Do I need a doctor’s referral to get HBOT?
OxyGeneration’s self-referral and walk-in policy is for any individual who is not being treated by a GP, specialist, consultant or other healthcare professional for an illness; and who is not taking prescription medication to treat an illness.
What can be taken into the chamber?
Clients are permitted to bring items such as water, laptops, iPads or a book with them into the treatment room. Certain items are not allowed into the chamber including mobile phones, food, cigarettes, lighters, perfume, makeup, jewellery, hearing aids or contact lenses.
Do I need to prepare for my treatment?
There is very little preparation needed prior to HBOT treatment, however it is important to note the following:
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is recommended
• It is not necessary to fast before the treatment
Is there parking nearby?
Yes. With three car parks located close to the OxyGeneration Clinic on Merchant’s Road, the building is easily accessible and is immediately adjacent to ample and convenient car parking. The building is also wheelchair accessible.
Who can benefit from HBOT?
Anyone can benefit from HBOT. It is used widely by healthy people as a preventive medicine for diseases caused by inflammation. It is also used where there is a shortage of oxygen and blood flow seen in conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer which can cause tissue damage.
Thousands of type 1 and 2 diabetics use hyperbaric oxygen therapy once a week to prevent diabetic foot ulcers.
The hyperbaric oxygen medicine is used to treat a wide range of medical conditions and sports injuries and has also been used as an alternative beauty and wellbeing treatment.
What does HBOT treatment feel like?
HBOT is an enjoyable, painless and non-invasive medicine. Users generally feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Similar to being on an airplane, some people may experience temporary blocked ears. However this is nothing to be worried about and can be relieved by simply yawning or swallowing. There are very few contra indications.
What conditions does HBOT treat?
HBOT is used to treat a wide range of health conditions such as MS, Diabetes, Fibromyalgia, tissue damage and infections. The oxygen therapy is also helpful for sports injuries and for general wellbeing.
What atmospheric pressure does it go to?
OxyGeneration is a low pressure service of between 1.4 to 2 Atmospheres Absolute (ATAs) and caters for 98% of the uses for hyperbaric medicine. The barochamber, as a low pressure chamber, is not designed for the emergency treatment of decompression illness.
Are there any contraindications?
The only absolute contraindication is untreated tension pneumothorax.
Relative contraindications are: upper respiratory infections, emphysema with CO2 retention, asymptomatic air cysts or blebs in the lungs seen on chest x-ray, history of thoracic or ear surgery, uncontrolled high fever, pregnancy and claustrophobia.
How many sessions of HBOT will I need?
There are no fixed number of sessions however you will be advised of the recommended number of treatments depending on the condition being treated.
How long is a session of HBOT?
Each OxyGeneration session in the treatment room is 80 minutes of which 60 minutes is spent with oxygen and the remainder of the time is for acclimatisation.
Are there any side effects?
The most common side effect associated with HBOT is fullness to the ears and sinuses similar to that felt on an airplane. This can be relieved by ‘popping’ the ears, yawning or swallowing. Occasionally some people may experience changes in their vision during the treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A very rare side effect is oxygen toxicity which is caused by administering too much oxygen.