Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, HBOT, is a natural remedy for various ailments, including arthritis. A hyperbaric chamber generates physiological effects that can result in less pain and inflammation. Increased oxygen supply also boosts cell regeneration and repairs, which can help fight arthritis and osteoarthritis. Here’s an overview of hyperbaric chamber therapy and how it can provide a natural treatment for people with arthritis:
What Is Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy?
A hyperbaric chamber is designed to help you breathe in pure oxygen. The air you breathe normally may not be enough for your tissues. Issues with your respiratory and cardiovascular system can also reduce the amount of oxygen available for your cells. HBOT involves getting inside a chamber with the pressure raised above normal air pressure. The chamber supplies pure oxygen, so your lungs can take up as much as possible. A hyperbaric chamber can be a single tube that holds one person or a large room for multiple people.
How Does HBOT Improve Arthritis?
Hyperbaric chamber therapy increases the oxygen supply in the body, which stirs various physiological functions and changes. Breathing in pure oxygen can speed up healing and decrease cartilage destruction, cell death, and autoimmune attacks. Increased oxygenation can also help fight infections and reduce inflammation in the affected joints. The FDA regulates oxygen use in hyperbaric oxygen chambers to make sure the therapy is safe. Undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy has the following three benefits for people with arthritis:
1. Cell Regeneration
HBOT chambers are designed for maximum oxygenation to increase oxygen supply to the cells and tissues. Oxygen is one of the molecules present in the synthesis and maturation of collagen fiber. Increased oxygen supply may boost collagen production, strengthen the fibrillar structure of cartilage, and reduce use-related wear and tear. If your arthritis stems from age-related cartilage deterioration, hyperbaric oxygen chambers can help regenerate your cells and tissues.
The therapy may help decrease cell death, revive sick and injured cells, and repair damage in the articular cartilage. You’ll develop stronger cartilages since increased oxygenation can activate tissue differentiation and boost the release of stem cells. These processes contribute to generating, repairing, and regenerating cartilage and joints, which can benefit people with osteoarthritis.
2. Immunomodulatory Effect
HBOT has immunomodulatory effects, which can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Immunomodulatory helps to minimize the body’s immune system cells from attacking the body’s tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis stems from autoimmune responses that cause the swelling of joint linings. The body’s immune cells in patients with RA mistake the joints for bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, attacking them automatically.
RA can cause inflammation in the joint linings, causing discomfort. Arthritis can also cause cartilage and bone damage leading to permanent impairment. Early treatment and HBOT may help reduce autoimmune attacks and decrease joint deterioration. HBOT with 100% pure oxygen can help reduce swelling in patients with RA. Oxygenation also causes vasoconstriction, which can reduce inflammatory responses.
3. Pain Relief
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Breathing in pure oxygen can speed up the healing process for affected cartilage and tissues and reduce inflammation in RA patients. Joint pain reduction is one of the common benefits for people who undergo HBOT. The therapy can reduce edema, pain, and fatigue. Regular therapy also increases circulation and activity at the cellular level.
Less inflammation and an active lifestyle can help reduce pain and discomfort. Pain reduction can promote recovery and mobility in patients with arthritis. Less pain can also prevent gait and posture imbalances and compensation that occur naturally when one part of the body is hurt. This promotes an active lifestyle and good overall health.
Where To Get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Although hyperbaric oxygen chambers have many health benefits, you need a reliable facility with premium setups. HBOT involves intermittently breathing pressurized pure oxygen. The oxygen supply must be of good quality and the pressure must be well-regulated to keep you safe during therapy. Choose reputable centers that provide quality experiences. Hyperbaric chamber therapy can offer an alternative remedy for pain and immunosuppression but primarily acts as a complementary treatment for arthritis. Get your therapy from licensed practitioners. Search for a professional hyperbaric chamber clinic to enjoy the benefits of pure oxygen today.