900 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 102
About the Clinics
Both Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinics of Santa Monica and Rapid Recovery Hyperbarics Medical Clinic are modern outpatient facility dedicated in providing the highest quality care available using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Santa Monica Hyperbarics
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an American Medical Association (AMA)
recognized medical treatment performed with high-pressure oxygen, which aids in the process of healing diseased or
damaged tissues. HBOT has been
employed for more than three decades to treat a variety of medical conditions and is
presently gaining widespread recognition for it’s value in new applications such as in the field of neuro regeneration. HBOT is now being used to treat neurological
disorders including traumatic brain injury, stroke, cerebral palsy, and autism.
Among its many benefits are the reduction of edema and shortening of healing time related to soft tissue injuries, skin grafts, and reconstructive or plastic surgery.
What are the mechanisms of HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used to treat conditions which benefit from
increased tissue oxygen availability. It has angiogenic properties (growing new small blood vessels) and stimulates the immune system. When a patient breathes pure oxygen at pressure ranging from two to three atmospheres, arterial oxygen tension rises from it’s normal of 90 mmHg to as much as 1800 mmHg. Due to the
increased tension and introduction of 100% oxygen, large amounts of oxygen
are dissolved in the plasma. Up to 15 times as much oxygen will be delivered to tissues than under normal circumstances. During this time, white cells are better able to kill bacteria in infected tissues. Collagen and fibroblasts are laid down to create a base for new capillary growth. This acceleration of capillary development is of particular importance to patients.
How should I prepare for HBOT?
Patients are asked not to consume carbonated drinks, coffee, or alcohol for at least 4 hours prior to treatment. Body products such as cosmetics, perfumes, and oils should be avoided. Personal items such as jewelry, contact lenses, and hearing aids are removed before treatment. Patients should eat an hour prior to HBOT to support adequate blood sugar levels, or have a banana or similar snack just prior to treatment.
What is the Chamber Like?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered in a private setting, in the largest state-of-the-art, monoplace chamber. The clear acrylic chamber allows our trained technicians to closely monitor you and permit you to readily see outside the chamber. You will be in constant communication with the attending technician via intercom or may watch TV, listen to music, or simply rest. We will provide you with a 100% cotton gown, linens, and pillows for use in the chamber.
The treatment is painless. At times you may experience a sensation of pressure in your ears, which is similar to what you may feel in an airplane cabin.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects from undergoing HBOT are extremely rare. However, as with all medical treatment, HBOT does present some risks. Potential side effects will be discussed thoroughly with you before you consent to therapy.
How many treatments will I need?
The frequency and duration of
treatments will be determined by the
prescription given by your attending
physician. Some emergency cases
require only a few treatments, while other wound-healing and neurological cases may require 20-40 treatments due to gradual healing. If you do not have a prescription for HBOT, you may contact our facility and schedule a consultation with our Medical Director.
Alternative Indications:
Elective Plastic Surgery Recovery (Laser or Traditional)
Cerebral Palsy
Autism
Stroke (Acute or Post)
Near Drowning
Traumatic Brain Injury
Multiple Sclerosis (Acute, Relapsing, Remitting, or Chronic)
Peripheral Neuropathy
Migraine
Lyme Disease
Chronic Fatigue
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Immune System Building
Sports Injuries
General Health
Indications:
Osteomyelitis
Osteoradionecrosis
Non-Healing Wounds
Diabetic and Selected Problem Wounds
Gas Gangrene
Skin Grafts and Flaps (Compromised)
Crush Injury
Compartment Syndrome
Limb Salvage, Reattachment and Amputations
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning/Cyanide Poisoning
Exceptional Blood Loss Anemia
Air or Gas Embolism
Decompression Sickness (Bends)
Thermal Burns
San Bernadino Rapid Recovery Hyperbarics Medical Clinic
The field of Hyperbaric Oxygen is emerging, increasing in growth, utilization, and availability. In the last several years, an ever-increasing percentage of the public has been afforded the opportunity to benefit from this safe and productive application for enhanced health.
Experience shows that the public is involved with their health and treatment plan. The informed patient will intelligently investigate current evidence and a range of options, and require to be a part of the decision making process.
Hyperbaric Oxygen is widely used through out the world and is gaining recognition at an astonishing rate. Most physicians and public perception of HBOT is limited to the use in diving complications. However, this is about to change as patient involvement in health emerges and new studies arise.
“Oxygen is an essential ingredient of life, maintaining quality, helping the immune system while promoting the re-vasculation of ischemic tissue. Restriction of vital oxygen levels (hypoxia) accelerates degenerative conditions. Most hypoxic tissues require Hyperbaric pressure to achieve a significant increase in oxygen delivery.”
(“The Life is in the Blood”)
“Hyperbaric Medicine will undoubtedly emerge as a major preventative measure of the 21st century…” Dr. Hooper M.D. “The Spinal Rehabilitation Group
Clinical experience continues to demonstrate the therapeutic and economic advantages of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
We trust that this website will be an inspiration to everyone who needs it….
We warmly welcome you
Dr. Donald Underwood, D.O. J.D.
Medical Director
Patrick and Susan Rodriguez CHT, DMT, EMT