At NorCal Brain Center, we have many patients that come in that are struggling with injuries and disabilities that hinder their ability to live their daily lives happily. Many times, our body is not able to heal itself to the extent and speed that we want, and as a result people live with their pain and try to manage it. Here at NorCal Brain Center, we want to ensure that our patients are getting the most effective treatments and that is why we are pleased to announce the addition of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
What is a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?
As humans, we are constantly dependent on a continuous stream of oxygen that enables us to function in our day to day lives. In a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, oxygen delivery to the tissues of the body is increased up to three times the normal amount. In doing this, the body can speed up recovery and healing time for many different types of conditions. When a tissue is damaged or injured, the body compensates by sending more blood to the area in the hopes that the nutrient and oxygen carrying blood will help the damaged tissue heal faster. With the help of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber this process is expedited to help aid the body in the healing process.
How Does a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber Work?
A hyperbaric oxygen chamber increases the amount of oxygen rich blood that is delivered to your issues due to the elevated pressure. For example, if someone were to injure their blood vessels in an accident, our body immediately tries to heal it and in doing so we see inflammation and swelling as a result. Although this is our body’s mechanism of healing and it generally works, sometimes it needs a little help. A session in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps increase the blood flow and oxygen levels to the damaged area and helps that oxygen starved tissue heal faster. Not only does a hyperbaric oxygen chamber help with increased blood flow, but it can also help increase our body’s immune defenses therefore helping us fight against infections and bacteria.
What Do I Do When I am in a Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber?
A session in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber can vary depending on what your healthcare providers deems is necessary. Typically, one enters the hyperbaric chambers and sits down for a session that can last upwards of 1.5 hours. There are numerous things that one can feel while in the chamber all which are completely normal. When pressure rises, it is normal for our ears to feel plugged like what happens when you go up a mountain and your ears close off. If this happens, swallowing or chewing gum can help alleviate this feeling. After a session feeling lightheaded, fatigued, or having a headache is all completely normal; your body is just recovering from the session. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you qualify for treatments as there are people that are not able to do them. Examples would be people who have just had ear surgery, have a cold, and certain types of lung disease. Please don’t hesitate to call NorCal Brain Center with any questions that you have regarding the hyperbaric oxygen chamber. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you can so we can help you find the best treatment possible for you as to ensure that you can live your best life daily! Please call us at (408)585-5275 if you have any questions!
