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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a therapeutic technique that increases oxygen and air pressure to the patient. This increased oxygen and air pressure put more oxygen molecules into red blood cells as well as the plasma - the liquid that contains red blood cells. HBOT's ability to increase oxygen helps the patient's cells improve the healing process - killing bacteria, reducing swelling and inflammation and repairing damaged tissues. Plasma oxygenation carries oxygen molecules even deeper into tissues, areas that often are too small for the oxygen in red blood cells to be effective. HBOT is non-invasive, natural, painless and has minimal risk of side effects.
Family Wellness Center HBOT
Family Wellness Center offers mild hyperbaric therapy. Mild hyperbarics use soft-sided oxygen chambers that increase the oxygen and atmospheric pressure from sea level atmosphere (1.0 ATA) to 1.3 (ATA) atmospheres, approximately the amount of pressure a person receives in 11 feet of water. At 1.3 atmospheres, the soft chamber increases oxygen via a relatively small amount of pressure (in comparison to hard chambers) yet has efficacy for a variety of conditions.
The patient enters the chamber and the attendant gradually raises the pressure until it is fully pressurized (5 to 10 minutes, depending on the patient's comfort level). Each chamber treatment is one hour once full pressure is achieved, and patients can sleep, read or use electronic portable devices. Patients are continually monitored and can call an attendant or de-pressurize the chamber from within. The chamber is large enough to let a parent to "dive" with their child.
The Family Wellness Center was recently featured in "The Pressure Point". Click Here to read the article.
Using the HBOT Chamber
All HBOT patients have an initial consultation with a Family Wellness doctor to make sure the treatment is appropriate and the patient does not have any condition that will have an adverse reaction. These conditions include emphysema, previous spontaneous pneumonia, acute sinusitis. fevers, breathing problems or low seizure thresholds. HBOT is appropriate for a variety of conditions and when standard medications are not working. Often HBOT is used in addition to conventional medical treatments.
Before entering the chamber, patients change into clean, white cotton scrubs. Cleaned, white cotton linen covers the comfortable chamber mat and pillows. The patient lies in the chamber and it is slowly pressurized. Patients will feel some pressure on their ears, similar to airplane travel. Chewing gum, swallowing while holding the nose shut, and other techniques equalize the pressure. Once equalized, there is no further discomfort for the duration of the "dive". During decompression, patients will feel their ears "pop" as the additional oxygenated air pressure is reduced. The attendant paces the speed of compression and decompression to the preference and comfort level of the patient.
Patients should avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks 4 hours before their treatment because it interferes with oxygen absorption. Smoking also lowers the impact of HBOT.
Approved (on label) HBOT Conditions
HBOT has been an acceptable therapy used by hospitals to treat the variety of conditions. In certain cases, insurance covers these approved conditions:
- Diabetic foot wounds
- Air and gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Acute traumatic ischemia (a type of stroke)
- Extreme blood loss
- Cyanide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
- Non-healing wounds
- Gas gangrene
- Necrotizing (cell death) infections
- Radiation effects
- Skin flaps
- Burns
Beneficial (off-label) HBOT Conditions
Family Wellness offers HBOT for a variety of non-traditional conditions. For example, HBOT shows great promise for children with autistic spectrum disorders, neurological disorders, brain injuries as well as to facilitate healing in sports injuries or to counteract signs of aging. A growing amount of scientific evidence, testimonials and studies (identified in the Links section of the Family Wellness website) suggest that HBOT is appropriate to improve or facilitate the treatment of the following conditions:
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Autism
- Lyme's Disease and other infections
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- ADD/ADHD
- Migraine headaches
- Head injuries and concussion
- Sports injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Parkinson's Disease
- Raynaud's phenomenon
- Vascular disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Crohn's Disease
- Pre-/Post-surgery
- General wellness and prevention
HBOT Side Effects
HBOT has minimal side effects. While most patients can easily get accustomed to pressurization/depressurization, there is a risk of ear and sinus trauma. Ear pain is usually temporary and ceases after the dive is complete. Family Wellness attendants help patients avoid ear/sinus pain by carefully regulating the speed of compression/decompression to the needs of each patient. In rare cases, patients that continue to have ear pain can use special ear plugs or ear tubes in order to continue treatment.
Other side effects include:
- Claustrophobia
- Temporary changes in near-sighted eyesight. This usually occurs with large numbers of treatments and returns to normal after treatments have ended.
- Seizures, in patients with a history of seizures
- Accelerated cataract development (very rarely)
Visit the Family Wellness HBOT Treatment Room
The Family Wellness Center combines conventional medicine with appropriate alternative therapies to get the best results with the safest, least-invasive methods. Family Wellness offers traditional medicine, spinal manipulation and other musculoskeletal treatments, similar to chiropractic care. Family Wellness treats conditions with oral or intravenous vitamin and herbal supplementation, chelation therapy and HBOT. Interested parties are welcome to schedule a consultation, see the HBOT chambers and discuss a treatment approach. The physicians at the Family Wellness Center have completed advanced training and are certified by the International Hyperbaric Association.
