Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to enhance healing by delivering pure oxygen at high pressure, which increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream. This therapy accelerates healing, making it ideal for chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and more. For the best results, it’s important to know how to prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and know what to expect.
Prepare for your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session by arriving clean, free of cosmetics, and wearing appropriate clothing. Eat a protein-rich meal, maintain proper blood sugar, and take any medications you may be prescribed. Avoid smoking and other substances. Arrive early, follow safety guidelines, and expect a comfortable, monitored treatment with entertainment options in our state-of-the-art chambers.
How to Prepare for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Approval process and planning your treatment
Once you receive clearance from your pre-treatment screenings and confirm insurance authorization, our team will contact you by phone to schedule your hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) appointment. It is important to familiarize yourself with the provided documentation and communicate any questions or concerns to your HBOT technician.
Your treatment plan will typically consist of a specified number of treatments scheduled several days per week. Sessions usually last around 60 – 90 minutes.
How to prepare
It’s essential to follow specific preparation guidelines to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the treatment before your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session. Begin by taking a shower and arrive free of:
- Hair care products
- Makeup
- Deodorant
- Perfumes
- Lotions
We’ll inform you about any other items prohibited during HBOT.
The morning of your treatment, be sure to eat a healthy meal high in protein. HBOT increases your body’s energy consumption, so it’s crucial that your blood sugar is above 120 at the start of every treatment. You should also make it a priority to take any required daily prescription medications and inform our staff of any deviations.
Smoking should be avoided during the treatment period as it decreases the efficacy of HBOT. Additionally, drugs and alcohol use prior to treatment are strictly prohibited. These steps help maximize the benefits of your therapy and maintain a safe environment within the chamber.
Treatment routine
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled dive time to allow for preparation for your hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Upon arrival, wait in the designated area until called to change into chamber-specific garments provided by the technician. Your belongings will be securely stored in the treatment area.
Items not permitted in the chamber include:
- Jewelry
- Glasses
- Hearing aids
You will be provided with a full list of items that can’t be brought into the chamber.
Our technician will check your vitals, including blood sugar for diabetics. This helps ensure that your systolic blood pressure is below 160 and blood sugar between 120 and 300. After the session, the technician will recheck your vitals.
These steps ensure your safety and readiness for an effective HBOT session.
What to expect during treatment
During your hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment, you’ll lie comfortably in a chamber equipped with an entertainment system for watching movies or TV. Many patients use this time to relax or even nap. As the chamber pressurizes, you may experience ear-popping similar to flying or driving through the Great Smoky Mountains.
Your HBOT technician will remain present during treatment and is able to communicate with you as needed. Let them know beforehand if you have concerns about enclosed spaces to discuss potential anti-anxiety medication.
Changes in temperature are normal with warmth during pressurization and cooling during depressurization. The technician can adjust the temperature for your comfort once at pressure.
Some patients notice a hissing noise, particularly during pressure changes, but this is nothing to worry about. Remember to breathe normally and focus on your healing journey during this uninterrupted relaxation time.
Safety precautions
Safety is paramount in the oxygen-rich environment of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Our trained clinical and safety team closely monitor you throughout the treatment to promptly address any issues.
Adherence to safety guidelines is crucial, particularly for fire safety. You must wear only approved garments and a static grounding bracelet in the chamber, with all non-approved items prohibited to minimize fire risks.
Potential complications, though rare, include:
- Temporary vision changes
- Ear discomfort
- Claustrophobia
Barotrauma can occur due to unequal pressure, so techniques like yawning or swallowing are recommended to equalize ear pressure. Don’t hold your breath during treatment to avoid serious complications such as pulmonary overpressure.
Oxygen toxicity seizures are rare but possible, and they don’t increase future seizure risk. Vision changes might occur but typically resolve within six weeks post-therapy. Notifying technicians of any adverse effects immediately is essential for maintaining safety during HBOT sessions.
Compliance, tardiness, and cancellations
Punctuality and attendance are crucial for maintaining the hyperbaric oxygen therapy schedule and ensuring timely care for all patients. This is why we ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled dive to change and have your vitals checked. Notify your HBOT technician promptly if you cannot attend a session.
Consistent attendance is vital for the effectiveness of your healing journey. Missing three treatments may lead to temporary suspension of your therapy, placing you on a waitlist for resuming treatment. Noncompliance could impact insurance approval when resuming treatment.
Choose Limb Preservation Center for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Choosing the Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee for your hyperbaric oxygen therapy ensures a comprehensive and patient-focused experience. We are the newest and most advanced wound care practice in Lenoir City, Tennessee, and the Greater Knoxville area.
We offer:
- A thorough approval process
- A personalized treatment plan
- Detailed preparation guidelines
Our state-of-the-art hyperbaric oxygen chambers provide effective therapy with entertainment options for comfort while our experienced team prioritizes safety, closely monitoring patients and adhering to strict protocols. We offer flexible scheduling and emphasize optimal results.
With a focus on patient education, safety, and comfort, the Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee provides a supportive environment for your healing journey, making us an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
It’s important to know how to prepare for hyperbaric oxygen therapy and what to expect before coming for treatment. Be sure to arrive showered and free of cosmetics, and our team will provide chamber-specific garments for you to wear. Consume a protein-rich meal beforehand and take any necessary medications. Avoid smoking and other substances, arrive early, and anticipate a comfortable, monitored treatment in our advanced chamber.
Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee is the newest and most advanced wound care practice in Lenoir City, Tennessee. Are you looking for experienced wound care that’s convenient and near home? Call Limb Preservation Center of East Tennessee at 865-770-5462 or request an appointment online to arrange a comprehensive chronic wound evaluation with our wound healing experts.
