How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Benefits Wound Healing

When most of us think of oxygen’s role in our health and wellness, we think of our lungs and respiratory system and how oxygen supports overall health and normal organ function. But what many of us don’t know about oxygen is that it plays a key role in wound healing, too.

Unfortunately, diabetes, immune system dysfunction, and other underlying medical issues can interfere with the normal wound-healing process, leaving us prone to serious infections that can become life-threatening. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) uses special techniques to infuse tissues with pure oxygen, supporting better wound healing.

Laser Surgical Solutions RGV PLLC offers the region's first in-office HBOT treatment center, providing state-of-the-art wound-care therapy without hospitalization or extensive travel. In this post, John W. Hovorka, MD, Cynthia L. Salinas, MD, and their team offer an overview of HBOT and its essential role in helping heal even stubborn wounds.

HBOT 101

Although many people are unfamiliar with HBOT and its benefits, it’s been used as a medical therapy since the 1600s! Of course, HBOT has changed significantly over the centuries, using the most advanced therapies and precise dosing for optimal outcomes.

Today, HBOT focuses on delivering pure oxygen at pressures far exceeding what we normally breathe. Increased pressure helps our lungs and tissues absorb much more oxygen than usual, enhancing not only the amount of oxygen flooding our tissues but its beneficial effects.

HBOT is completely painless and noninvasive — in fact, all you need to do is relax and breathe normally while the special hyperbaric chamber does the rest. Depending on your wound-healing responses, you can benefit from a single HBOT session, while a series of sessions provides maximum benefits.

Wound-healing benefits of HBOT

Oxygen can kill bacteria and other “bad” germs, so it makes sense that providing more oxygen can help speed healing. But that’s just one of the many wound-healing benefits provided by HBOT. 

Increased availability of white blood cells

White blood cells form the core of your infection-fighting system. By improving your circulation, HBOT helps your body deliver more white blood cells to battle germs that cause or worsen infections.

Decreased inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response to infection and an important part of the healing process. But for hard-to-heal wounds, the inflammatory response goes into overdrive, causing more harm than good. HBOT helps reduce inflammation that hinders healing, providing a better tissue recovery and repair environment.

New blood vessel growth

HBOT promotes angiogenesis or new blood vessel growth. This improves overall circulation, enabling the body to deliver more oxygen and other nutrients necessary for healing. New blood vessels also enable the body to carry off toxic byproducts that can hinder wound-healing mechanisms.

Ramped-up stem cell production

HBOT also stimulates the production of stem cells and special proteins called growth factors, each contributing to tissue healing and repair. 

Perhaps best of all, HBOT is noninvasive and medication-free, making it ideal for anyone suffering from hard-to-heal wounds, including people with weakened immune systems and stubborn diabetic ulcers. Each session takes about 1-2 hours, and afterward, you can return to your regular routine.

Learn more about HBOT

Hard-to-heal wounds increase your risk of serious, life-threatening infections, amputations, and other poor outcomes. To learn how HBOT can enhance your body’s healing process, request an appointment with the Laser Surgical Solutions RGV PLLC team in McAllen and Rio Grande City, Texas, today.