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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an AMA (American Medical
Association) recognised medical treatment, which enhances the
body's natural healing processes. It is approved under the Care
Standard Legislation in England and Wales and indeed this therapy
will be offered with the knowledge of your G.P.
It has long been used to treat decompression sickness,
carbon monoxide poisoning, injuries and wounds and is now being
used successfully worldwide in the symptomatic treatment of many
neurological, vascular, respiratory and inflammatory conditions
such as: - Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Migraine, Cerebral Palsy,
Parkinson's Disease, Arthritis, Respiratory Diseases, Circulatory
Disorders, Fibromyalgia, Wounds, Sports Injuries, Myalgic
Encephalopathy and Post Operative Healing and can be used in
conjunction with conventional medical treatments.
Oxygen Therapy is used as an adjunct therapy when Cancer
patients are having Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical use of oxygen at an
increased level of pressure - (hyper) means increased, (baric)
means pressure. HBOT raises the levels of oxygen in the body's
blood plasma which leads to higher amounts of oxygen being
delivered to the body's tissues, organs and brain.
The treatment consists of breathing in pure oxygen (100%)
through a face mask, hood or mouth piece whilst sitting normally
and comfortably in a chamber which is increased to a predefined
pressure for a period of 60mins.
Why do we need oxygen?
Oxygen is vital for all the body's functions and is essential
for healing. Usually the supply we breathe in normal air is enough
for a normal healthy body to repair minor ailments. However, there
are times during more serious illness or injury when the body is
under added stress and requires greater amounts of oxygen to heal
effectively. |
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In January 2010 I was diagnosed with Mesotholioma (an
asbestos related cancer). I was treated first by an
operation in the Royal Victoria Hospital then treated
with 18 weeks chemotherapy in the City Oncology Unit.
Recovery was very slow and I was experiencing a lot of
chest pain. Four weeks after the last chemotherapy I
started to attend the Oxygen Therapy Centre at
Magheramorne and after 6 treatments of HBOT the pain
disappeared and my energy levels increased to the extent
that I was avoiding sleep during the day time and
sleeping longer at night. I was also able to go swimming
at the local pool which improved my overall fitness. All
thanks the HBOT at Magheramorne. |
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Mr Owen O'Kane |
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How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy work?
Oxygen therapy boosts the body's ability to absorb oxygen,
which enters the body through the air we inhale and is diffused
throughout by red blood cells. Usually the supply we breathe in
is enough for a normal body metabolism and for repairs after minor
injury or illness.
However, there are times when the body is under stress and
requires additional oxygen. Injury or illness may reduce blood
flow, so the supply could be reduced, thereby limiting or
preventing recovery. Without appropriate oxygen levels, the
body's natural healing process cannot function properly.
Most illness and injuries occur and often linger at the
cellular or tissue level. In many cases, such as in circulatory
problems, non-healing wounds or Stroke cases, adequate oxygen is
not reaching the damaged area.
This is where High Dosage Oxygen can help. By inhaling pure
oxygen, patients can increase the concentration of oxygen in their
blood, so that it's more efficiently delivered where it is needed
most. Oxygen is dissolved into all body fluids, the plasma, the
central nervous system, the lymph area and the bones, and can be
carried to areas where circulation is diminished or blocked. When
normal oxygen values are re-established, this greatly enhances the
ability of the white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduce local
swelling and allow new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into
affected areas, creating better conditions for recovery.
How is HBOT administered?
HBOT is offered with the knowledge of your Consultant or GP.
Each treatment lasts 1hr 30mins from start to finish. The
number of treatments varies depending on the nature and severity
of the condition. Generally sports and minor injuries will
require an intensive course of treatment until full recovery is
achieved while chronic conditions by their nature will require
ongoing treatment to maintain well-being and symptom relief. It
is recommended to complete a course of 20 treatments quick
session, taking 3 treatments a week or more until the course is
complete, followed by hourly 'top-up' sessions, to be taken once a
week.
Our chamber allows 6 people to be treated simultaneously.
All clients are assessed both before treatment and at designated
intervals thereafter. Thus, the treatment regime is designed
specifically for the individual's needs.
What are the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy significantly:- - enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria
and prevent infection
- increases the supply of oxygen to injured and diseased
areas
- reduces swelling, pressure and pain
- promotes the repair of injuries
- improves the rate at which lactate and ammonia levels
return to normal after exertion so boosting energy and
performance levels and minimising stress and fatigue
Reported benefits of HBOT are improvements in:-- circulation
- vision
- speech
- memory and concentration
- balance and coordination
- bladder and bowel control
- pain and stress levels
- energy levels
- mood and sense of well-being
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