Hyperbaric oxygen treatment

Cancer patients, individuals with poor healing or may be immunocompromised, or those planning on major surgery may be recommend to have hyperbaric oxygen treatment. What does this do? For those of us living in Colorado and at higher altitude, we are subject to lower atmospheric pressure which can lead to a decrease in oxygen saturation which in turn can slow the healing process, increase inflammation, and promote less vascular growth. To combat this, receiving 100% via hyperbaric oxygen chambers has been found to activate fibroblast cells (the cells that produce collagen) and induce the development of new bone through the activation of osteoblasts. This in turn may lead to a reduction in swelling and ultimately improve healing and wound care.