Arthritis
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. In some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms are due to an overactive immune system attacking healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and tissue damage.
OxyGeneration provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for the treatment of some types of arthritis. During HBOT, patients spend ≥60 minutes breathing near 100% oxygen in a special pressurised chamber. The increased pressure helps the body absorb more oxygen, which helps the repair of tissues damaged by arthritis, reduces inflammation, and supports the body’s natural healing processes.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and simple procedure for some types of arthritis with few side effects. Although HBOT is not a cure for arthritis, it can ease inflammation and pain associated with arthritic conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
How HBOT Works for Arthritic Conditions
HBOT involves breathing nearly 100% pure oxygen in a chamber in which the pressure is higher than atmospheric pressure for ≥1 hours for multiple sessions. HBOT may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in several ways.
Enhanced oxygenation:
Arthritic joints often suffer from low oxygen levels, which may worsen inflammation and slow tissue repair. HBOT increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, significantly improving oxygen delivery to tissues.
Reduced oxidative stress:
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in arthritis because it can damage joint tissue. By reducing the production of damaging molecules (e.g. reactive oxygen species) in arthritic joints, HBOT can prevent more damage and help joints heal.
Cartilage protection:
The type of tissue in the joints that is damaged by arthritis is cartilage, and HBOT protects cartilage and promotes repair following injury.
Reduced inflammation:
Many arthritic conditions are associated with swelling (inflammation). By helping to mute or turn down the body’s immune response, HBOT can help to reduce swelling and can ease arthritis symptoms.
Benefits of HBOT for Arthritic Conditions
Pain relief:
By reducing inflammation and helping tissue repair, HBOT can ease joint pain and discomfort.
Improved joint function:
By decreasing swelling and promoting healing, HBOT can make it easier to bend and flex the arthritic joint. It can help improve the range of motion.
Reduced medication:
Long-term use of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications can lead to potentially serious side effects. By helping patients reduce their reliance on these medications, HBOT can minimise the risk of side effects and improve overall health.
Improved quality of life:
By easing pain, improving mobility, and reducing the need for medicine, HBOT can enhance the quality of life of patients with arthritis.
Clinical Evidence and Practical Considerations
While more research is needed, hyperbaric oxygenation therapy may help patients with some types of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. In a clinical study of HBOT for rheumatoid arthritis, HBOT decreased the progression of joint damage and patients reported less pain, better mobility, and improved sleep patterns after HBOT.
Client Selection: HBOT is typically recommended for conditions that do not respond to standard treatments, however, increasingly it is being introduced earlier in treatment plans. However, not everyone is suitable for HBOT. Patients need to be carefully checked for conditions that might make the treatment risky, such as certain lung problems. Where required, an evaluation before treatment ensures safety and helps determine if HBOT is the right choice for each patient. Please note that OxyGeneration does not provide diagnostic services and is a treatment provide only. We strongly encourage all clients to consult with their medical team as appropriate.
Treatment Protocols: Treatments usually last 80 minutes per session and are conducted daily over several weeks. Every individual is different and we recommend consulting with your medical team. To help determine how many sessions each individual will require, new clients can speak with OxyGeneration staff prior to commencing their Hyperbaric Oxygenation Therapy.
Monitoring Progress: Regular assessments are crucial to track healing progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary.
Conclusion
Treating some types of arthritis with hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe, simple and effective treatment to relieve symptoms like pain and stiffness, improve joint function, and enhance the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and may be an alternative to drugs to manage symptoms.
For further information on the use of HBOT for arthritic conditions, please visit our resources page by clicking the link below.