Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
“You have Parkinson’s Disease,” are words you never forget. The day, the place, the doctor. When you hear those words, what are you going to do? Go into a deep dark depression, give up and make everyone around you miserable? Or fight it with a positive attitude with all you’ve got? I’ll choose the latter.
You’ll also search for treatments, supplements, specialists, etc. to slow the progression. This is the first of several articles to share what, I feel, has worked for me. I’m not a doctor and everything should be checked with your specialist, I’m just sharing, out of dozens of things I’ve tried, the ones that seem to make a positive difference for me.
Introduction to Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination. It is caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Over time, the disease can also cause cognitive and emotional changes, making daily tasks increasingly challenging. Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, various treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Living with Parkinson’s disease can be incredibly challenging, not only for the individual suffering from the condition but also for their family and caregivers. There is a constant search for new and innovative treatments to help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. One such treatment that has been gaining attention in recent years is oxygen hyperbaric therapy. I’ve tried it, like it and have now using this treatment for 2 years. This article will explore the life-changing benefits of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for Parkinson’s disease, discussing the science behind it and how to access this therapy.
What is Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment?
Oxygen hyperbaric treatment, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), is a non-invasive medical treatment in which a patient breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increase in pressure and oxygen concentration allows for a higher absorption of oxygen in the body, promoting healing and reducing inflammation. Originally developed to treat decompression sickness in divers, HBOT has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and radiation injuries.
In recent years, researchers and medical professionals have been exploring the potential of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. Because of its ability to enhance oxygen delivery and reduce inflammation, HBOT may hold promise in mitigating the symptoms and progression of this debilitating condition.
The Science Behind Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
This is what I’ve read, although my doctor often reminds me not to confuse my research and Google with a medical degree.
The benefits of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for Parkinson’s disease are still being studied, but prior research shows that this therapy may have substantial potential in treating this condition. The primary mechanism through which HBOT may benefit Parkinson’s patients is by increasing oxygen delivery to the brain, which can help improve the function of dopamine-producing neurons and reduce inflammation, a key factor in the disease’s progression.
Another potential benefit of HBOT is its ability to stimulate the production of growth factors and stem cells, which can aid in the regeneration and repair of damaged brain tissue. Additionally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, potentially slowing the degeneration of neurons in Parkinson’s patients, and improving cognitive function.
While more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for Parkinson’s disease, these early findings are encouraging and suggest that HBOT may be a valuable addition to the current treatment options available for this disorder.
Key Benefits of Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment for Parkinson’s Patients
Several key benefits of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for Parkinson’s disease have emerged from the existing research and clinical experience. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved motor function: Many patients who have undergone HBOT for Parkinson’s disease report improvements in their motor function, including reduced tremors and increased balance and coordination. I believe it’s helped me in this area.
- Enhanced cognitive function: Oxygen hyperbaric treatment may help improve cognitive function in Parkinson’s patients, as increased oxygen delivery to the brain can support the health and function of neurons. I didn’t see any improvement, but I’m in the early stages.
- Reduced inflammation: By decreasing inflammation in the brain, HBOT may help slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease and mitigate some of its symptoms. I feel it has helped tremendously here.
- Increased energy levels: Many patients experience increased energy levels and a reduction in fatigue after undergoing oxygen hyperbaric treatment, which can improve overall quality of life. For me, most the time there is no increase in energy. I would say about 25% of the time I have a small but noticeable increase in energy and about 20% a tremendous bump in energy, almost a euphoric feeling. This is with once-a-week treatment (I still work full-time), they recommend two to three times a week.
I will also add, I didn’t see any improvement for about 6-8 weeks. I almost gave up. That’s my normal testing time frame. Then I started seeing positive results.
Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment vs. Other Alternative Parkinson’s Disease Treatments
While alternative Parkinson’s disease treatments, such as non-traditional medications and deep brain stimulation, can be effective in managing symptoms, some come with side effects and are not always successful in slowing the progression of the disease. Oxygen hyperbaric treatment offers a non-invasive and relatively low-risk alternative to non-traditional medications or surgeries, with the potential to provide significant benefits in terms of motor function, cognitive abilities, and overall quality of life.
It is important to note that oxygen hyperbaric treatment is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease and should not be considered a replacement for traditional treatments. However, it may serve as a valuable complementary therapy for some, helping to enhance the effectiveness of their existing treatment plan and improve their overall well-being.
How to Access Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
If you are interested in exploring the benefits of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for Parkinson’s disease, the first step is to consult with your doctor. They can help determine if HBOT may be appropriate for you and provide guidance on finding a reputable treatment center. I currently use Patriot Hyperbaric, 7815 NW 23rd, Bethany, OK 73008. 405-792-2147. Tell them Randy sent you and you’ll get 50% off the first dive (that’s what the treatment). (I do not receive any compensation for this recommendation. I only share because I believe they do a great job at a reasonable price)
Many hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers offer treatments for a variety of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease. When selecting a treatment center, ensure that it is accredited and staffed by experienced professionals who can provide the care and support throughout your therapy sessions.
The Cost and Insurance Coverage for Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment
The cost of oxygen hyperbaric treatment can vary depending on the treatment center, the number of sessions required, and whether or not your insurance plan covers this therapy. Some insurance plans may cover HBOT for certain conditions, but coverage for Parkinson’s disease may be limited or unavailable.
It is important to discuss the potential costs and insurance coverage with your doctor and the treatment center before beginning therapy. Sometimes, financial assistance or payment plans may be available to help make this treatment more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oxygen Hyperbaric Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
1. Is oxygen hyperbaric treatment safe for Parkinson’s patients? HBOT is generally considered safe, with minimal side effects. However, as with any medical treatment, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor before beginning therapy.
2. How long does it take to see improvements in Parkinson’s symptoms after undergoing oxygen hyperbaric treatment? The timeline for experiencing improvements can vary from patient to patient. Some may notice changes after just a few sessions, while others may require a more extended course of treatment to experience significant benefits. For me it was 6-8 weeks.
3. Can oxygen hyperbaric treatment cure Parkinson’s disease? While HBOT may provide significant benefits for Parkinson’s patients, it is not a cure for the disease. You should view it as a complementary therapy that can help improve symptoms and quality of life.
4. How much time do the treatments take? In the door, the dive (treatment) and out the door, takes about an hour and a half.
Here’s some research articles if you’d like to learn more:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35625589/,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36525211/,
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5851727/
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
The benefits of oxygen hyperbaric treatment for Parkinson’s disease are promising and may offer a valuable addition to the current treatment options available for this debilitating condition. As research continues to explore the full potential of this therapy, it is essential for patients and doctors to stay informed about the latest developments and consider the potential benefits of HBOT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. By embracing innovative therapies like oxygen hyperbaric treatment, we can work together to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease and give hope for a brighter future.
I think it’s worth a try; I believe it helped me.