Struggling with Non-Healing Wounds? Discover the Power of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

At Laser Surgical Solutions RGV, PLLC, our team works closely with residents of McAllen, Rio Grande City, and Raymondville, Texas, to solve a full scope of vascular problems. Non-healing wounds are a great example, and pose a serious health risk to anyone who experiences them. 

John Hovorka, MD, and Cynthia Salinas, MD, offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an advanced treatment option for non-healing wounds. If you haven’t considered this approach, it’s time to delve deeper into what this therapy is and how it can work to resolve persistent wounds. 

What prevents wounds from healing swiftly?

There are a number of things that can cause a wound to heal on a delayed timeline, or not at all. While the human body has an astounding ability to heal itself, there are certain factors that can get in the way of proper wound healing. 

Here are some conditions that can interfere with your normal healing process:

• Diabetes
• Infection
• Poor circulation
• Ongoing pressure (bedsores)
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Poor nutrition

For some, a non-healing wound is a one-time occurrence. But many people experience recurrent non-healing wounds, and you can have multiple at a time. 

Oxygen plays a critical role in healing

In order for your body to launch an effective healing reaction, your tissues need plenty of oxygen, which travels throughout your body via your bloodstream. That’s why people with poor circulation often suffer from non-healing wounds. 

Even if your immune system is fully functional, it can’t perform the necessary tasks without enough oxygen. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by increasing the volume of oxygen within your tissues. 

The process involves sitting in a sealed area and introducing 100% oxygen at a higher-than-average pressure. Once inside this chamber, your lungs can take in two to three times the volume of oxygen that they would get breathing normally in a non-pressurized space. 

This increases the amount of oxygenated blood, giving your tissues just what’s needed for proper healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also stimulates angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. These new vessels can carry more blood throughout the body, further improving healing. 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not a painful process

All this talk about high pressure makes many people worry that hyperbaric oxygen therapy will be a painful experience. In reality, the change in pressure feels much like climbing to altitude on an airplane. 

Some people report their ears popping during treatment, and others say they can feel some mild physical discomfort. Most, however, say that their treatment time was a chance to rest and relax. 

You can spend your time in the hyperbaric chamber dozing, reading, or even watching TV. You’ll be able to communicate with our team at all times, and it’s possible to stop the process if you become anxious or uncomfortable. 

Excited at the chance to boost your healing?

If you’re tired of the discomfort, frustration, and concern that non-healing wounds bring, it may be time to explore new treatment options. Our team at Laser Surgical Solutions, RGV, PLLC, can assess your wound and determine if you’re a good candidate for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. 

To learn more about the process, reach out to one of our offices in McAllen, Rio Grande City, or Raymondville, Texas, and schedule a visit today. We also offer online booking as an option.