Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a hot new trend in healthcare. But is it more than that? Is this groundbreaking therapy a solution to multiple health conditions? What about vascular disorders? Recent studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be highly effective in treating peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral vascular disease, or PVD, is a disorder that is characterized by a reduction of blood flow to the extremities caused by inflammation or blocked or narrowed blood vessels. Many patients are experiencing incredible therapeutic results through hyperbaric oxygen therapy. How does it work?
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, is a treatment during which patients relax in a chamber where they breathe 100% oxygen under increased pressure. The chamber is pressurized with 100% oxygen so they don’t have to wear a mask or hood. Patients won’t feel anything unusual, except for the first and last 5-7 minutes, they will feel the need to pop their ears to equalize the change in pressure (like landing in an airplane). HBOT causes the body to take in about 15 times more oxygen which reduces inflammation and speeds tissue repair, resulting in multiple benefits to the patient.
Circulation Improvement through HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves circulation in several ways.
- Reduces Inflammation
One of the symptoms of PVD is chronic inflammation. HBOT reduces inflammation that can damage tissues and cells. - Promotes the Process of Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is the formation of new capalaries and blood vessels, which improves circulation. One of HBOT’s signature features is that it promotes angiogenesis.
Oxygen Therapy for Vascular Health
HBOT improves vascular health in more ways than just increasing blood flow and circulation. Here are some other ways that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help those who have peripheral vascular disease.
- Accelerates Healing
Increasing oxygen consumption improves the immune system and accelerates the healing process. One symptom of PVD includes ulcers and wounds that are slow to heal due to poor circulation. With HBOT, this symptom is vastly improved. As wounds heal, tissue is renewed, and new capalaries and vessels cause blood flow to increase. - Infection Mitigation
Patients with PVD are at high risk of infection, which is increased due to poor circulation. HBOT enhances immune In the newly oxygen-rich environment, anaerobic bacteria cease to thrive. - Oxygen Delivery
The most significant problem of PVD is the lack of oxygen that can be delivered to the body’s cells and tissues. This issue causes many other issues, as every cell in the body requires oxygen to survive. With HBOT, a rapidly increased level of oxygen is delivered to each cell of the body, significantly reducing this issue.
Baromedical Associates
In the Dallas Metro Area, when you are ready to accelerate healing in your body in the most nurturing environment possible, you’re ready to contact Baromedical Associates. As the industry-leading experts in our field, we are happy to provide the healing touch you need in oxygen therapy. For more information, visit our website or make an appointment today.
Sources:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6306846/
https://www.nationalhyperbaric.com/hbot-treatments-and-conditions/peripheral-artery-disease