Disclaimer
The Family Wellness Center is providing HBOT information and links to reputable clinics, associations and reference resources after an extensive review of HBOT publications and studies. This information is intended to be educational in nature and is not a substitute for competent, medical advice. HBOT therapy should be conducted in conjunction with a qualified physician and facility. The Family Wellness Center specifically disclaims any liability arising directly or indirectly from information contained on these web pages and web links. In evaluating HBOT, patients should be aware of and consider the conflicting views of HBOT therapy within the medical profession.
Testimonials
We are forever grateful to Dr. Dornfeld and his incredibly caring staff.
Patient: M.B.
Condition: Asperger's Syndrome
Number of Treatments: 60+
It was one year ago this month, that we all embarked on an unknown Journey with our son Mike. We came to you seeking help for Mike's Asperger's Syndrome symptoms. We were frustrated with the traditional Doctors, treatments and educational protocols that did not benefit Mike at all. He was on Psychotropic medication at a young age for behavior and attention.
After an initial consultation, we began Hyperbaric Treatments three times per week. After about the sixth treatment, we slowly began to see positive changes. We decided not to inform our school district at first. We wanted to see if Mike's "educational team" saw a difference. Finally, the call came! The school noticed a dramatic change in our son, and then we told the Child Study Team about the HBOT treatments. He had phenomenal gains both in academics and behavior.
Mike "Took the summer off" from his treatment. I was leery of possible regression, but I agreed with him. He had little regression.
Just a few short years ago, we didn't see a light at the tunnel for Mike. This summer he left home for the first time, to attend a Leadership Conference in New Hampshire. We were told that the other attendees (all non-disabled young men), did not notice that Mike was different in any way. After graduation this year, Mike is preparing to live in an independent living environment while attending college. Mike has become a different person thanks to the knowledge and expertise of Dr. David Dornfeld.
We believe that if we hadn't found Dr. Dornfeld, Mike would not be anywhere close to where he is today.
We are forever grateful to him and his incredibly caring staff.
The combined Hyperbaric and IV Chelation therapies had a positive effect on Mike's school grades. Mike went from a D- student to a B+ / A- student.
There has been a tremendous increase in energy in doing activities... Patient: F.M.
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Number of Treatments: 20+ There has been a tremendous increase in energy in doing activities and greatly improved speed in doing activities. Other improvement areas are:
- Clarity of speech
- Clarity in thinking
- Communication skills
- New words spoken
- Memory improvement
- Fatigue reduction
- Alertness and energy
But what an experience to wake up the next morning and feel relief for the first time in eight years.
Patient: B. L.
Condition: Resection spinal cord tumor
Number of Treatments: 16
Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy has given my life back. In 1998, I had a large tumor removed from my spinal cord at C6-T2. Although the surgery was a success and saved me from a life of paralysis, the recovery and rehabilitation was slow and challenging. One year after the tumor surgery and relearning how to walk, sit up and use my hands, I experienced the sudden, devastating effects of the onset of pain. Suddenly my entire body was immersed in burning pain. Nothing I tried gave me relief. Medications were useless, intensified the pain and left me dealing with the side effects of the medications. Nerve blocks, trigger point injections and facet joint injections gave only limited and temporary relief. I had acupuncture and head massages weekly. I had almost given up hope when I saw an ad in the Asbury Park Press for the Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) at Dr. Dornfeld’s office.
When I met Dr. Dornfeld, I immediately sensed a unique, caring professional who is concerned for the patients he dealt with while he evaluated them. He wasn’t afraid to deal with my situation. He believed that HBOT would benefit my spasms, nerve and muscle pain, depression, and compromised immune system.
I scheduled and began the treatments immediately. What did I have to lose?
To my amazement I felt a surge of energy by the third treatment. My burning pain eased and I could feel my muscles relaxing. I became more active which left me in pain at the days end. But what an experience to wake up the next morning and feel relieve for the first time in eight years.
After 16 treatments, I now feel less pain and have been able to have deep tissue massage without screaming! In the last month, I have increased energy and stamina, less pain, more mobility and improved alertness. My body feels as if it’s been defrosting. The massage therapist I’ve been seeing since 2002 noticed a significant difference in my muscles. I have been able to shop at the mall for 3 hours using a walker, not a wheelchair, and could try on clothes.
For certain activities, I can walk away from the walker with confidence. I am getting out of the house much more. One Friday, I went to our church gala/dance, walking through the crowded room, dining and even dancing to midnight. The next day, I went to an indoor/outdoor dedication to 7PM, out to dinner and came home after 10 PM. Sunday, I used the hot tub and hammock on my own and out to dinner at 5 PM. I have never had such a full, active weekend in nine years! Everyone is amazed at the progress HBOT has had on me.
I recently saw my neurosurgeon, who was very impressed with my progress. He commented on how I have an increase in sensation, stability, and strength. I have 23 treatments and feel I am once more a part of life. My days used to be spent lying in bed as still as possible to keep the pain at bay. I am living life laughing and hopeful. I will continue the healing process provided by HBOT. I believe HBOT is an essential therapy for spinal cord injury patients.
