Consisting of administering pure oxygen to a person placed in a hyperbaric chamber (under high pressure), hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a commonly used medical technique to treat carbon monoxide poisoning or diving accidents. This method also offers numerous benefits to promote the recovery of individuals who have suffered a stroke or who are undergoing cancer treatment with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
A Real Support After a Stroke
Depending on its severity and the areas of the brain it affects, stroke can have significant repercussions on quality of life and the ability to be independent. After a stroke, many patients face real challenges in terms of rehabilitation and recovery.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a new treatment option for these individuals. By increasing the synthesis of stem cells and their translocation to the central nervous system, it promotes neurogenesis (neuron production) and improves cognitive functions, including concentration and vigilance.
By stimulating tissue regeneration, it also helps repair damaged brain areas and more effectively restore their function. Studies have shown that this therapy can help reduce the sequelae of stroke and improve patients’ quality of life by promoting faster and more complete recovery.
An Ally in the Fight Against Cancer
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are essential treatments in the fight against cancer. Unfortunately, they come with their share of side effects such as fatigue, immune system impairment, nausea and vomiting, and especially damage to the tissues surrounding cancerous tissues.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can offer relief from some of these repercussions. By stimulating cellular regeneration, it promotes healing of irradiated tissues and helps reduce complications such as tissue necrosis. Strengthening the immune system, it helps fight infections, especially as it has antimicrobial and antiviral effects.
By reducing oxidative stress and combating inflammation, it is also useful for decreasing pain resulting from burns caused by radiotherapy. Moreover, patients who have undergone surgery to remove a tumor, for example, will also benefit from its ability to encourage wound healing.
For cancer patients, it is therefore an interesting means to better tolerate these treatments while promoting faster recovery and a better quality of life.
Extended Health and Well-being Benefits
In addition to its usefulness in post-stroke and post-cancer recovery, hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers benefits for treating various other disorders.
This therapy can provide significant relief to patients suffering from neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or Alzheimer’s disease. It is also beneficial for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, or fibromyalgia. Finally, it provides appreciable wound healing assistance in cases of trauma or extensive wounds and has a beneficial effect on sleep.
Expert Opinion: A Safe and Effective Solution
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy represents a notable advancement in medicine, offering new possibilities to improve post-stroke, post-radiotherapy, and post-chemotherapy recovery. By promoting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the immune system, it provides patients with a chance to regain optimal quality of life and well-being.
Moreover, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe, painless, and non-invasive technique that can be administered safely under the supervision of a qualified operator. Sessions typically last between 1 to 1.5 hours and are generally well tolerated, with no side effects.
This therapy offered by Skincare Agency can easily be integrated into other medical treatments, complementing them (with the agreement of a competent healthcare professional) It enables patients to adopt a holistic approach to their care.
