Surgical Recovery

“Heal in Comfort, Recover Faster”

Healing after surgery can be a difficult and complex journey. Any surgery has the potential to change your everyday life while your body recovers. At Holistic Hyperbarics, our goal is to give you the support you need to return to your normal life as quickly as possible.

 

HBOT and Surgical Recovery

HBOT accelerates the body’s natural healing abilities by increasing blood oxygen levels and delivering oxygen to tissues, especially in areas with compromised blood supply. This makes HBOT a powerful tool for recovery no matter how minor or major a surgery you have undergone. 

 

How HBOT Helps Recovery

Reduces scar tissue

HBOT can be used preventatively to help reduce scarring before it occurs and correctively to help damaged tissue.

Reduces inflammation and swelling

HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation after just one treatment, which increases circulation by reducing pressure on the vascular system.

Accelerates wound healing

Stimulation of mitochondria and fibroblast leads to increased collagen production and cellular repair.

Reduces post-surgical pain

Decreased inflammation along with the release of nitric oxide and endogenous NO opioids counteract abnormal pain processing and leads to the reduction of pain.

Reduces chance of infection

The bad bacteria responsible for infection cannot live in the hyper-oxygenated environment created during an HBOT session. After the session, the hyper-oxygenated environment continues and remains very potent after your session as the pressure regulates in your body. This environment inhibits clostridial toxin production and improves the potency of some antibiotics.

Increases growth of new blood vessels

HBOT stimulates the growth of new capillaries, furthering the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients into areas that need them most.

Reduces discoloration

Reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow reduces discoloration and heals bruising.

Increases collagen

Collagen proteins are the building blocks of your skin. Increasing collagen production helps the surgical site return to normal function which decreases pain and increases mobility.

 

How HBOT Helps You Get Back to You Faster

Orthopedic Surgery

Surgery of the musculoskeletal system, such as the joints, ligaments, bones, tendons, etc.

HBOT benefits for orthopedic surgery

Increased range of motion and mobility post-surgery

Reduced pain during recovery

Faster recovery time

Improved sleep and energy during and following rehabilitation process 

Reconstructive Surgery

Surgery to restore normal appearance and function to a body part that has been damaged, such as wound care or breast reconstruction.

HBOT benefits for reconstruction surgery

Faster wound healing

Improved tissue repair and reduced scar tissue

Reduced discoloration and bruising

Reduced swelling and inflammation

Cosmetic Surgery

Surgery used to alter a part of the body to enhance its appearance.

HBOT benefits for cosmetic surgery

Reduced scarring and discoloration

Reduced chance of infection

Faster recovery time

Reduced postoperative pain

 

Pre and Postoperative HBOT

While receiving HBOT for your postsurgical care is important, there are also significant benefits to coming in for preoperative sessions. Oxygenating your body’s tissues prior to surgery puts your body in the best condition to handle the trauma of surgery. With pre-operative HBOT sessions, you will fortify your body and get a jumpstart on your recovery. 

With a multitude of benefits, our clinic has seen that starting HBOT 24-36 hours after your procedure helps facilitate the best healing outcomes.

Pre-Operative HBOT Sessions


The pre-op protocol is the same for all surgery types: 

3 consecutive sessions with the last one being the day before surgery.

Post-Operative HBOT Sessions

Superficial Surgeries with No Complications

5-10 sessions in consecutive days starting 24 hours after surgery

 

Significant Surgeries with No Complications & Superficial Surgeries with Complications

10-15 sessions in consecutive days starting 24 hours after surgery

 

Significant Surgeries with Complications

15-20 sessions in consecutive days starting 24 hours after surgery


Planning Your HBOT Journey

  • Step 1 - Talk to your doctor about the appropriate procedure for your needs

  • Step 2 -  Call or text us at (510) 648-9496 with your procedure type and date

  • Step 3 - Schedule with us either on the phone or through our website for pre and postoperative sessions

  • Step 4 - Come in for first preoperative session; last session ending 24 hours before procedure

  • Step 5 - Complete procedure and contact us if there are any complications

    Complications include and are not limited to:

    • Infection

    • Sepsis

    • Wound complications

    • Any hospital admissions

  • Step 6 - Come in for postoperative HBOT sessions according to your plan

 

What symptoms and conditions are contraindications?

Conditions

  • Asthma

  • Congenital Spherocytosis

  • Emphysema with CO2 retention

  • High fevers: Fevers above 38.5ºC (around 101-102ºF )

  • History of middle-ear surgery or disorders:

  • History of seizures

  • Optic Neuritis

  • Pneumothorax

  • Chest trauma or thoracic surgery

  • Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

  • Viral Infections

Medications

  • Cisplatinum

  • Disulphiram (Antabuse

  • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)

You may consider rescheduling your visit in the chamber if you are suffering from any of the above conditions. These conditions are less frequent but may be a risk to your health. Please consult your doctor before booking an appointment. For more information about more contraindications,

please visit the “A word of caution” section of our FAQ page

 

“I progressively got better, had less and less pain and better range of motion. My cane became just a reminder for me to slow down and let other people know that I wasn’t 100%.”

– John C. (Orthopedic surgery patient)

The statements and information on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Studies, claims, and any other information provided in these documents by Holistic Hyperbarics are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to prescribe treatment. Protocol and results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy have not been verified by the FDA and should be discussed with a medical doctor before beginning treatment.