Hyperbarics is a technology in which the air pressure in the environment is increased. When a person’s body is placed in a higher pressure environment, it absorbs more oxygen molecules. The body normally transports oxygen via hemoglobin in red blood cells. By increasing the air pressure, oxygen is then diffused into the body’s plasma, allowing a super-saturation of tissues and organs with oxygen. The increased pressure infuses the body with oxygen, even reaching injuries with damaged circulation.

Mild Hyperbarics is generally a pressure protocol up to 1.3 ATA (atmospheres absolute) or 4 PSI (pound per square inch). High Pressure Hyperbarics involves pressures above 1.5 ATA. These pressures are achieved in a variety of chambers currently available on the market, including monoplace, multiplace, and portable chambers. Iowa HBOT uses a hard-sided chamber that provides pressure up to 3.0 ATA, and a soft-sided chamber that provides pressure up to 1.3 ATA.

In the United States, there are certain indications which insurance covers. Currently, Iowa HBOT is categorically excluded from health insurance coverage.

Each case is different and your clinician may regulate protocols depending on a patient’s condition, disease, prognosis, and improvements through the course of therapy.

Hyperbarics has a very good safety record. Many hyperbaric centers report only mild otic (ear) discomfort as a side effect of treatment. Such discomfort is similar to the ear pressure felt when ascending or descending in altitude, like in a plane. These discomforts may be minimized by descending at a slower rate. Discuss these concerns with the treating physician and hyperbaric technician.

Adding enriched oxygen into a hyperbaric environment does need to be monitored. Oxygen toxicity can occur with pressures greater than 1.5 ATA. Oxygen toxicity has not been observed at lower pressures. With patients properly monitored and with appropriate air breaks, oxygen toxicity can be avoided. And if oxygen toxicity occurs, it is typically short lived and resolves by removing concentrated oxygen.

Yes, hyperbarics yields wonderful results with children. In fact, research with children suffering from brain-injuries, genetic disorders, and autism, shows positive results and great promise.

Most definitely. Hyperbarics is great for those in their later years. There are signals in the research that HBOT is good for anti-aging, neurologic conditions, and overall health and wellbeing. In fact, new research points to elongating telomere length and slowing apoptosis.

Mild hyperbarics is used regularly by people from all walks of life, including professional athletes and mountain climbers. As a competitive edge for athletes, hyperbaric oxygenation reduces muscle fatigue and the buildup of lactic acid. Individuals who use hyperbarics in their professional athletic careers report an advantage over their competitors.

If we are not seeing changes in the first 20-30 treatments, we will want to revisit the treatment plan and potentially seek out collaborative care with other clinicians to be sure there is not other underlying pathophysiology that is negatively impacting your progress.

Hyperbaric treatments are good for a wide range of issues and a wide range of people, ranging from children to the elderly. Learn more about how this treatment modality might help you. Visit our Conditions Treated page.