Commonly referred to as HBOT, hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances the body’s natural healing process by delivering oxygen under pressure, which increases the oxygen content in the blood, plasma, cerebral spinal fluid, and other body tissues. There are two basic types of HBOT—high pressure HBOT and mild HBOT.
Mild HBOT refers to hyperbaric oxygen therapy at lower pressures, typically 1.5 ATA or below, and benefits from the addition of an oxygen concentrator which delivers 92-97% oxygen through a face mask while in the chamber. Mild HBOT has no known safety risks with fire or toxicity, and it is substantially less expensive.
With high pressure, or hospital grade HBOT, treatment occurs in a hard-sided chamber at pressures greater than 1.5 ATA using 100% oxygen. Pure oxygen is extremely flammable and high pressure HBOT involves managing the risk of explosion and oxygen toxicity.
In clinical trials to date, there has been virtually no difference in clinical outcome between mild HBOT and high pressure HBOT. At Encore Pilates and Wellness we offer Mild HBOT at a pressurised rate of 1.35 ATA which is equivalent to 3.5 metres under seawater of pressure.