Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

The Beverly Hospital Wound and Hyperbaric Medicine Center offers state-of-the-art Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a treatment in which the patient breathes 100 percent oxygen inside a comfortable, see-through chamber.  The therapy quickly delivers high concentrations of oxygen to the bloodstream, assists in the healing process of wounds and is effective in fighting certain types of infections.  It also stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves circulation.  Therapy is administered daily and the number of therapies depends upon the diagnosis.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions including: 

• Diabetic wounds of the lower extremity
• Enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds
• Skin grafts and flaps
• Osteomyelitis or bone infection
• Necrotizing soft tissue infections
• Radiation tissue damage
• Crush injuries
• Acute traumatic injury 

What To Expect During Treatment 

Once you are comfortably positioned inside the chamber, the pressure will gradually be increased and the temperature will temporarily rise.  You may experience fullness in your ears as a result of the increased pressure.  The technician will instruct you in ways to help clear the pressure and relieve any discomfort.  Most treatment sessions in the chamber last approximately two hours.  While undergoing treatment, you may watch TV or videos, simply relax or sleep.

If You Are Sick or on Medication

Inform the staff at the Center if you have a cold or cough, the flu, sore throat, chills, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.  Alert the staff to any medications you are taking or changes in medication during the course of your treatment. 

If you are a diabetic, please eat properly and continue to take your prescribed medication to control blood sugar level.  Your blood sugar level will be checked at the Center before and after each hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

The Possibility of Side Effects

You may experience temporary vision changes that should return to normal a few weeks after therapy is completed.  Our physicians recommend that you not change the prescription of your eyewear during the course of your therapy.  Some patients experience fatigue during treatment.  This is completely normal.