Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the administration of 100% oxygen in an environment of twice normal atmospheric pressure. The regular air we breathe contains 21% oxygen. When there is inadequate blood flow, red blood cells are less able to supply tissues with oxygen. The combination of increasing pressure and the breathing of 100% oxygen causes large amounts of oxygen to transfer from the plasma into tissues, cells, organs, neurons and boney structures.

The pressurised environment typically provides the body with many times its normal supply of oxygen to support the repair of cells and tissues.

This starts a number of processes within the body that may include:

Tissue and blood vessel healing

HBOT can stimulate the healing process
Microscopic blood vessels can regrow into areas where there is poor blood supply
HBOT supports at-risk tissues while the new blood vessels grow
HBOT supports at-risk tissues while the new blood vessels grow

Infection management

HBOT supports the destruction of bacteria by the body’s white blood cells

Swelling and Inflammation

HBOT reduces swelling and inflammation by increasing oxygen to the tissues and constricting blood vessels.

How to prepare for your HBOT appointment

You will change into medical scrubs for your session, so please wear clothes that are easy to change.
Do not wear any jewellery.
You can eat and drink before your appointment if you want to.
You can bring water in a plastic bottle into the chamber which can be consumed during your descent if needed.
You may bring tissues into the chamber if it helps to blow your nose to equalise the pressure in your ears.
If you develop sinus issues before your appointment, please contact the Clinic to discuss.

What to expect during your HBOT session

You will be descending 10 metres below sea level to reach 2 atmospheric pressure.
You will experience a similar feeling to being in an airplane with pressure changes in your ears.
You can equalise the pressure in your ears by yawning, moving your jaw, pinching your nose, or swallowing.
If you feel any pain in your ears, the technician will stop the descent until your ears have adjusted to the new pressure and you are comfortable again.
Once you reach full descent, you will put on your mask and will breathe in 100% oxygen.
Once you have the mask on, the session will last for 60 minutes on 100% oxygen.
While in the chamber you can relax, sleep or choose to watch TV.
We can supply you with a blanket if you need one during your session.
You can speak to the nurse or technician at any time during your session. They will be observing you and monitoring the HBOT chamber for your entire session.

After your HBOT session

It may take a little while for the pressure in your ears to release, this could take minutes or hours, but is totally normal and not harmful.
You may feel tired after your session and may sleep well that night.
You can resume normal activities after your session

Our Hyperbaric Oxygen team

The NIIM Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Suite is operated by trained nurses and operators, and overseen by a General Practitioner.

We have two chambers manufactured by Perry Baromedical – the Perry Sigma 34 and Perry Sigma 36, and our Suite operates per Australian Standards.

Fees

Hyperbaric Oxygen sessions are $350 per session. A GP referral is required which may incur additional fees. Please contact the NIIM Clinic for further information.

Bookings

To enquire about HBOT bookings, please complete the HBOT Enquiry Form – NIIM or call the NIIM Clinic on (03) 9804 0646.

Alternatively you may ask your regular GP to complete this Patient Questionnaire prior to booking your appointment. Once complete, please forward the form to [email protected] and your suitability for this service will assessed. Please note that we cannot treat anyone for HBOT under the age of 16 years old.

Consent Form

We look forward to welcoming you to the NIIM Hyperbaric Oxygen Suite soon and supporting you on your journey to better health.

Terms & Conditions for Patients

We do not refund for change of mind, if you found it cheaper elsewhere, or if you simply don’t like the treatment.
Payment is required to be made upfront.
Each course of treatment is valid for 6 months from date of purchase.
Treatments are not transferable to other individuals or patients.
We require at least 48 hours’ notice to be given for any appointment date change or cancellation.
If you change or cancel your appointment within 48 hours of your appointment date, we reserve the right to apply a cancellation fee of 50% of the treatment cost.
If you do not attend a booked appointment, the full cost of treatment will be forfeited.
There is no refund for unused sessions unless there is a medical reason that the treatment is to be discontinued (Medical certificate required). We do not refund for change of mind.
See your regular GP as to your medical suitability for HBOT. Our clinical team will review feedback from your GP and advise if there are any contraindications that prevent you from receiving the treatment. Once our team have reviewed you will be contacted to make a booking. Payment for the course of treatment is required at the time of booking.
There is no refund for a partially used session.
A request for a refund by you must be made in writing and sent to [email protected] for our consideration. The clinic may decide, upon review of your written request, whether a refund is approved.
In order for us to provide you an appropriate service, it is fundamental that you provide all information requested in consent forms or advise us of any factors that may affect your treatment.
Appointments are required to be confirmed, when requested to do so. Appointments that are not confirmed will be cancelled.