Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - Disclaimer,FAQs and Fees
Disclaimer
While the results that we have witnessed with hyperbaric therapy have been excellent, I feel the need to add in the following disclaimer:
HBOT does not treat a specific condition like a drug or surgery does. Rather,it creates the optimal environment for the body to heal. Injured and damaged tissue (especially oxygen hungry neurological tissue) have higher oxygen requirements and often a compromised supply of oxygen. HBOT helps to alleviate that issue. Currently, in North America (despite convincing research, the World Health Organizations stance and medical practice in Europe and Asia), the treatment of neurological issues with HBOT is still considered "off label".
As with any other treatment, results will vary for each person and they often take time to manifest. While a single session in a HBOT chamber may leave a person feeling revitalized and relaxed, for the maximum benefit to be achieved, there needs to be a consistent application of HBOT over a period of time. In our designing of treatment plans, we use the latest research protocols as guidelines to tailor programs best suited for the person's needs.
HBOT does not treat a specific condition like a drug or surgery does. Rather,it creates the optimal environment for the body to heal. Injured and damaged tissue (especially oxygen hungry neurological tissue) have higher oxygen requirements and often a compromised supply of oxygen. HBOT helps to alleviate that issue. Currently, in North America (despite convincing research, the World Health Organizations stance and medical practice in Europe and Asia), the treatment of neurological issues with HBOT is still considered "off label".
As with any other treatment, results will vary for each person and they often take time to manifest. While a single session in a HBOT chamber may leave a person feeling revitalized and relaxed, for the maximum benefit to be achieved, there needs to be a consistent application of HBOT over a period of time. In our designing of treatment plans, we use the latest research protocols as guidelines to tailor programs best suited for the person's needs.
Pricing and Fees
As a parents of a child with special needs, Jen and I understand the considerable expense that is often incurred in caring for our children. Due to this and our current "in house" arrangement (which keeps our overhead low) we are able to offer hyperbarics at the following fee schedule:
Single Session (75 minutes): $40
Block of 6 sessions: $200
If you've done any research on hyperbarics, you know that typically a standard single session costs between $100-$200.
By doing this out of our home using a soft chamber, we keep our costs down and pass that on to our clients. We keep our atmosphere "homey" instead of "clinical" both for simplicity's sake and to keep the children more at ease and relaxed.
For most conditions, research protocols call for daily dives for a month. We modify this slightly by increasing dive time and doing 6 days out of 7. For specific protocols, please contact me.
Payment can be made using cheque, cash, visa, mastercard or PayPal and is required at the beginning of the week. If a refund is required, we will provide a refund for sessions not used. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
Single Session (75 minutes): $40
Block of 6 sessions: $200
If you've done any research on hyperbarics, you know that typically a standard single session costs between $100-$200.
By doing this out of our home using a soft chamber, we keep our costs down and pass that on to our clients. We keep our atmosphere "homey" instead of "clinical" both for simplicity's sake and to keep the children more at ease and relaxed.
For most conditions, research protocols call for daily dives for a month. We modify this slightly by increasing dive time and doing 6 days out of 7. For specific protocols, please contact me.
Payment can be made using cheque, cash, visa, mastercard or PayPal and is required at the beginning of the week. If a refund is required, we will provide a refund for sessions not used. We have a 24 hour cancellation policy.
FAQs
What is your equipment?
We use an Oxyhealth Vitaris soft chamber identical to the ones used in the Rossignol et al study along with two tandem oxygen generators.
The chamber is a capable of going to 1.3 ATAs and the O2 generators produce a combined 20 liters of 95% oxygen per minute. This yields an inner chamber oxygen concentration of 31% (as opposed to regular atmospheric of 21%). This is identical to the Rossignol setup.
Are there any dangers?
At these pressures and oxygen concentrations, there is little cause for concern. The biggest "danger" is the discomfort that some people feel in their ears. This is similar to the pressure people feel when they are flying and so long as you can pop your ears, you should be fine.
There is a theoretical risk of seizures although at this pressure and oxygen concentration, the safety profile is excellent. The risk of seizures tends to go up when you are working at pressures greater than 1.5 ATA and 100% oxygen.
Are there any contraindications?
The only contraindications for this chamber have more to do with comfort and access. if you have a cold with blocked ears/sinus, it may cause enough discomfort that we would need to miss a session. Since this chamber is a horizontal chamber, if you have trouble moving from standing to lying down, there may be some positioning issues and we would have to see how we can help you.
If you have a history of seizure disorder, we would want to clear this treatment with your physician/specialist first as there is the remote possibility we could exacerbate the seizure disorder.
How often do I go?
Most research protocols involve daily sessions (and in some cases, twice daily) for a month, a rest period of 1-2 weeks and then another month. If a person is interested more from a wellness/enhancement perspective, the frequency would be less and would have to be determined based on their goals and health.
I'm claustrophobic - will I have trouble in the tube?
We have had several claustrophobic people use the tube as of this writing with no problem. People are often surprised at how roomy the chamber is when it's inflated. Our chamber, although soft, has a steel skeleton that helps it hold its shape even when deflated.
