Aug 7, 2025

When to Recommend Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Your Patients

When to Recommend Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Your Patients

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical therapy that involves breathing pure oxygen inside a special pressurized chamber. This treatment increases the amount of oxygen in the blood, which helps the body repair injured tissues, fight infection, and improve wound healing. But when should you recommend it?

At 417 Integrative Medicine, HBOT is part of a patient-centered care model designed to support recovery in complex conditions. This guide explains when hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be the right choice for your patients, the types of cases it supports, and what factors to consider before making a referral.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a type of treatment that takes place in a hyperbaric chamber, where the air pressure is two or three times higher than normal air pressure. In this hyperbaric environment, patients receive concentrations of oxygen that are much higher than normal air pressure allows.

There are two kinds of HBOT chambers:

• Monoplace chamber: for one patient at a time.
• Multiplace chamber: for two or more people; oxygen is given through a mask or hood.

This increased pressure allows extra oxygen to dissolve into the blood. That oxygen helps white blood cells fight bacteria, reduces swelling, and supports the growth of new blood vessels. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases oxygen delivery to tissues that are starved of it, making it especially useful in wound care and other cases where circulation is limited.

Conditions Where HBOT May Be Recommended

As a healthcare provider, you should use hyperbaric oxygen therapy only for certain conditions. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both support its use in specific cases.

You may consider HBOT as part of the treatment plan when your patient has:

1. Decompression sickness

Common in divers, this condition occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy treats decompression sickness by helping dissolve these bubbles and reducing symptoms.

2. Carbon monoxide poisoning

In cases of high exposure, especially with low blood oxygen levels, breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber helps flush out carbon monoxide faster and restore oxygen to the brain.

3. Radiation injuries

Hyperbaric treatment supports the healing of tissues damaged during radiation therapy, especially in the head, neck, or pelvic areas.

4. Chronic or non-healing wounds

This includes chronic wounds from diabetes, poor circulation, or infection. HBOT may be used in addition to standard wound care to promote oxygen flow and support tissue repair.

5. Skin grafts or flaps at risk

When tissue grafts show signs of failure due to poor oxygen supply, oxygen treatment in a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber can improve survival.

6. Infections like gas gangrene or necrotizing fasciitis

HBOT is also used to treat serious infections by boosting oxygen to the affected area and helping the body fight bacteria.

7. Certain brain injuries

For select cases of traumatic brain injury, HBOT could support recovery when used under guidance from a specialist.

Clinical Settings and Program Types

You can find hyperbaric oxygen therapy in hospitals, hyperbaric medicine programs, or specialty wound care centers. These programs often include a specially trained team that manages care safely and effectively.

Each treatment session usually lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. Patients may require multiple sessions based on their condition and response.

It’s important to ensure that the facility uses certified HBOT chambers, whether monoplace or multiplace, and follows safety standards from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Safety and Side Effects

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is well studied and considered safe and effective when used correctly. However, some side effects include:

• Ear pain or middle ear injuries due to changes in pressure in the chamber
• Fatigue or mild discomfort
• Temporary vision changes
• Rare cases of oxygen poisoning may occur if sessions are too long

Patients with lung disease, fever, or other serious conditions may be at increased risk of complications, so always assess suitability before referral.

When Therapy Helps, and When It Doesn’t

While therapy helps many patients, it’s not for everyone. HBOT must be used along with other treatments, it’s rarely enough on its own. For example, therapy alone won’t heal a wound without proper cleaning, infection control, and pressure relief.

Also, HBOT isn’t proven for every condition. Some clinics may advertise it for off-label uses like anti-aging or sports recovery, but you should focus only on conditions approved by the UHMS or supported by clinical research.

Know the Right Time

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy must be used with care, but when applied correctly, it can support recovery in complex cases. From chronic wounds to carbon monoxide poisoning, HBOT plays an important role in patient care. Its ability to deliver oxygen in the blood at times higher than normal air offers a unique tool in your clinical decision-making.

At 417 Integrative Medicine, our team provides safe and personalized HBOT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. We use certified hyperbaric chambers, follow evidence-based protocols, and care for each patient with close medical supervision.

If you believe your patient could benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, contact us to learn more or book an appointment. We’re here to support healing, one breath at a time.

417 Integrative Medicine
1335 E Republic Rd D, Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 363-3900
https://www.417integrativemedicine.com/
 

Aug 6, 2025

How Infrared Sauna Therapy Supports Skin Health, Pain Relief, and Detoxification

How Infrared Sauna Therapy Supports Skin Health, Pain Relief, and Detoxification

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat. Instead of heating the air around you like a traditional sauna, it uses infrared light to penetrate the body and heat your body directly. This method causes you to sweat at a lower temperature, which can be easier to tolerate and may offer unique health benefits.

