Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Rochester
The Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine at Frisbie Memorial Hospital offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)--one of the most advanced wound healing techniques. During treatment, patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized, sealed environment. This process pushes oxygen into the blood plasma, which helps the body fight some types of infection.
You need a referral from to receive hyperbaric treatment. For more information, call our wound care team at (603) 330-7914.
The benefits of hyperbaric medicine
HBOT, sometimes paired with other would care treatments, uses the body's natural healing processes to help treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Wounds that are healing slowly or not at all
- Tissue damaged from radiation therapy
- A skin graft with inadequate blood supply
- Some bone and/or skin infections
Preparing for HBOT
The wound center staff will give you instructions and answer any questions you have before starting therapy. Personnel will ask about medications you're taking. Family members and caregivers are encouraged to participate in your orientation session.
Our wound care team will give you a comfortable cotton garment to wear during treatment. You will be asked to remove these items:
- Jewelry
- Glasses
- Contact lenses
- Hearing aids
- Prostheses
You may need to postpone treatment if you have cold or flu symptoms.
Therapy duration
In most cases, HBOT is an outpatient treatment that lasts about two hours. The number of treatments you need depends on your diagnosis and care plan.
Hyperbaric chamber side effects
Most people experience no pain or discomfort during or after treatment. Your doctor will discuss possible side effects, but one of the most common is a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears.
Make an appointment with the Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine
Most wound care patients are referred by a primary care doctor or other specialists. You can also call us directly at (603) 330-7914.
Specialized hyperbaric oxygen therapy in New Hampshire
During hyperbaric medicine treatment sessions, patients enter a specialized hyperbaric chamber that adjusts the surrounding air pressure to allow patients to breathe in pure oxygen. The pure oxygen enters the bloodstream, which accelerates the body's natural healing process and aids in the treatment of problematic, non-healing wounds.
HBOT helps heal the wound from the inside out and also offers many advantages over traditional wound healing methods, including:
- Fighting infection
- Improving circulation
- Increasing healing rate
- Stimulating the growth of new blood cells
HBOT has also been shown to be effective in treating crush injuries and diabetic wounds of the lower extremities.
Patient-centered wound treatment
If you suffer from a chronic or non-healing wound, ask your physician about a referral to Frisbie Memorial Hospital's Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine. For additional information, patients can contact the center directly for an assessment by calling call (603) 330-7914.
Our wound care center will work with you and your doctor to deliver the following:
- An individualized, comprehensive plan of care that brings you the most appropriate and effective treatments for your specific needs.
- Assessment and ongoing care by our highly skilled team of wound care specialists, including a case manager who will oversee every aspect of your treatment.
- Education for you and your family to help healing happen at home, including materials and resources related to prevention, nutrition, hygiene and more.
- Ongoing communication and collaboration with you and your doctor so that you each remain informed about your progress.