What does hyperbaric chamber treatment involve?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a commonly used therapeutic method today, practice in professional medical centres. What does treatment using it involve? How does a hyperbaric chamber work? Who should use it? We answer these and other questions in this article.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is based on the administration of 100 percent oxygen directly to the patient’s airways, under specific baric conditions. A special chamber is used to achieve the desired pressure, inside which these conditions can be created for the duration of the therapy. The pressure that is usually used in a hyperbaric chamber depends on the patient’s condition and the medical problems he or she is facing.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen under elevated pressure. The treatment is carried out in a hyperbaric chamber, a special capsule in which the pressure is much higher than under normal atmospheric conditions.

Due to the fact that oxygen is delivered under increased pressure, it not only penetrates the red blood cells, but also dissolves in the blood plasma. This means that oxygen can also reach all areas that are less well supplied with blood on a daily basis.

Administering 100 percent oxygen to a patient under properly prepared conditions stimulates a number of physiological processes that naturally occur in the human body. These primarily include regenerative processes, including wound healing, reduction of inflammation, or angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels. Optimal oxygenation of all organs, tissues and cells allows them to improve their functioning.

Who should consider taking advantage of the beneficial effects of hyperbaric chamber therapy? Scientific sources first mention people diagnosed with decompression sickness, sudden idiopathic deafness (loss of hearing from unknown causes), as well as those suffering from acute soft tissue ischaemia, musculoskeletal injuries, hard-to-heal wounds, second- and third-degree burns, necrotizing soft tissue infection, diabetic foot, complications from radiation therapy or – especially popular during the heating season – carbon monoxide poisoning.

Research by modern scientists also shows the beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on all cells in the human body, including those responsible for reproduction. For this reason, hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions are also recommended for people trying to have offspring, as a supportive measure.

The use of the chamber can also be an extremely valuable aid for athletes – especially those whose bodies are exposed to intense physical exertion and need strong regeneration. However, the properties that support regeneration at the cellular level can benefit anyone who cares about keeping their body in good shape for as long as possible.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a systemic effect that can provide many health benefits, including:

• improved oxygenation of the body, which promotes cellular regeneration and improves organ function,
• faster healing of wounds, including hard-to-heal diabetic ulcers or burns,
• reducing inflammation and lowering oxidative stress,
• support of the nervous system, improving cognitive function, memory and concentration,
• support of the body’s recovery from intense physical exertion,
• improving sperm quality and the quality of a woman’s oocytes and endometrium,
• slowing down the aging process, improving skin condition and stimulating collagen production.

The already mentioned stimulation of natural antioxidant processes also has an anti-aging effect. Regular use of the therapy helps to slow down the ageing process, stimulates and accelerates natural cell regeneration. It speeds up the elimination of metabolic products so that the body is cleansed of toxins more quickly.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment is increasingly emerging in the context of longevity medicine. Contemporary studies (e.g. J. Lindenmann et al., 2022) show and confirm that the use of the chamber can slow down the natural aging processes and counteract the accompanying neurodegenerative changes. The aforementioned mechanisms are based on increasing oxygen availability in tissues, thereby improving micro circulation, significantly reducing oxidative stress, or stimulating repair processes at the cellular level.

One of the mechanisms in the field of anti-aging that is greatly influenced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the stimulation of angiogenesis and improvement of mitochondrial function. Increased oxygen concentrations in cells also activate the pathways responsible for autophagy, the process of removing damaged organelles and proteins. In this way, there is prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as simultaneous support of brain function.

The stimulation of the body’s natural regenerative processes is also noticeable at the level of skin tissues – in this case we will notice not only the easier and faster healing of wounds already mentioned in this article. In the skin, the production of collagen is stimulated, which translates into an increase in its elasticity, density and reduction of wrinkles.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is finding increasing use in reproductive medicine, showing promise in improving fertility in both men and women. Studies indicate that increased oxygen availability can support reproductive function, improve gamete quality and support the effectiveness of infertility treatment.

In the context of male fertility, hyperbaric chamber therapy helps improve sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress – one of the main factors that lead to sperm DNA damage. The use of oxygen therapy under elevated pressure reduces the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in semen, which in turn translates into reduced sperm DNA fragmentation, improved sperm motility and viability.

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy by women trying to have offspring supports ovarian function. Research from Xiangya Hospital Central South University in China has shown that the use of oxygen therapy under elevated pressure allows for an increase in endometrial thickness, as well as improving its receptivity and sensitivity to estrogen. Moreover, the researchers showed a link between oxygen therapy and the stimulation of ovarian follicle maturation. This information could be hugely important for people who are planning or in the process of in vitro fertilization procedure.

Modern research shows a link between hyperbaric oxygen therapy and an accelerated reduction of inflammation arising from, for example, sports injuries. Combined with the strong regenerative effect on tissues, the hyperbaric chamber is becoming a hugely important therapeutic element for physically active people – especially athletes.

Who should not opt for hyperbaric treatment? Before the therapy, the patient undergoes a medical qualification and it is the specialist who decides whether it will be safe for the patient to use this method.

Categorical contraindications include:

• pregnancy,
• pneumothorax,
• emphysema,
• past chest surgery,
• active and acute upper respiratory tract infections,
• advanced asthma
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• used chemotherapy,
• implanted pacemaker.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe treatment method, but it should only be used under the supervision of qualified medical personnel.

• The first stage is a compulsory medical qualification, during which contraindications are ruled out. The doctor then creates a treatment plan – indicating the number of sessions and their duration.
• The patient enters the chamber with a nurse, who takes care of his or her safety during the session.
• The patient is given a special outfit made of cotton. He gives up all metal objects and devices – e.g. mobile phone, watch, jewellery. He or she is given a mask to administer oxygen.
• The patient is then given instructions and guidance on the course of therapy and safety rules.
• The device is activated, the therapy lasts about 90 minutes. During this time, the patient can read a book or watch a film (a TV is available in the multi place chambers).

Although all hyperbaric chambers work on the same principle, it is worth being aware of the different types. They differ mainly in size and technical capabilities.

The hyperbaric chamber located at NAMI Medical Resort & Clinic is a multi place chamber, accommodating up to 12 patients. Thanks to the use of advanced solutions, a pressure of 2.5 ATA can be applied inside the chamber showing the highest therapeutic value.

The on-site availability of qualified medical staff ensures absolute patient safety.

NAMI Medical Resort and Clinic exclusively offers medical programs.