Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Pain & Inflammation

Some mornings, the ache shows up before your feet even hit the floor. Chronic pain affects nearly a quarter of adults in the United States, and around 8% of those who have chronic pain say it often limits their life or ability to work. This is often what pushes so many people to go looking for treatment options like hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), especially when the usual routine of pain-relieving medication, physical therapy, or injections fails to provide adequate relief. 

Continue reading to learn how hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help reduce inflammation and relieve some chronic pain conditions, and where to find the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic in Cumming for safe treatment. 

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help Relieve Chronic Pain and Inflammation

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) works by improving oxygen delivery to inflamed, irritated, damaged, or overworked tissue, especially in areas affected by poor circulation or swelling. During treatment, you breathe 99.7% medical-grade oxygen inside a pressurized hyperbaric chamber, allowing your lungs to push significantly more oxygen into the bloodstream than under normal conditions.

A common problem in injured or inflamed tissue is that swelling can squeeze tiny blood vessels and leave cells short on oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help reduce that swelling, and over time, less inflammatory swelling and irritation can mean less pressure and sensitivity in the area. That can make it easier to move, sleep, and stick to rehabilitation exercises or physical therapy that rebuild strength and range of motion.

What Chronic Pain Conditions is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Best For? 

People usually find hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic pain after trying all the usual chronic pain treatments, but still feel like they can’t get through the day without a struggle. Conditions that respond well to HBOT treatments include: 

• Fibromyalgia
• Inflammatory joint pain, including rheumatoid arthritis
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis 

Additionally, HBOT is an established standard medical treatment for several well-defined conditions, like: 

• Carbon monoxide poisoning 
• Decompression illness
• Non-healing wounds, including diabetic foot ulcers 
• Gas gangrene 
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Radiation-damaged tissues

For chronic pain and inflammation, HBOT often works best as a supplemental therapy, used alongside treatments such as physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.

How Many Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Sessions Does it Take to Get Relief?

How many HBOT sessions you need to start getting relief from chronic pain and inflammation depends on what condition you have and how your body responds along the way. Some conditions are treated in just a few sessions, while others may require 40 or more treatments. A session typically lasts about one to two hours and may be scheduled as infrequently as once a week or as often as five days a week. 

What to Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session 

During a standard HBOT session, you’ll lie in a pressurized chamber and simply relax and breathe. As the chamber pressure increases, most people feel their ears pop or feel like they're plugged, similar to when you fly or drive through mountains. Most people can relieve this by swallowing or yawning. 

During treatment, staff monitor you for safety and comfort. If you have claustrophobia and worry about feeling closed in during treatment, staff can help you with additional accommodations. Many people listen to audiobooks, podcasts, or music while lying in the chamber. Some people meditate or take a nap. 

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?

HBOT is considered very safe when it’s appropriately delivered by an accredited facility and supervised by physicians. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks. The most common issue is that your ears or sinuses feel full as pressure changes during treatment. Another common side effect is feeling tired or mildly lightheaded after treatment. 

Rare but more serious risks include problems breathing, especially if you have chronic lung disease or a history of a collapsed lung. People with certain lung problems, ongoing ear or sinus issues, or seizure risk factors should be carefully screened by a physician so the team can adjust the treatment plan if necessary. 

Does Insurance Cover Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Pain?

Insurance coverage for HBOT can be confusing for patients. Medicare covers HBOT for a specific list of conditions, but many pain-related diagnoses are not covered. Some private insurers follow a similar approach. Before you start treatment, you can request a pre-authorization and get a financial responsibility breakdown from your clinic to help avoid surprise bills down the road. 

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinic in Cumming for Chronic Pain Relief 

Regenerative and Hyperbaric Medicine offers a spa-like treatment facility with a flawless safety record and prestigious accreditation. With medical-grade chambers, strict safety protocols, careful screening, and continuous monitoring throughout each session, we provide the safest and most effective HBOT treatments in the nation. 

With state-of-the-art facilities in Marietta, Sandy Springs, and Cumming, our physician-led team also coordinates care with your referring provider when needed, so HBOT treatments fit seamlessly into your recovery. 

Ready for treatments with the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic in Cumming, where your treatment is handled with precision and clear communication?