Hyperbaric oxygen therapy breathes new life into healing

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivers pure oxygen directly into the blood through a pressurized chamber. This extra oxygen reaches areas normal blood flow can’t, like tissues with poor circulation or damaged vessels. HBOT speeds healing, fights infections and supports recovery from injuries, burns, surgery and radiation therapy. It’s used in addition to medications, wound care and rehabilitation to help the body repair itself more effectively.

Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from my presentation, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Breath of Fresh Air for Health”:

1. Hyperbaric therapy isn’t new: British physician Nathaniel Henshaw, MD, built the first pressurized chamber in 1662 to treat lung and stomach conditions.
2. Kansas City played a part in its history: In 1921, Dr. Orval Cunningham built a hyperbaric chamber in Kansas City to combat the Spanish Flu Pandemic. His local success set the stage for the world’s largest hyperbaric chamber, which Dr. Cunningham built in Cleveland later that decade.
3. A possible key to fighting long COVID-19 HBOT may ease long COVID symptoms by boosting oxygen in tissues, lowering inflammation and supporting healing where normal blood flow struggles. Early studies show promise, but research continues.
4. A fresh approach to treating brain injury: Research finds that around 40 HBOT sessions may boost recovery, improve long-term independence, reduce inflammation and protect brain cells. HBOT can even help the brain rewire itself over time.
5. A breakthrough to sudden hearing loss: For many, HBOT offers hope of improved hearing. By boosting oxygen in the inner ear, this treatment helps tiny blood vessels supply nearby tissues with what they need to heal.

Watch the presentation. 

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James Maturo, MD

Dr. Maturo is the medical director of NKC Health Wound Care. He is board-certified in internal medicine and earned his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Texas.