Common Myths Revolving Around Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Your body has different tissues which execute several functions like storing energy. For optimal operations, tissues require oxygen supply from the respiratory system. When you have an injury, your tissues need more oxygen for survival. Low oxygen content in the injured tissues will retard healing processes exposing you to chronic wounds like foot ulcers. In that case, you should consider increasing the oxygen flow in your blood through hyperbaric oxygen therapy San Fernando valley. Despite the prevalence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), many people continue to misunderstand this therapy. That is why it is necessary to understand the truth behind the following myths as you anticipate an HBOT appointment.

HBOT Is a Magic Treatment For Everything

Some people believe hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a miracle cure for every condition under the sun. This belief stems from the fact that there is a list of illnesses that have shown quick improvement results after HBOT. The reality is that different factors play a role in causing and curing health conditions. Therefore, although HBOT can benefit patients with certain conditions, it cannot kill off every illness due to varying causes.

HBOT Is a Celebrity Trend

What comes to your mind when you hear about hyperbaric therapy? You are more likely to think of Michael Jackson, who was rumored to sleep in a hyperbaric chamber to stop the aging process. This scenario only added to his popularity while depicting him as a celeb with more money. However, the truth is that hyperbaric chambers have long been there to treat certain injuries, even before the Michael Jacksons era.

HBOT Is Just an Off-Label Treatment

Some skeptics claim that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is being used for purposes other than the ones approved by the FDA. This myth has hindered some people from seeking this therapy. While it is true that some experts use HBOT to experiment with some conditions that are not yet proven, the FDA has approved a long list of illnesses that can improve through this therapy. Decompression illnesses, gas bubbles in the bloodstream, and carbon monoxide poisoning are some concerns that FDA has cleared HBOT.

HBOT Is Only for Athletes

You could have heard the news about professional sports teams using HBOT to boost recovery time and performance. This information may convince you that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is limited to the athletic background. However, HBOT is available in many hospitals for medical purposes for any patient whose condition needs this therapy. Individuals with injuries interrupting their daily lives will want a helping hand to recover quickly.

This Treatment Is Entirely Safe

Most medical treatment procedures carry some risk. This instance is not an exception with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. For example, the pressurized chamber for administering oxygen can trigger adverse pressure changes in the body. Hyperbaric therapy will then trigger ear damage leading to hearing complications. Fortunately, gradual pressure changes can help give your body ample time to adapt. Therefore, it is necessary to seek this therapy from trained personnel who will minimize the chances of those side effects.

Do you have chronic wounds like foot ulcers? If yes, you no longer have to worry since hyperbaric oxygen therapy has your back. This treatment increases oxygen supply to the injured tissues, thus boosting healing. When anticipating HBOT, the above-debunked myths will give you a better understanding of this therapy. For example, you will learn that this therapy is not just for athletes. You will also understand that seeking HBOT from trained personnel is essential to minimize the chances of side effects.