Hyperbaric Therapy – the words sound a little space-age, right? Spending time in a hyperbaric chamber seems like an event that might occur after engaging in warp drive travel. However, taking “a dive” in a hyperbaric chamber isn’t new at all.
Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBT) is defined as the therapeutic use of oxygen at a point higher than atmospheric pressure. The effects of pressurized oxygen have been studied as far back as the mid 1800s but it wasn’t until the mid-1950s that therapeutic uses became more common. Initially used to treat decompression sickness, or “the bends,” in SCUBA divers who surfaced too quickly, the therapy has been applied more widely each year as technology, and an understanding of our bodies, advances.
Chambers were initially hard-sided compartments that were pressurized to fairly high levels, addressing the severe effects of decompression sickness. However, when patients were exposed to the much lower levels of pressurization, around 2 to 4.5 pounds per square inch (psi) or 1.3 atmospheres, the therapeutic application of mHBT increased greatly.
The mild pressure, via compressed air, is used in a soft chamber made of heavy duty fabric where the patient wears an oxygen mask delivering 95% pure oxygen. This type of mild hyperbaric therapy is intended for use by people suffering from chronic conditions, not an acute situation such as “the bends.”
In Olympia, we now have access to mHBT and state of the art treatment in individual, soft chambers at H3 Therapy Services, located in West Olympia. Michael Pfeifer, RRT Clinical Director at H3 Therapy Services in Olympia, is passionate about helping people about achieving optimal health. He knows that nothing is a “magic cure-all” but believes in educating patients to be their own best advocate. The H3T offices include a well-stocked education center with reference articles for patients to browse, or take home, to learn about the benefits of not only mHBT, but all healthy lifestyle influences.
“I want my patients to understand the stresses our bodies undergo each day simply by breathing the polluted air in our environment and drinking the water from our taps,” Pfeifer explains. “I work with each individual to assess what it is that is their biggest health challenge and then to create a plan to help them feel better. In most cases, that plan includes the use of hyperbaric therapy as its benefits are far reaching.”
What are the benefits? As with any therapy of this nature, the impact is going to vary from person to person. However, Pfeifer explains that the basic premise of mHBT is consistent. “Oxygen under pressure is so much different than it is when we breathe it out of the normal atmosphere. The increased pressure allows blood and other liquids in the body to absorb additional oxygen. This means the tissues, cells, and organs of the body can take in more oxygen. Increased oxygenation promotes healing and increases healthy cell function.”
mHBT has been widely used in sports medicine for years. The increased oxygenation of the body allows for increased circulation to damaged and inflamed tissues. Treatment in a hyperbaric chamber after injury can decrease swelling and shorten healing time.
In the same way that HBT can address an acute injury with swelling reduction and improved healing, wounds are also shown to improve quickly when treated with mHBT. The increase of oxygenated blood to the wound site speeds the healing of the damaged tissues and patients see improved recovery times. This concept is being applied to many different healing situations including post-surgical care, particularly plastic surgery where the delicate tissues of our largest organ, our skin, are affected.
Pfeifer stresses that he prefers to work in conjunction with patients’ primary care physicians to ensure treatments are complimentary. “My ultimate goal is to help people feel better and I believe that hyperbaric treatments have a place their overall healing,” shares Pfeifer.
When you visit H3 Therapy Services for a “dive session” you can expect to be greeted warmly by the office staff, made comfortable in one of their treatment rooms, and offered a glass of water – Kangan Water. Part of the “3” in H3 Therapy is utilizing the Ionized Water System prior to a dive session to hydrate the body with pure, pH-balanced water.
Typical tap water tends toward the acidic and Pfeifer says it can actually cause harm in our bodies. By neutralizing the acidity, creating a more alkaline and balance water to drink, you can effectively hydrate your cells, allowing optimum function and ultimately a detoxification of your tissues. The system is easily installed in any home and uses ionization to change the pH of the water. In the H3 Therapy Services offices, the Kangan Water System is available for all patients to enjoy.
Spend 60 minutes in a hyperbaric chamber. You can take a book, your phone, or even a laptop into the chamber with you, although Pfeifer encourages people to simply relax, even sleep. “A hyperbaric session typically leaves people feeling refreshed and energized,” Pfeifer shares. “They often report improved mental clarity but also an increased motivation to live a healthier lifestyle, eat better, and have a better quality of sleep.”
To learn more, visit H3 Therapy Services, Inc. online or stop into their Westside Olympia office. They welcome visitors and can answer your questions. Appointments for dive sessions can be made by calling 360-515-0681.
405 D2 Black Hills Lane SW
Olympia, Washington 98502
360-515-0681 or 360-870-5308
