Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in State College, PA

Hyperbaric therapy stands as a safe substitute for several medical treatments available today. Occasionally, patients undergoing hyperbaric treatment might experience mild ear pressure discomfort, similar to what you feel when flying in an airplane and changing altitudes. It's advisable to talk about any concerns with both your physician and our hyperbaric therapy professional at our clinic.

Hyperbarics are safe for all ages, from children to elderly. In fact, research involving children dealing with brain injuries, learning delays, developmental issues, autism, and genetic disorders indicates encouraging outcomes and shows a lot of promise. Plus, hyperbaric therapy offers significant support in combating age-related changes. Recent research suggests that it can slow down cell death (Apoptosis), aid in diabetic neuropathy, dementia, Alzheimer's, and enhance overall energy and healing.

According to HBOT USA, "the ’40 hour protocol’ is the gold standard for many of the physiological benefits that have been observed with HBOT. However, the actual physiological benefits (for HBOT) can be seen in just a few sessions!

Most physiological benefits will begin within the first few sessions of HBOT. It has been well documented that the anti-oxidant and protective role of HBOT is immediate and demonstrated within 24 hours of just one hyperbaric session. Further to this, the anti-inflammatory response is also very quick and a strong physiological response has been shown within 4 days of hyperbaric therapy.

Many studies have reported HBOT to produce a strong pain relieving effect after just 5 to 10 sessions. HBOT’s effects on promoting new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) can take place in just 10 to 20 sessions.

From our data, here is a general summary:

• 1-5 sessions: Improve cellular energy and during this time tissue functioning may be optimized. Those with residual carbon monoxide (ie smokers) or with mild anemia can show immediate benefits with cellular energy. Inflammatory markers can go down considerably and mark the beginning of a natural repair process.

• 5-10 sessions: Typically used for acute injuries with soft tissue damage, particularly if there is pain involved.

• 10-20 sessions: More serious acute injuries or chronic injuries

• 20-40 sessions: Commonly used for major tissue damages and when new tissue is required (through HBOT’s regenerative stem cell properties)"

The standard session for many research studies ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, showing positive benefits. However, shorter sessions (around 20 to 30 minutes) have received positive feedback from clients undergoing HBOT. Additionally, lower pressures appear to work better with shorter sessions. Ultimately, the duration depends on the patient's age and the severity of their condition.

It is not generally advised to undergo hyperbaric therapy if you are pregnant. For your safety, it's recommended to consult your physician and inform our staff promptly if you are currently pregnant or planning to conceive.

Not exactly... The key factor for effective HBOT is the pressure involved. It's the combination of added pressure and extra dissolved oxygen in the blood plasma that reaches deeper body areas where oxygen levels are restricted. Unlike an oxygen bar, which only provides higher oxygen concentrations without pressurization, it cannot replicate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Only HBOT can significantly increase oxygen in the blood plasma by forcing it in at higher levels.

As with any medication or procedure, there is a risk involved. In the case of HBOT, one can experience "oxygen toxicity," affecting either the central nervous system or the lungs. The primary factors contributing to this are 'pressure' and 'time'. Keeping the pressure below 2.0 ATA and the duration to 60 minutes greatly reduces the risk of oxygen toxicity. However, if dosages exceed 2.0 ATA or extend beyond 60 minutes, a skilled hyperbaric professional should monitor and manage this risk effectively.

The timeframe for experiencing benefits varies for each individual. Some might notice immediate improvements, while others might see changes only after finishing their series of hyperbaric sessions. Regarding the '40 hour protocol,' most reported benefits tend to show up within approximately 4 weeks after its completion.

Our services are typically far less expensive than the copays associated with billing insurance. Because of this, we do not accept private health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. We do, however, accept FSA and HSA accounts, as well as CareCredit flexible financing.

Appointments are preferred, but not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can book online or call us at (570) 935-0091 to guarantee your appointment.