How Long Does It Take for HBOT to Work?
Treating severe wounds is no easy task. If you have radiation burns or worsening diabetic wounds, you know just how difficult it can be to find meaningful relief. At Baromedical Associates, we endeavor to help these patients recover faster with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This innovative treatment was once used for decompression sickness, but today, it’s applied to various types of wounds and chronic pain conditions. However, HBOT requires more than just one session to get results. The team at Baromedical Associates will explain when hyperbaric chamber treatment takes effect and what you can do to enhance outcomes.
What Is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment. A patient enters a specialized chamber where air pressure is increased to 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure. In turn, this increases the amount of oxygen absorbed into the blood, promoting faster healing and improved bodily functions. Nowadays, we use HBOT for a wide range of conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Diabetic wounds
- Failed flaps and skin grafts
- Radiation injuries
- Migraines
- Sports injuries
- Gangrene
- Long COVID-19
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s disease
HBOT Treatment Durations and What to Expect
It’s essential to remember that HBOT doesn’t heal wounds overnight. After all, you wouldn’t expect a cut to heal in just 45 minutes, no matter what treatment you used. Everyone needs a different number of sessions to see tangible results from HBOT. After just one session, you may see some initial symptom improvement. Nevertheless, it’s important to continue with regular appointments, as initial results may only be temporary. Several sessions into treatment, you’ll likely start noticing long-term benefits. Our providers will closely monitor your progress and adjust your session frequency as needed.
What Influences Session Frequency?
All patients require a personalized approach to HBOT. That means your treatment duration will differ from that of others with similar conditions. It’s impossible to predict exactly how many sessions you’ll need, but most patients with a non-healing diabetic wound need 40-50 HBO treatments. Your healthcare provider will evaluate the following factors when determining session frequency, but for optimal healing, HBOT should be taken daily 5 days per week.
- Condition Severity—The more severe your condition, the longer it may take to see significant improvements. Acute conditions might show quicker results compared to chronic ailments.
- Individual Differences—Each person’s body responds differently to treatment. Factors like age, overall health, and lifestyle may all impact how quickly you see results.
HBOT Offers a Plethora of Benefits
HBOT has become a compelling option for those with non-healing wounds and a variety of other health concerns. Here are just a few reasons why so many choose HBOT:
- Accelerated Wound Healing—One of the most notable benefits of HBOT is its ability to speed up wound healing. The increased oxygen levels promote the growth of new blood vessels, facilitate cellular repair, and help combat infections, making it particularly effective for chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers.
- Reduced Inflammation—HBOT can significantly reduce inflammation throughout the body. By increasing oxygen saturation, the therapy helps modulate the body’s inflammatory response, which is beneficial for conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
- Enhanced Immune Function—Higher oxygen levels can boost your immune system’s efficiency, making your body better equipped to fight infections.
- Pain Reduction—By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, HBOT helps with managing chronic pain conditions. Patients with issues like fibromyalgia, migraines, or sports injuries may find relief through regular HBOT sessions.
Maximizing Benefits and Speeding Recovery
Your treatment duration will depend on many factors outside of your control. While some patients may see improvements after three visits, others might need 40 or more. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to maximize HBOT’s benefits:
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle—A balanced diet, proper hydration, and regular exercise can all enhance the benefits of HBOT, just as they improve overall health.
- Avoid Smoking—Smoking can diminish HBOT’s effectiveness. We recommend taking steps to quit smoking to ensure you get all the benefits of this innovative therapy.
- Monitor Your Progress—While your healthcare providers will certainly be tracking your progress, it’s a good idea to monitor it yourself as well. Record changes in symptoms, and be sure to celebrate improvements along the way!
- Follow Medical Advice—No matter what, always follow the recommendations of your healthcare team. Skipping sessions or not following guidelines can unnecessarily delay your progress.
Prioritize Your Healing With Baromedical Associates
Do you have more questions about HBOT? The experts at Baromedical Associates would be glad to address your concerns. Our Dallas-based team sees people from all over the world, and we’re excited to lead the charge toward more accessible treatment. Reach out to us for more details on session frequency and HBOT’s benefits.
1 Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for nonhealing wounds: Treatment results of a single center