Light blue background with white and darker blue wave designs and a white geometric abstract pattern at the top center.

Scientific Studies & Research

A Brief History of Hyperbaric Chambers

Click on the + to expand each topic

  • 1662: British clergyman Nathaniel Henshaw designed the first recorded hyperbaric chamber, called a "domicilium."

    • He believed pressure could treat respiratory diseases by controlling air pressure using bellows.

    • While crude, it introduced the idea of altering pressure to influence health.

  • Mid-1800s: French surgeon G. Fontaine built the first multi-person hyperbaric chamber in 1877.

    • It was used to treat pulmonary conditions, nervous disorders, and more.

    • These chambers became popular in Europe for a short time, though the scientific basis was limited.

    • diving and caisson work (e.g., bridge building) led to increased cases of decompression sickness (“the bends”).

    • Hyperbaric chambers were adapted to recompress divers and safely eliminate nitrogen bubbles from their bloodstream.

    • Research into oxygen under pressure led to the formal development of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

    • The U.S. Navy and medical researchers explored the therapeutic use of 100% oxygen at pressures above sea level.

    • Early uses included:

      • Gas gangrene

      • Carbon monoxide poisoning

      • Radiation injuries

    • HBOT gained FDA approval for 13 specific conditions, including:

      • Non-healing diabetic wounds

      • Severe anemia

      • Crush injuries

      • Thermal burns

    • It also became popular in sports medicine, anti-aging, wellness, and off-label uses (e.g., Lyme disease, autism, traumatic brain injury).

SCIENTIFIC PAPERS

Click on the + to expand each topic

While there are a number of FDA recognized diagnoses and “on-label” conditions treatable with HBOT, research also supports using HBOT for “off-label” conditions. At Elevate Sonoma, we offer relief to those with “off-label” conditions.

Click on the + to expand each topic

    • Anti-Aging

    • Athletic injuries and performance

    • Arthritis

    • Autism

    • Attention deficit disorder

    • Auto-immune disorders

    • Bell’s Palsy

    • Brain and head injuries

    • Cardiovascular disease

    • Chronic Pain

    • Cerebral palsy

    • Concussion

    • Cosmetic Surgery

    • Crohn’s disease

    • Dermatological conditions

    • Diabetes & Ulcers

    • Dementia

    • Fertility

    • Interstitial cystitis

    • Irritable bowel syndrome and colitis

    • Lyme disease

    • Learning disabilities

    • Macular degeneration

    • Migraines

    • Mold Exposure

    • Multiple sclerosis

    • Neuropathies

    • Pervasive development disorders

    • PTSD

    • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy

    • Reconstructive surgery

    • Spinal cord injury

    • Stroke

    • Sudden Hearing Loss

    • Surgical Recovery

    • Wound Healing

      and more!

    • Air or gas embolism

    • Carbon monoxide poisoning

    • Gas gangrene

    • Crush injury

    • Decompression sickness

    • Arterial insufficiencies

    • Severe anemia

    • Intracranial abscess

    • Necrotizing soft tissue infections

    • Osteomyelitis (Refractory)

    • Delayed radiation injury

    • Compromised skin grafts and flaps

    • Acute thermal burn injury

    • Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

    If you have one of these conditions, Elevate Sonoma refers you to Advanced Hyperbaric Recovery in Marin County for their medical grade services. Phone: (415) 785-8652. www.hyperbaricoxygentherapy.com

Man wearing a white shirt with a headset working at a computer desk in an office.

If you're unsure where to begin, schedule a free consultation with one of our team members. This allows us to understand your needs and goals and tailor a protocol specifically for you.

CLICK TO SCHEDULE!