Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a great way to speed up wound healing and improve blood circulation. It’s convenient and provides quick results. At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, the vascular surgeons and wound care specialists regularly prescribe hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat diabetic ulcers, venous ulcers, and other slow-healing wounds. Call the office in McAllen or Rio Grande City, Texas, to schedule a hyperbaric oxygen therapy consultation, or book your appointment online today.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an outpatient treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment.

The air pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is higher than normal atmospheric pressure, enhancing your body’s ability to absorb the oxygen. This boost in oxygen strengthens your body’s ability to fight infection, supports recovery, and accelerates wound healing.

Am I a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

The Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, team uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat various wounds, including:

• Complex wounds
• Surgical wounds
• Diabetic ulcers
• Arterial ulcers
• Venous ulcers
• Burns

Sometimes, the team prescribes hyperbaric oxygen therapy to relieve leg cramping and leg pain.

How do I prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Preparing for hyperbaric oxygen therapy is easy. On the day of your appointment, you sit or lie inside the chamber for a specific amount of time.

Avoid wearing petroleum-based hair or skin products because they present a fire hazard. You must also leave your phone and other electronic or battery-powered devices outside the chamber.

What does hyperbaric oxygen therapy involve?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an outpatient procedure. Treatment sessions typically last 45 minutes to two hours. The time you spend inside the chamber depends on the problem being treated and the severity of your symptoms.

The two types of HBOT are:

Single-person units

A single-person unit has an exam table that slides into a clear plastic tube. At the beginning of treatment, you lie on your back, and your provider closes the tube. During treatment, you can relax and nap or even watch TV.

Rooms that accommodate several people

A multiperson HBOT chamber is a big room. Before entering, your provider places an oxygen mask over your mouth and nose or a transparent hood over your head. Multiperson chambers have more space, which allows you to sit, stand, or lie down.

What happens after hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

After hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you get your pulse and blood pressure checked and look inside your ears. They’ll assess your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.

If everything looks good, you return to your routine. It’s normal to feel tired and hungry after HBOT. You don’t have to modify your activity. However, many people take the remainder of the day off work or school to rest and recuperate.

Call the nearest Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, office to schedule a hyperbaric oxygen therapy consultation, or book your appointment online today.