Many people use infrared sauna therapy as part of their wellness routine to support skin health, manage chronic pain, and promote detoxification. But how does it work, and what can you expect from an infrared sauna session?

Let’s explore the possible health benefits of using an infrared sauna and how it can help improve your overall health.

Using Infrared Sauna Therapy for Skin Health

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It plays a big role in detoxing and temperature control. But it also reacts to stress, diet, environment, and your health condition. If you’re struggling with dull skin, breakouts, or dryness, infrared sauna therapy might offer some help.

When infrared saunas heat your body, they help increase blood flow. This brings more nutrients and oxygen to the skin. As you sweat, you help remove dirt, oil, and other buildup from your pores. Many people notice a clearer, more refreshed look after regular sauna sessions.

Infrared light to penetrate deeper layers of skin may also boost collagen production. This can improve elasticity, reduce the look of fine lines, and support long-term skin health.

Far infrared and near infrared waves are two types of infrared used in saunas. Some saunas offer full-spectrum infrared, which combines both. The light spectrum may affect how deeply the infrared rays reach. Some saunas also include red light therapy, which can further support skin repair and renewal.

Whether you’re dealing with dryness, breakouts, or aging skin, sitting in an infrared sauna just a few times a week can be a useful step in your health and wellness routine.

Pain Relief and Infrared Therapy

Chronic pain can affect every part of life. Conditions like arthritis, muscle tension, or past injuries can make daily movement harder. Infrared sauna therapy is sometimes used to manage pain and inflammation naturally, without medicine.

The infrared waves in a light sauna help to penetrate muscles and joints. This gentle infrared heat helps increase circulation, bring oxygen to damaged tissues, and support relaxation. Many people say they feel better after an infrared sauna session because their body feels looser and less tense.

Unlike a dry sauna or traditional sauna, infrared sauna use works at lower temperatures, which may be better for people who can’t handle high heat. The effects of moderate sauna use can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body rest and recover.

Regular sauna use can help with stiffness, soreness, and general body tension. The therapeutic benefits may be especially helpful for people managing arthritis, chronic pain, or healing from workouts.

If you’re unsure if an infrared sauna is right for your condition, speak to a healthcare provider first. But many people find that therapy sessions in an infrared sauna offer a soothing break from daily stress and discomfort.

Detoxification: Sweating With Purpose

One of the most talked-about benefits of an infrared sauna is detoxification. But what does that mean, and how does sauna use help?

When you sit in a sauna that uses light, your body heats up and begins to sweat. This natural process helps remove waste products from the skin. Some say infrared sauna therapy harnesses deeper infrared light to detoxify heavy metals and chemicals.

While research is still ongoing, many users report feeling lighter, more relaxed, and refreshed after a sauna bath. Infrared therapy uses light waves to trigger sweat at a cellular level. This may support the body’s efforts to clean out harmful substances.

Saunas may also improve the way your body regulates temperature, reacts to stress, and supports your cardiovascular system. Some evidence shows infrared sauna use can help reduce inflammation and support heart health, especially with regular sauna sessions.

If you’re interested in detox, using an infrared sauna is a safe, low-impact option that fits into many health and wellness routines. Just remember to stay hydrated, since an infrared sauna may cause you to sweat more than usual.

Is Infrared Sauna Therapy Right for You?

Many people try the infrared sauna because it’s simple, non-invasive, and fits into most routines. Whether you’re looking to clear up your skin, ease body aches, or support your body’s detox process, infrared sauna therapy could be a helpful option.

As with any wellness tool, talk to a healthcare provider if you have medical concerns or health conditions. While sauna use may not be for everyone, most healthy adults can safely enjoy the health benefits of sauna bathing with regular sessions.

Infrared saunas can help you feel better, look healthier, and improve how your body functions. With no need for harsh treatments or chemicals, using infrared saunas is a gentle and effective way to boost your wellness.

Feel Better, Naturally

At 417 Integrative Medicine, we believe infrared sauna therapy can be part of a complete health and wellness routine. With its many possible health benefits, from skin health to pain relief to detox, it’s a gentle way to support your body inside and out.

Book your infrared sauna session today and see what a few minutes of light therapy can do for your wellness.

417 Integrative Medicine
1335 E Republic Rd D, Springfield, MO 65804
(417) 363-3900
https://www.417integrativemedicine.com/