What is a hyperbaric chamber?
The hyperbaric chamber at Clínica Planas is a closed, single-seat capsule with continuous ventilation, where the patient breathes 100% oxygen at an atmospheric pressure twice the normal level.
While we normally breathe oxygen at 21%, our hyperbaric chamber in Barcelona delivers a much higher oxygen pressure under safe and controlled conditions.
Increasing tissue oxygenation thus helps cells to function better.
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What is a hyperbaric chamber used for?
The hyperbaric chamber is a device that aims to increase the supply of oxygen to the body.
It was originally designed for swimmers suffering from decompression problems, commonly known as diver's sickness. The benefits were then analysed in patients who did not suffer from diving-related problems.
The conclusion?
The hyperbaric chamber may be indicated for treating any disease associated with poor oxygenation.
1. Ischemic conditions
2. Diabetic foot
3. Carbon monoxide poisoning
Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that the hyperbaric chamber is an excellent therapy for promoting healthy longevity.
1. Improves chronic systemic inflammation
2. Enhances mitochondrial function
3. Improves neurological function
Hyperbaric chamber benefits
Accelerated healing
The hyperbaric chamber promotes collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved healing.
The hyperbaric chamber also enables oxygen to reach tissues that would remain unoxygenated under normal conditions. Saturating the body with this much oxygen ensures its passage through the plasma and intercellular fluid, which in turn supports accelerated healing.
Improved recovery from severe infections
Oxygen is a known antiseptic that accelerates the body's ability to eliminate bacteria. It works the same with viruses, or cells that may be infected.
This treatment also increases vascularisation in the area so that oxygen can permeate the entire immune system more effectively.
Therefore, treatment with a hyperbaric chamber has an effect on our immune system, stimulating and balancing it so that it can defend itself much better against infection.
Reduction of inflammation
As a proven anti-inflammatory, oxygen contributes to mitigating inflammation.
It is important to note that inflammation typically involves fluid retention (oedema), redness, swelling and pain.
The effects of hyperbaric chamber treatments include a boosted immune system and better anti-inflammatory and pain management responses.
Improved oxygenation
Treatment in a hyperbaric chamber involves breathing 100% oxygen—a concentration of 100% rather than the 21% we normally breathe.
This equates to better tissue oxygenation.
Immune system stimulation
In order to function, the immune system requires a lot of oxygen.
Treatment in a hyperbaric chamber helps us oxygenate our cells so that they can work better.
Hyperbaric chamber session price
The use of hyperbaric chambers at Clínica Planas is included in a number of treatments and also complements certain types of surgery.
The final price may vary depending on the number of sessions prescribed by a medical professional; though the approximate rate is around €215 per 60-minute session.
A 60-minute session at Clínica Planas consists of 60 minutes of isopressure, a duration that specialists consider the minimum. The full session, as a result, takes 80 minutes.
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F.A.Q.
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What can the hyperbaric chamber improve?
The hyperbaric chamber improves our overall quality of life. 1. Reduced inflammation
2. Enhanced cognition
3. Better sleep adaptation -
Who should not use the hyperbaric chamber?
There are very few conditions that would prevent a patient from entering a hyperbaric chamber. It is completely unsuitable for anyone who has previously had a pneumothorax.
It is also not recommended for anyone who has not previously treated the following conditions:
1. Heart failure
2. Ear problems or hearing aids
3. Severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
4. Convulsions -
What does it feel like to be in a hyperbaric chamber?
Normally, if you are not claustrophobic, you will not feel any different. The inside is a completely transparent, comfortable, single-seater cylinder, which means you can look out without feeling enclosed.
At Clínica Planas, we have the Perry Sigma 36 rigid hyperbaric chamber, which has a completely transparent cylinder, making it a very pleasant experience overall. -
How long will it take before I start seeing the effects of the hyperbaric chamber?
The hyperbaric chamber works by accumulation. In other words, patients who only go to one or two sessions will not see results. At least 5 sessions are needed to begin to feel the effect.
Each condition has its own protocol. Some conditions require 20 sessions, while others only need 10. -
What should you not do after hyperbaric chamber treatment?
The only thing you should not do after a hyperbaric chamber session is fly on an aeroplane. You may begin flying 24 hours after your last session.
Expert opinion
Former president of the Spanish Association of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy (Sociedad Española de Medicina Regenerativa y Terapia Celular - SEMERETEC). A pioneer in the use of stem cells, Dr Garber holds a Master's degree in Hyperbaric Medicine.
With over 15 years of experience in treating ageing and diseases associated with biological medicine, he has been practising medicine in the United States and Spain.
• Regenerative medicine
• Hyperbaric medicine
• Cardiology
