The Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at Oswego Health Raises Awareness for Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Contact: Jamie Leszczynski
More than 8.2 million Americans will experience a non-healing wound in their lifetime. A vast majority of this population are unaware of advanced wound care and the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). As part of the 3rd annual Hyperbaric Awareness Month, throughout the month of May, the providers and staff at the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine would like to educate the public on the benefits of this treatment.
HBOT is recognized as a safe and effective treatment option for more than a dozen acute and chronic conditions. More commonly this treatment is used for diabetic ulcers of the lower extremity, radiation injury to bone or tissue, failing skin grafts and skin flaps and chronic refractory osteomyelitis.
Located within Oswego Hospital, the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine has two hyperbaric chambers. During this painless non-invasive treatment, patients lay inside a see-through acrylic chamber and breath in 100% oxygen at a higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Oxygen is carried in your red blood cells; during hyperbaric treatment your blood cells are able to carry more oxygen and distribute that oxygen to other parts of the body where oxygen normally is not present. This reduces tissue swelling, promotes the formation of new blood vessels and much more!
Katie O’Reilly, LPN, Certified Hyperbaric Technician at the Center shares, “Patients coming in for their first hyperbaric treatment are generally a little nervous because the chambers look intimidating. After that first treatment has started and they realize how easy and safe it is, all those concerns disappear. My patients tell me that they are relaxed and comfortable due to the chambers being clear. They are able to be in contact with me throughout the entire treatment and watch TV and relax while speeding up their healing process. They are in control of the treatment.”
Lorraine Falanga, Nurse Practitioner and Hyperbaric Treatment Provider explains, “There are over 34 million people in the US with diabetes, 25% of those patients will develop a foot ulcer needing advanced wound care and HBOT. This is why we are raising awareness of this unique treatment option available right here in our local community. Ultimately we can promote healing, prevent amputations and improve our patient’s quality of life.”
For more information or questions regarding this advanced therapy, contact the Center for Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine at 315-326-3780. No referral is necessary.