The term “hyperbaric chamber” is usually encountered when talking about advanced wound care, bone infections, or carbon monoxide poisoning. It refers to a pressurized chamber that produces pure oxygen to improve the body’s ability to heal naturally and promote the growth of new blood vessels and tissues.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

When a physician prescribes hyperbaric oxygen therapy, it involves breathing in and exposing the body to 100% oxygen in a pressurized atmosphere. It is known to be effective in treating severe infections, burns, chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, compromised skin grafts, and more.

The human body relies on the constant supply of oxygen to survive. Inside of a hyperbaric chamber, oxygen is administered at high-pressure rates. As a result, the bloodstream can absorb up to 20 times more oxygen. The treatment works by increasing the amount of oxygen to the injured tissues of the body. 

Healing Benefits to Wounds

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is most commonly used to support wound care. According to studies, chronic wounds are characterized by hypoxic tissues. This insufficient supply of oxygen is what prevents the normal healing process, and hyperbaric chambers can provide the oxygen needed to stimulate healing.

Therapy Procedure Overview

Most hyperbaric chambers can only accommodate one person at a time. During the procedure, the patient will be asked to lie down, relax, and breathe normally. The chamber will be sealed and then filled with pressurized oxygen, with each session lasting from one to two hours, depending on the patient’s condition.

Who Will Care for You

The Advanced Wound Care Center at Coryell Memorial has specialty trained team to create and implement your customized care plan. Team members include Advanced Wound Care Center at Coryell Medical Director, Aaron Humphreys, MD, and wound care specialists Gary Cramer, DPM, Ryan Fowler, MD, Steve Norris, MD, and Crystal Dowell, FT-NP.     

Don’t take a chronic wound or injury for granted. The specialists at the Advanced Wound Care Center at Coryell Memorial in Gatesville, TX, offer the treatment solutions. If you or a loved one has a wound that won’t heal, call (254) 248-6204.

Coryell Memorial Healthcare System specializes in providing quality health care services, close to home, including physical therapy, surgeries, orthopedics, and more. To find out more visit the website for additional information.