Oxygen is a critical component for the body’s tissues to function
properly. If tissues are injured, they require greater amounts of oxygen
to recover. When the body receives an increased amount of oxygen, it restores
the normal level of blood gases and tissue function. This, in turn, encourages
healing and combats infection.
With hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the body is enveloped in 100 percent pure
oxygen at a greater pressure than normal, forcing more oxygen into the
tissue. The results are the formation of new blood vessels and an increase
in the speed of healing.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
For the advanced treatment of wounds, the IHS Wound Centers operate hyperbaric
oxygen chambers. Under a doctor’s supervision, patients lie in this
chamber. The chamber’s atmosphere is 100% oxygen under pressure.
The pressurized oxygen diffuses into the blood more easily, and this oxygen-rich
plasma can reach up to three times farther into the damaged tissue. Hyperbaric
oxygen treatment also has reduced the amputation rate, and the treatment
actually boosts immune system function.
The oxygen therapy typically lasts about 2 hours receiving regular consistent
treatments depending on what your physician has ordered to help you heal.
Benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy include:
Advanced wound healing
Formation of new blood vessels
Diminishing infection
Preparation and preservation of damaged soft tissue
Reduction of bone infection
Commonly treated conditions include:
Chronic bone infections
Soft tissue radionecrosis and osteoradionecrosis
Non-healing diabetic foot ulcers
Compromised skin grafts and flaps
Radiation cystitis/proctitis
Crush injury
Acute traumatic peripheral ischemia
To schedule an appointment in the Butler or Clarion Areas, call
833-604-7211. For an appointment in the Westmoreland Area, call
877-771-1234.
