeds up recovery from any type of injury or illness.
Another use for the hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to improve lung function. Research has shown that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have improved function after being placed in a hyperbaric chamber. COPD patients are especially benefited by the oxygen-rich environment of the hyperbaric chamber, since they are at less risk for life-threatening complications if they are subjected to higher levels of atmospheric pressure. COPD can also be treated with oxygen therapy through the utilization of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy unit.
Hyperbaric chambers also have the potential to repair damaged tissue. Research has shown that wounds in animals treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapies showed a 50% increase over untreated wounds. Additionally, hyperbaric chambers have been proven to relieve symptoms associated with other respiratory diseases. Patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, asthma, COPD, and various types of allergies can safely and effectively use hyperbaric chambers to combat their conditions.
Many individuals who partake in different forms of physical activity, including athletics, swimmers, and mountain climbers, can greatly benefit from the use of hyperbaric chambers. Many of these individuals have suffered from decompression sickness when participating in outdoor sports due to the increase in atmospheric pressure that can cause dizziness, nausea, and other discomforts after exerting too much exertion. Portable hyperbaric chambers enable athletes and others to overcome the discomfort associated with this condition. Athletes can use the chambers to alleviate the effects of dehydration and windburn by reducing the pressure placed on their lungs. Those who are participating in extreme sports can utilize the chambers for improved swimming performances, increased heart rate and increased stamina.
The hyperbaric chamber can also be used for surgical patients who require additional help following surgery. Barriers can prevent blood from reaching the tissues surrounding the surgical wound, and the oxygenation therapy can speed up the healing process. In addition, the bubbles in the chambers can improve blood circulation, speeding up wound healing. Portable hyperbaric chamber therapy is ideal for individuals who experience compartment syndrome after surgery.
Hyperbaric chamber therapy is also an ideal treatment for individuals who suffer from a variety of health conditions such as asthma, COPD, and allergies. Portable chambers can also be used to treat a variety of physical ailments including arthritis, tennis elbow, shin splints, sports injuries, Lupus and cerebral palsy. When watching TV inside the chamber, the therapist will see the body's response to different oxygenated therapies. This can prompt the therapist to change the therapy to a more suitable one. For example, someone with COPD may watch tv inside the chamber while being treated for congestive heart failure. If the body's response to the television's vibrations is strong enough, the therapist can bring the patient into the hyperbaric chamber and begin performing the cardio therapy that is recommended for COPD patients.
The benefits of the therapy can also extend beyond the sports medicine arena. The pressurized air that is forced into the patient's body can reduce swelling and has been shown to stimulate the immune system. There is even some evidence of improved brain function due to increased blood flow. This is likely due to the increase in oxygen levels and the reduction of the stress on the brain. Portable hyperbaric chambers are a great investment for athletes and anyone suffering from any number of ailments.
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