Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be used to treat medical problems such as burns, skin grafts, radiotherapy damaged tissues and bone infections.
Why you might need it
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a means of providing additional oxygen to your body tissues. By increasing the amount of oxygen in the tissues the healing process is enhanced. The therapy is painless and has the potential for good results.
Breathing 100% oxygen under pressure allows the oxygen to be dissolved into plasma which is a liquid part of your circulation. When this occurs, the oxygen will be beneficial to your body for a longer period of time – up to 2 hours after your treatment is over.
Therapy may be used in medical problems such as burns, skin grafts, radiotherapy damaged tissues and bone infections. Emergency conditions such as, gas gangrene, carbon monoxide poisoning, cyanide poisoning, air embolism and of course decompression illness are also treated.
Regular hyperbaric oxygen therapy means that your body has the potential for the following benefits:
- Increased amounts of oxygen to injured tissues
- Promote blood vessel formation especially in micro-circulation to increase blood flow
- Reduce swelling
- Reduction and inactivation of some infections
- Promote healing of wounds
- Help in preserving compromised tissues
- Stimulate new bone formation
- Reduce effects of some specific toxic substances
- Reduction of any gas air bubbles in divers
Once you have been referred to us by your doctor or consultant we will arrange your treatment dates and accommodation as necessary. The amount of treatment sessions you require may vary depending on your clinical diagnosis. Some patients may require 40 treatments whilst others need 20-25 pre operatively followed by a period of 10-15 post operative.
Find a Spire hospital offering this treatment
Who will do it?
Our patients are at the heart of what we do and we want you to be in control of your care. To us, that means you can choose the consultant you want to see, and when you want. They'll be with you every step of the way.
All of our consultants are of the highest calibre and benefit from working in our modern, well-equipped hospitals.
Our consultants have high standards to meet, often holding specialist NHS posts and delivering expertise in complex sub-specialty surgeries. Many of our consultants have international reputations for their research in their specialised field.
Before your treatment
You will have a formal consultation with a healthcare professional. During this time you will be able to explain your medical history, symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests, such as scans or blood tests, are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Preparing for your treatment
We've tried to make your experience with us as easy and relaxed as possible.
For more information on visiting hours, our food, what to pack if you're staying with us, parking and all those other important practicalities, please visit our patient information pages.
Our dedicated team will also give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
Why choose Spire?
We are committed to delivering excellent individual care and customer service across our network of hospitals, clinics and specialist care centres around the UK. Our dedicated and highly trained team aim to achieve consistently excellent results. For us it's more than just treating patients, it's about looking after people.
Important to note
The treatment described on this page may be adapted to meet your individual needs, so it's important to follow your healthcare professional's advice and raise any questions that you may have with them.