Hyperbaric Medicine

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment which enhances the body's natural healing process by inhalation of 100 percent oxygen in a total body chamber, where atmospheric pressure is increased and controlled. It is used for a wide variety of treatments usually as a part of an overall medical care plan.

There are basically two types of hyperbaric chambers: Monoplace and multiplace. Monoplace chambers are designed to treat a single person and are pressurized with 100 percent oxygen. Multiplace chambers are designed to hold several people at one time and oxygen is delivered through a mask or a hood. The Elliot’s Wound Center has two monoplace chambers.

You will be placed in one of our two chambers for a period of 90 minutes each day. This does not include the time you need to arrive at the facility, change into appropriate clothing and upon completion of your treatment change back into your clothing. A typical hyperbaric treatment will take two hours from arrival to departure.

The number of treatments and duration of each treatment will be determined by the hyperbaric provider. This is based on your diagnosis and your response to treatment. Typical patients require 30 to 40 visits daily, Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays and weekends.

Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is prescribed by a hyperbaric provider and you are always under medical supervision while in our chamber. You are monitored by a registered nurse who is in the treatment room at all times and a hyperbaric provider is always available.

The most common side effect is barotrauma to the ears and sinuses caused by the change in pressure. To minimize this risk, patients learn techniques to promote adequate clearing of the ears during compression or pressure equalization tubes may be inserted into the ears. Occasionally some patients may experience changes in their vision during their treatment period. These changes are usually minor and temporary. A rare side effect is oxygen toxicity which is caused by administration of too much oxygen.

Patients should arrive for their treatments 30 minutes prior to their scheduled treatment time. Only clean cotton clothing provided by The Elliot is allowed into the hyperbaric chamber. No cosmetics, perfumes, hair products, deodorants, wigs or jewelry are allowed into the chamber. Patients are also advised not to drink carbonated beverages or alcohol for four hours prior to their treatment. Additionally, patients should give up smoking and nicotine products while receiving hyperbaric treatments as they interfere with the body’s ability to transport oxygen.

Most insurance companies cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy. We will assist in obtaining verification of coverage from an insurance company prior to starting treatments.

You can call directly to our main number 603-663-3630 to request an appointment with one of our hyperbaric providers or have your primary care provider refer you directly.