FAQs
What does treatment feel like?
You should not feel any noticeable difference once the chamber reaches treatment pressure. During compression and decompression, you may experience a slight pressure in your ears, similar to the feeling of descending in an aeroplane, which can be alleviated by swallowing or opening your mouth and popping your ears.
What do I need to do to get a referral from my doctor?
Facilities at the Centre are self-referral. We are an independent charity. We do ask that you notify your GP that you are undertaking Oxygen Therapy.
What are the benefits of HBOT?
It has long been known that healing many areas of the body cannot take place without appropriate oxygen levels in the tissue. Most illnesses and injuries occur, and often linger, at the cellular or tissue level. In many cases, such as: circulatory problems; non-healing wounds; and strokes, adequate oxygen cannot reach the damaged area and the body’s natural healing ability is unable to function properly. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy provides this extra oxygen naturally and with minimal side effects.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves the quality of life of the patient in many areas when used alongside standard medicine. Many conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, head injuries, and chronic fatigue have responded favourably to HBOT.
Will I be able to talk to the chamber operator?
Our Hyperbaric chamber is equipped with a two-way speaker system.
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which enhances the body’s natural healing process by inhalation of 100% oxygen in a chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It is used for a wide variety of treatments.
The increased oxygen greatly enhances the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria, reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into the affected areas. It is a simple, non-invasive and painless treatment.
What information does the technician need to know from the patient prior to HBOT?
If you have any cold or flu symptoms, fever, sinus or nasal congestion, or chest congestion.
If there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
If there has been a change in any of your medications.
If you are diabetic and did not take your insulin prior to your treatment.
If you have any concerns or anxiety.
If you suffer from claustrophobia.
How many sessions of HBOT will I require?
A treatment plan is based on your diagnosis or condition. The number of sessions required varies according to each patient’s individual requirements, which will be discussed during your initial consultation. Some conditions need only 5-10 treatments, multiple sclerosis would generally require 20 continuous treatments or more depending on the severity of the individual’s case and thereafter weekly or twice weekly appointments thereafter.
How long is a session of HBOT?
Each treatment session takes approximately 1hrs 20 mins.
How are patients referred for treatment?
Patients are accepted by self-referral. All patients are evaluated by an initial consultation and treated based on their specific needs.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. The hyperbaric chambers are pressurised gradually, giving your ears and sinuses time to acclimatise to the changed atmospheric pressure. To minimise the risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or tubes may be inserted in the ears.