Other improvement areas are:
- Balance – can balance barefoot
- Coordination – arm and leg swinging is better and the muscles in my hand are coming back
- Mobility improvement – can feel my hips moving
- Clarity in thinking
- Ability to focus
- Memory improvement
- Sleep quality
- Pain reduction
- Fatigue reduction – greatly improved
- Alertness/Energy
- Appetite improvement – digestion is much better
I am able to use my fingers again, and breathe without wheezing...
Patient: R.A.K.
Condition: Myasthenia Gravis
Number of Treatments: 20
- Balance
- Coordination
- Clarity of speech
- Clarity in thinking
- Ability to focus
- Sleep quality
- Wound healing
- Reduction of bruises
- Appropriate weight loss
- Discontinue the use of 19 medications (including 210 units of steriods and insulin)
- Normal EMG Nerve Test - now shows no sign of Myasthenia Gravis
- Weekly HBOT Treatments to maintain health, coordination, balance and ease of breathing
It was as if a small miracle happened...
Patient: H.K.
Condition: Parkinson’s Disease
Number of Treatments: 40
In mid-2005, my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Since there is no definitive test for PD, it became a process of elimination. He had the usually outside symptoms: slowness of motion, stiffness, facial rigidity, etc. While these symptoms were mild, there was one disturbing action, a delayed reaction to mental input and response. It was as if his brain was in slow motion. The following year has been spent on medication with no apparent changes in his manifestation.
Fortunately, our chiropractor introduced us to Dr. Dave Dornfeld and his mild hyperbaric chamber therapy. We opted for 1 hour/day, 6 days/week, for forty sessions.
It was two weeks into the treatment that I noticed changes began to occur. His agility and balance improved, as did his facial mobility. A week or so later while shopping, he began to whistle. Within the next week, he began singing. It was as if a small miracle happened, since he had not whistled or sang for over one year. It truly was a great joy. But the greatest effect was that he no longer had the mental “time delay.” Dr. Dornfeld was right when he told me, “You have your husband back.”
MY BALANCE HAS IMPROVED!!
Patient: Eleanor S.
Condition: Multiple Sclerosis
Dear Dr. Dornfeld,
Here is a list of the differences i have seen since my treatment began. I had my 13th treatment on Saturday Jan 5, 2008.
MY BALANCE HAS IMPROVED!!
I can walk down the halls at school( work) without weaving.
Legs are NOT spastic.
Have more energy.
Eyes do NOT burn like they used to.
Not as tired.
When at the gym, more reps and faster workouts.
Not dragging right leg as much.
Picking up feet when walking so less tripping.
I Feel better physically and mentally.
I hope this gives you an idea of my progress. i am VERY HAPPY with how things are going so far!!!
thank you for all of your help.
E.S.
I ... have gone from extremely ill to almost well in less than 2 months...
Dr. Dornfeld, I wanted to write to compliment you on the extraordinary health care services offered at your Family Wellness Center.
As you know, I have suffered from chronic health problems for over 15 years and, in 2007, developed a severe systemic fungal infection, including most of my digestive tract. I lost 60 pounds over the course of the infection, became unable to work. I was hospitalized 4 times in early December due to the severity of my condition, which alluded over a dozen doctors at some of the most highly regarded hospitals in NYC and NJ, while my condition grew worse daily.
Not only were you able to readily test for and confirm the suspected infection, but you also found extremely high levels of toxic metals in my system that no other doctor has ever tested for or suggested as a potential cause for my chronic health problems.
Fortunately, your center offers a wide variety of unique treatment options, all of which are helping me to recover fairly quickly. Due to the severity of my condition, I chose to take advantage of all of the following options, including:
• IV vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid drips to fight the fungal infection as well as symptoms of arthritis.
• IV Chelation to remove toxic metals and improve my cardiovascular health.
• Glutathione pushes to give me increased energy.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to increase oxygen throughout my cells to speed healing.
• Acupuncture to treat pain, stress, and other symptoms of the infection.
• Massage therapy for pain and stress.
• Dietary supplements (anti-fungal, antioxidants, energy, general health, etc.).
• Mainstream medication, including safe alternatives to narcotic and anti-inflammatory medications that had been previously prescribed in very high doses.
I found each of the above treatment options to be very effective as part of my overall treatment and, as a result, have gone from extremely ill to almost well in less than 2 months. Thanks to these treatments and related dietary changes, I no longer show any signs of being pre-diabetic, and my blood pressure is better than it’s ever been, without medication.
Aside from the treatments, I also want to compliment you and your staff, all of whom are extremely knowledgeable and courteous and have played such an important role in my ongoing recovery. Thanks to all of you, I expect to be able to go back to work in the next month or two.
I am, of course, extremely grateful and recommend you, your staff, and the Family Wellness Center every chance I get.
Many Thanks!
Dirk B.
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