Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

As previously mentioned, more gas can be dissolved into a liquid when there is an increase in atmospheric pressure (Henry’s Law). Boyle’s Law explains how volume increases as pressure decreases and vice versa. As pressure is increased, potentially harmful gases in the body will be decreased and can be eliminated (carbon monoxide, etc.) Other effects from increased oxygen through mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBO) include the promotion of osteoblastic/osteoclastic activity for proper bone health, collagen matrix formation, toxin breakdown, and improved oxygenation to ischemic tissue so that increased metabolic needs can be met for greater healing. Oxygen saturation can be increased up to 400% times normal breathing conditions with mHBO.

During surgery, skin and other connective tissues are cut and possibly repositioned, which compromises crucial blood flow needed for healing. Cells that lack oxygen for a prolonged period of time can become dormant and die. By forcing oxygen to dissolve into the plasma through increased pressure, these cells can receive adequate oxygenation which can decrease healing time and result in less scar tissue formation. In addition to tissue damage, surgeries also depress the immune system and can increase the likelihood of an infection occurring. Many of the body’s natural defenses against bacteria are dependent upon oxygen. Moreover, it is difficult for bacteria to protect itself against hyper oxygenation.