What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) used for?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is specifically designed to deliver oxygen at pressures greater than atmospheric levels. This form of therapy allows a significantly higher amount of oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma, which can enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, promoting healing and providing a therapeutic effect during various medical conditions. HBO is utilized to treat a variety of medical issues, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chronic non-healing wounds, among others.

In contrast, low-pressure oxygen therapy and standard oxygen therapy do not involve the use of increased pressure, which is a critical component of HBO. Additionally, limiting the use of HBO to only sports injuries would not accurately reflect its medical applications, as HBO is applied across a wide range of conditions beyond just those related to sports. Thus, the correct understanding of HBO centers on the unique aspect of administering oxygen at elevated pressures, making that the defining characteristic of this therapy.