A chronic wound is a wound that either doesn’t heal properly or heals very slowly, even after treatment. Common examples include diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sores, and non-healing wounds following radiation therapy.
At Shirah Surgical, we offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy to enhance the healing of chronic wounds and improve your quality of life. If you have a wound that doesn’t heal, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our wound care specialists. BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION HERE.
Why Chronic Wounds Won’t Heal
Most wounds follow a natural healing process: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Sometimes, wounds get stuck in one of these stages and become chronic, meaning they don’t heal within the expected time frame.
Several factors can disrupt the healing process, including poor circulation, infection, diabetes, pressure or re-injury, low oxygen levels, or other chronic conditions that impair immune function and blood flow. That is why chronic wounds need more than basic wound care. They require targeted treatments like hyperbaric therapy to address the underlying issues preventing healing.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where you breathe 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma. Unlike oxygen carried by red blood cells, this dissolved oxygen can reach and saturate areas of your body, particularly chronic wounds, where blood flow may be compromised.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Used For?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a highly effective treatment for conditions where increased oxygen delivery is crucial for healing. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Chronic wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, pressure sores, and other non-healing wounds that have not responded to conventional treatments
- Radiation injuries, such as damage to bone or soft tissues caused by radiation therapy
- Persistent infections, especially chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis) and other severe infections, where oxygen enhances the body’s ability to fight pathogens
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
Oxygen therapy can also be used to treat decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, crush injuries, and compartment syndrome.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
Normally, oxygen is carried through your body by red blood cells. But in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, you breathe 100% pure oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. This pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma.
This extra oxygen-rich plasma reaches areas with poor circulation or swelling, often found in chronic wounds. Once there, it jumpstarts several key healing processes:
- Promotes new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) by helping restore blood flow and deliver vital nutrients
- Reduces swelling and inflammation, easing discomfort and pressure in the wound
- Enhances infection control by boosting your white blood cells’ ability to fight bacteria
- Accelerates tissue repair by stimulating collagen production, essential for healing
What to Expect During Your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session
Before your session, you’ll be asked to change into a cotton gown provided by our clinic. You’ll then enter a clear, comfortable chamber designed for one person.
Once inside, the chamber will slowly pressurize. You might notice a feeling similar to ascending or descending in an airplane, which you can relieve by swallowing or yawning to clear your ears. Our staff will guide you through this process.
During the treatment, you can relax, read a book, watch TV, or even sleep. The session typically lasts about 90 to 120 minutes. After the session, the chamber will slowly decompress, and you’ll emerge feeling ready to resume your daily activities. Most of our patients can drive themselves home immediately.
How Long Do the Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Last?
The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last for months, and in some cases, they may be permanent, depending on factors like the condition being treated, the number of sessions, the frequency of treatments, and the individual’s overall health.
HBOT encourages significant healing within your body, such as growing new blood vessels, reducing inflammation, and repairing damaged tissues. These processes take time. Instead, they’re fundamental improvements that help your body heal and sustain that healing for the long term.
How Much Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Cost?
The cost of hyperbaric oxygen therapy depends on several factors, with the largest being how many sessions you need. This varies based on your condition, the severity of the wound, and how your body responds to treatment.
Other cost factors may include:
- Your provider’s location
- Any initial consultations or diagnostic tests
- Whether the therapy is for an approved or off-label use
At Shirah Surgical, we believe in full transparency. During your consultation, our wound care specialists will provide a clear treatment plan and break down all costs so you can make informed decisions about your care.
Where to Get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Phoenix and Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re looking for hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Phoenix or Scottsdale, AZ, Shirah Surgical offers expert care and personalized treatment plans to support your healing journey. Our team specializes in advanced wound care and uses HBOT to treat a range of approved medical conditions.
Find a Shirah Surgical location near you. Each location is equipped with leading hyperbaric technology and a team committed to your recovery and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy painful?
No, it’s generally not painful. You might feel ear pressure, like on an airplane, during pressurization and decompression. Our staff will guide you on how to equalize this to make sure you’re comfortable throughout your treatment.
Are there any side effects or risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
HBOT is very safe with trained professionals. Most side effects are mild and temporary, like ear discomfort or temporary vision changes. Serious risks are rare. We’ll discuss any potential risks specific to your health during your consultation.
How many HBOT sessions will I need?
The number varies greatly depending on your specific condition, wound severity, and how your body responds. A typical course can range from 20 to 40 sessions, but our specialists will create a personalized plan for you.
What should I avoid before an HBOT session?
For safety and effectiveness, avoid smoking, alcohol, perfumes, colognes, or petroleum-based products. Our team will provide althe full guidelines before your first session.
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy always make you tired?
Not always. While some people feel energized after a session, others might experience a sense of relaxation or mild fatigue. How you feel can vary, especially during your initial treatments.
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?
Yes, for many approved conditions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a highly effective medical treatment. It works by significantly increasing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, promoting new blood vessel growth, reducing inflammation, and enhancing your body’s natural healing.