Recently I had an opportunity to use hyperbaric therapy in my rural community to treat many children with autism spectrum disorder. Hyperbaric, or pressurized air, is a form of low pressure that fills a container in which the pressurized gas is stored. Many times hyperbaric oxygen treatments are used for children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities. Many of these autistic individuals were not given a home healthcare unit when they were diagnosed with autism because there was not available medical equipment to treat them.
Hyperbaric, pressurized, oxygen treatment has been used as a primary treatment for a number of conditions since the 1950's including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The hyperbaric chamber is unique because it is the only medical device of its kind to cure patients with these types of progressive illnesses. Hyperbaric oxygen chambers for home use can also be used to treat a number of other conditions including head trauma, brain damage due to traumatic brain injury, strokes, burns, as well as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. These hyperbaric chambers can be found at local medical supply stores and retailers all over the country. Hyperbaric treatment can be very effective when it is used for a specific medical condition or when combined with other treatments.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has the added benefit of allowing a patient to remain fully conscious throughout the entire length of the procedure. During the hyperbaric chamber treatment a patient lies down on a reclining chair and is surrounded by a translucent plastic bubble enveloped in a clear plastic sheet. This bubble shields the patient from any bubbles, fumes, or particles that may harm their lungs or cause any discomfort while they are under the pressurized atmosphere of the hyperbaric chamber. This near-uniform pressure environment helps to relieve stress and anxiety and relaxes patients before, during and after the hyperbaric chamber procedure.
An adjustable, padded hyperbaric chamber is used during the procedure. The temperature of the hyperbaric oxygen generator can be adjusted to fit the most appropriate body weight and oxygen level. A digital control panel controls the output of the hyperbaric chamber. The output of the hyperbaric generator is directed to either a hand-held unit that is connected directly to a nozzle that dispenses the pressurized gas, or a connected hose. Once the proper hyperbaric chamber has been selected, a mask equipped with a solid surface placed over the mouth and nose of the patient allows for the efficient delivery of hyperbaric oxygen.
A variety of different physical ailments can be treated using hyperbaric therapy. Head trauma, stroke, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, carbon dioxide poisoning, and various respiratory diseases such as asthma can all be treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Even the effects of traumatic brain injury and chronic fatigue syndrome have been proven to be ameliorated through hyperbaric treatments. There are many other physical ailments that can be treated. Individuals suffering from a condition that does not respond to standard treatments, such as cerebral palsy, may respond to hyperbaric therapies.
A medical treatment, such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy, can reduce pain in a variety of medical conditions. Neuromuscular disease, muscular cramps, whiplash, migraine headaches, TMJ, neck pain, menstrual cramps, and back pain have all were found to be relieved by hyperbaric therapy. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, shingles, tendonitis, muscle spasms, sciatica, and more have all stated that hyperbaric therapy has had a positive impact on their health and lives. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, an appointment with your physician should be made as soon as possible. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments are safe for use by all patients, and there are no known side effects.
When hyperbaric oxygen treatments are combined with the proper physical therapy, such as stretching and exercise, the benefits are far-reaching. Many individuals that were interested in having a hyperbaric chamber for home use were unable to afford the high cost of a custom-made unit. When they discovered that nearby Saint Paul's Hospital had a hyperbaric therapy chamber and was able to make appointments at a reasonable price, it changed their minds and began planning to have a hyperbaric treatment at nearby Meadow.
The benefits of having a hyperbaric unit near you or your loved one are endless. Hyperbaric chambers can be used for home, work, or vacation use and the quality of the air is second to none. Whether you have chronic pain or are looking to reduce swelling from a surgery or other injury, or just want a refreshing dip in the pool on a hot summer day, you can enjoy the convenience and comfort of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy system. Whether you have an appointment at a medical facility near you or in your own home, you can benefit from a hyperbaric chamber, and it is a great idea to consider having one near you.
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