I'm concerned that my child won't like being in the chamber
This was a big concern of ours as well, until Barron ran up to it and climbed in on his own! Children love the tube - it's like a big, comfy fort they get to play in. Both adults and Children find it surprisingly comfortable and almost like a sanctuary away from the days demands.
Do I go in with my child?
Yes - there's no reason why you can't enjoy the benefits of the chamber along with your child! We have used this time for fun, therapy, video watching and sometimes, at the end of the day, a quick nap! There's lots of room in there and with the mattress and pillows, it's quite comfy.
Should I wear anything different for the chamber?
The chamber can get warm, even though we air condition things, pressurized air produces heat, so we suggest a t-shirt and light pants.
What kind of changes can I expect?
While everyone is different and it depends on your condition, the research has shown the following things can be helped with hyperbarics:
Are these changes permanent?
In some cases yes, in some cases, no. A lot depends on the source of the injury. If it's a one time event (stroke, CP, TBI, Concussion), then the gains tend to be permanent. If there is ongoing inflammation (MS, Autism, Rheumatoid Arthritis), then periodic "tune-ups" may be required to keep the gains. Ideally, in the latter cases, there is an effort being made to assess and treat the source of the inflammation as well so that we get maximum benefits.
How do I book sessions?
Because we have a limited number of slots available, I am requesting that people contact me by e-mail, so we can coordinate schedules with my chamber supervisor and our clients. Please e-mail me at [email protected].
We use an Oxyhealth Vitaris soft chamber identical to the ones used in the Rossignol et al study along with two tandem oxygen generators.
The chamber is a capable of going to 1.3 ATAs and the O2 generators produce a combined 20 liters of 95% oxygen per minute. This yields an inner chamber oxygen concentration of 31% (as opposed to regular atmospheric of 21%). This is identical to the Rossignol setup.
Are there any dangers?
At these pressures and oxygen concentrations, there is little cause for concern. The biggest "danger" is the discomfort that some people feel in their ears. This is similar to the pressure people feel when they are flying and so long as you can pop your ears, you should be fine.
There is a theoretical risk of seizures although at this pressure and oxygen concentration, the safety profile is excellent. The risk of seizures tends to go up when you are working at pressures greater than 1.5 ATA and 100% oxygen.
Are there any contraindications?
The only contraindications for this chamber have more to do with comfort and access. if you have a cold with blocked ears/sinus, it may cause enough discomfort that we would need to miss a session. Since this chamber is a horizontal chamber, if you have trouble moving from standing to lying down, there may be some positioning issues and we would have to see how we can help you.
If you have a history of seizure disorder, we would want to clear this treatment with your physician/specialist first as there is the remote possibility we could exacerbate the seizure disorder.
How often do I go?
Most research protocols involve daily sessions (and in some cases, twice daily) for a month, a rest period of 1-2 weeks and then another month. If a person is interested more from a wellness/enhancement perspective, the frequency would be less and would have to be determined based on their goals and health.
I'm claustrophobic - will I have trouble in the tube?
We have had several claustrophobic people use the tube as of this writing with no problem. People are often surprised at how roomy the chamber is when it's inflated. Our chamber, although soft, has a steel skeleton that helps it hold its shape even when deflated.
I'm concerned that my child won't like being in the chamber
This was a big concern of ours as well, until Barron ran up to it and climbed in on his own! Children love the tube - it's like a big, comfy fort they get to play in. Both adults and Children find it surprisingly comfortable and almost like a sanctuary away from the days demands.
Do I go in with my child?
Yes - there's no reason why you can't enjoy the benefits of the chamber along with your child! We have used this time for fun, therapy, video watching and sometimes, at the end of the day, a quick nap! There's lots of room in there and with the mattress and pillows, it's quite comfy.
Should I wear anything different for the chamber?
The chamber can get warm, even though we air condition things, pressurized air produces heat, so we suggest a t-shirt and light pants.
What kind of changes can I expect?
While everyone is different and it depends on your condition, the research has shown the following things can be helped with hyperbarics:
- Language
- Coordination
- Muscle Strength
- Mental Focus
- Cognition
- Socialization (autism)
- Reduced Inflammation (MS, Autism, Rheumatoid Arthritis)
- Reduced flare-ups (MS)
- Improved memory
- Better Mood
- Increased Energy
Are these changes permanent?
In some cases yes, in some cases, no. A lot depends on the source of the injury. If it's a one time event (stroke, CP, TBI, Concussion), then the gains tend to be permanent. If there is ongoing inflammation (MS, Autism, Rheumatoid Arthritis), then periodic "tune-ups" may be required to keep the gains. Ideally, in the latter cases, there is an effort being made to assess and treat the source of the inflammation as well so that we get maximum benefits.
How do I book sessions?
Because we have a limited number of slots available, I am requesting that people contact me by e-mail, so we can coordinate schedules with my chamber supervisor and our clients. Please e-mail me at [email protected].
