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Hill Country Wound Care And Hyperbarics

5 Key Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing

When wounds refuse to heal, whether it's from diabetes, poor circulation, or a post-surgical complication, it can take a toll on both your health and your daily life. Traditional wound care treatments sometimes aren’t enough, especially when tissue is deprived of oxygen. That’s where Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) steps in.

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HBOT is a safe, non-invasive therapy that uses 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber to help your body repair and regenerate tissue. It’s a powerful ally in wound healing, especially when time is critical and outcomes matter.

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Here are five of the most important benefits Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers for patients dealing with complex wounds.

1. Accelerates Healing in Chronic Wounds

Chronic wounds are defined as wounds that haven’t shown signs of healing after four weeks or haven’t fully healed in eight weeks. For many people with diabetes, vascular disease, or mobility issues, these wounds become long-term struggles. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, allowing oxygen-rich plasma to reach tissues that are inflamed, infected, or poorly perfused.

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This oxygen jumpstart leads to:

  • Faster tissue repair

  • Improved skin integrity

  • Shorter wound care timelines

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According to a systematic review published in Diabetes Care, adjunctive HBOT significantly improved the rate of healing in diabetic foot ulcers and reduced the risk of major amputation when used in conjunction with standard wound care therapies.

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For patients with slow-healing ulcers, HBOT can play a critical role in promoting closure and preventing complications.

2. Fights Off Infection

Infection is one of the biggest risks associated with open wounds. Reduced blood flow means the body can’t deliver enough white blood cells or antibiotics to stop harmful bacteria from spreading. HBOT helps close that gap.

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By increasing tissue oxygen levels, HBOT enhances:

  • White blood cell activity (phagocytosis)

  • The effectiveness of antibiotics

  • The destruction of anaerobic bacteria, such as those that cause gas gangrene

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The therapy is often used as part of a care plan for patients with osteomyelitis (a chronic bone infection), where traditional antibiotics alone aren’t effective. In these cases, HBOT acts as a force multiplier, improving the body’s ability to fight and heal.

3. Stimulates New Blood Vessel Growth

One of HBOT’s most fascinating benefits is its ability to spark angiogenesis, the creation of new blood vessels in damaged or oxygen-starved tissue. This is critical for long-term wound healing and preventing recurrence.

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Improved circulation helps:

  • Deliver essential nutrients to the wound bed

  • Maintain healthy granulation tissue

  • Support the surrounding tissues that are vulnerable to breakdown

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This is especially important for post-radiation injuries and graft or flap sites, where the vascular supply may be limited. By rebuilding these microvascular networks, HBOT helps ensure the wound heals properly and stays closed.

4. Reduces Inflammation and Swelling

Inflammation is a natural immune response, but when it becomes chronic, it can do more harm than good, delaying healing, damaging tissue, and increasing pain.

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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps to:

  • Regulate the inflammatory response

  • Reduce edema (swelling) in surrounding tissues

  • Improve oxygen exchange at the cellular level

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Patients often report feeling less discomfort and better mobility even within the first few treatments. For someone struggling with a painful pressure ulcer or a post-operative wound that won’t calm down, this can be a game-changer.

5. Improves Surgical Outcomes and Skin Graft Success

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) plays an increasingly important role in modern surgical recovery, particularly for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery, flap procedures, or skin grafting.

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After surgery, the body enters a delicate phase of healing where tissue viability is everything. If grafted skin or tissue doesn’t receive enough oxygen, it may not survive.

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HBOT provides:

  • Enhanced oxygenation to the surgical site

  • Reduced risk of necrosis or wound dehiscence

  • Improved graft/flap survival rates

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For patients with prior radiation, vascular complications, or compromised immune systems, this added oxygen support can be the difference between success and setback.

When Should You Consider HBOT?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy isn’t for every wound, but it’s highly effective for the right ones. You may benefit from HBOT if you’re dealing with:

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  • A wound that hasn’t improved after 4+ weeks of treatment

  • A diabetic foot ulcer or pressure sore with signs of infection

  • A surgical wound that’s slow to close

  • A history of radiation or trauma that damaged tissue

  • Repeated infections or hospitalization due to wound complications

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At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, our physician-led team will evaluate your wound, discuss your medical history, and determine if HBOT should be added to your treatment plan.

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To learn more about how HBOT works, visit our Complete Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in San Antonio.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Is HBOT safe?

  • Yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been FDA-approved for several wound-related conditions and is widely used in hospitals and advanced wound care centers. It’s non-invasive, well-tolerated, and monitored by trained professionals.

How many treatments will I need?

  • It depends on your condition. Some patients respond to treatment in 10–15 sessions, while others with chronic conditions may require 30–40 sessions for complete healing.

Is it covered by insurance?

  • Most likely, yes. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is covered by Medicare and most private insurers for approved conditions. Our team will verify your benefits before treatment begins.

Final Thoughts

When you’re managing a complex wound, every decision matters, and so does every day without progress. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a trusted and effective tool that can help accelerate healing, prevent complications, and improve your quality of life.

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At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we combine advanced wound care technologies with real human support. We’re here to listen, guide, and help you heal.

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Let’s get your healing started.

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