Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: How Does It Work?

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an innovative treatment that harnesses the power of oxygen under pressure to promote healing and reduce inflammation. The science behind this therapy involves basic gas laws that have been known for centuries, and its roots date back to the 1600s when it was first used in medical treatments.

To understand how HBOT works, let’s use a simple analogy—think of a bottle of soda. The carbonation in the soda is created by pressurizing carbon dioxide gas and mixing it with liquid. Under pressure, the gas molecules shrink and are absorbed by the liquid. That’s why, when you open a soda bottle and release the pressure, the gas bubbles quickly rise to the surface.

The same principle applies when we undergo HBOT. When you’re inside a hyperbaric chamber, the pressure increases, and as you breathe in 100% oxygen, the gas molecules shrink, allowing your body to absorb more oxygen into your blood plasma. This becomes an extra oxygen delivery system for your body, which is crucial in healing damaged tissues, reducing swelling, and improving circulation in areas where blood flow is compromised.

The Science: Boyle’s and Henry’s Gas Laws

HBOT works on the principles of Boyle’s and Henry’s laws. Boyle's Law states that as pressure increases, the volume of gas decreases. Under the high pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber, the oxygen molecules shrink, enabling more oxygen to be packed into your bloodstream. Henry's Law complements this by explaining that the amount of gas dissolved in a liquid is proportional to the pressure of the gas. Under pressure, your blood plasma absorbs the extra oxygen, which is then delivered to areas of your body that need it the most, especially damaged or inflamed tissue.

This additional oxygen supply accelerates the healing process by promoting the body's natural recovery mechanisms. Consistent treatments over time have been shown to reduce inflammation, speed up recovery from surgeries, and help athletes recover from injuries.

Real-World Example: Accelerating Post-Surgery Recovery

One of our clients experienced the benefits of HBOT after foot surgery. Right after surgery, he began using a hyperbaric chamber twice daily. At his two-week postoperative visit, his doctor noted that he was healing significantly faster than expected. Typically, patients undergoing this type of surgery remain in a protective boot for six weeks. However, due to his accelerated healing, this client was able to wear regular shoes just four weeks after surgery. The doctor credited the speed of recovery to his consistent use of HBOT and his adherence to post-surgery care instructions.

This client needed to recover quickly to return to work, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy helped him achieve that goal.

Stay Tuned for More Stories

Our blog will be regularly updated with new posts on the science behind HBOT and stories from clients who have used it to recover from surgeries, manage inflammation, and improve their overall health. Check back weekly to learn more about how HBOT could help you or someone you know.