Are you struggling with knee pain or recovering from surgery and looking for a faster, more effective way to recover?

In this podcast episode, discover how Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is revolutionizing recovery. Our expert, Dr. Carrie Bordinko, shares insights on how HBOT can supercharge your healing process. Reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and experience pain relief like never before.

Don’t miss this chance to learn about a game-changing treatment that could have you feeling better faster than you ever thought possible. Tune in to learn more and start your journey to a pain-free life!

Episode Video

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where patients breathe in 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The high concentration of oxygen is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to areas of the body that need healing. The therapy significantly increases oxygen levels in the tissues, reduces inflammation, promotes cell regeneration, and enhances overall healing.

HBOT has traditionally been used in hospitals for treating severe conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, and burns. But the scope of HBOT is broadening. As more research highlights its benefits, HBOT is now being used for treating everyday conditions such as knee pain, recovery from surgeries, traumatic brain injuries, and even for anti-aging purposes.

Treating Knee Pain with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Knee pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages, from athletes to older adults. Whether caused by an injury, arthritis, or surgery, knee pain can greatly limit your mobility and quality of life. HBOT is becoming a popular alternative for treating knee pain, particularly for patients looking to avoid long-term reliance on medications or invasive procedures.

One of the significant benefits of HBOT for knee pain is its ability to reduce inflammation. By increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream, HBOT helps reduce the buildup of inflammation in the joint, which is often a major cause of knee pain. Moreover, the therapy accelerates the body’s natural healing processes, promoting faster recovery from tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries.

For patients recovering from knee surgery, such as knee replacements or meniscal repairs, HBOT can significantly shorten recovery time. Some patients experience less post-operative swelling and pain, helping them return to their normal activities much faster. Additionally, HBOT can reduce the need for prolonged opioid use, which is a common but potentially dangerous aspect of post-surgical recovery.

What to Expect During an HBOT Treatment for Knee Pain

Before beginning HBOT, patients undergo a thorough medical screening to ensure they are safe candidates for the treatment. Some conditions, such as certain lung issues or recent chemotherapy treatments, may disqualify a patient from HBOT. Once cleared, the patient enters a hyperbaric chamber, where they breathe in 100% oxygen under pressure.

A standard HBOT session typically lasts about 60 to 90 minutes. During this time, the patient may feel their ears popping due to the pressurization—similar to the sensation experienced during an airplane flight or a deep dive underwater. Many patients report feeling relaxed or even energized after the session.

For knee pain or post-surgical recovery, the doctor often recommends a series of treatments. For example, a patient recovering from knee surgery might benefit from 10-15 sessions spread out over several weeks. In more complex cases, such as extensive reconstructive surgeries, a longer course of treatment may be necessary.

The Importance of Choosing a Safe HBOT Facility

With the rise in popularity of HBOT, more facilities are offering the treatment—but not all HBOT centers provide the same level of care. It is important to choose a certified medical facility that offers "real" hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Real HBOT operates at pressures exceeding 1.4 atmospheres and provides patients with 100% oxygen. Many facilities that advertise HBOT are, in fact, offering "fake hyperbaric" treatments that don’t meet these standards. These subpar treatments may not deliver the same healing benefits and, more importantly, could be unsafe.

Safety is important when undergoing HBOT, as the combination of high oxygen levels and pressurization can be dangerous if not handled properly. Certified HBOT facilities follow strict safety protocols to prevent issues like fires caused by the flammability of pure oxygen under pressure.

The Role of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Post-Surgical Recovery

Post-surgical recovery is another area where HBOT shines, particularly for orthopedic procedures like knee replacements, ACL repairs, and meniscal surgeries. One of the biggest advantages of HBOT is its ability to speed up recovery times while reducing post-operative pain.

After surgery, the body’s natural healing process is often hindered by inflammation, pain, and the effects of general anesthesia. HBOT accelerates healing by delivering a concentrated dose of oxygen to the tissues, reducing swelling, and promoting faster tissue repair. By starting HBOT sessions immediately after surgery, patients can experience a quicker reduction in pain and inflammation. In fact, patients come off narcotic pain medications in just a few days after starting HBOT—a significant improvement over the typical 14-day recovery period for major surgeries like knee replacements.

For optimal results, patients should begin HBOT treatments before surgery. By undergoing a “pre-surgery dive,” the body is better prepared to handle the trauma of surgery, resulting in less bleeding, quicker healing, and a more comfortable post-operative experience.

Combining HBOT with Other Pain Management Therapies

HBOT is often combined with other innovative therapies like photobiomodulation (red light therapy) to enhance healing and recovery. Red light therapy, like HBOT, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to promote healing and reduce inflammation. When used together, these therapies provide a powerful synergy that accelerates tissue repair, reduces pain, and improves overall recovery outcomes.

About Dr. Carrie Bordinko

Dr. Carrie Bordinko is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician. Creating the space of Consolaré and Benessair Health has been her dream in the making over the last 20 years. Dr. Bordinko practices what she preaches by maintaining a daily regimen of fitness, nutrition, and moderation. She spends her limited free time weightlifting, boxing, horseback riding and is currently mastering gymnastics, all after the age of 50.

If you’re considering Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for knee pain, post-surgical recovery, or general wellness, visit Benessair Health to learn more. You can also follow them on Instagram and Facebook for educational videos and updates on the latest treatments in pain management and recovery.

Final Thoughts

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a powerful, medically proven treatment that can significantly improve healing, reduce pain, and enhance recovery from surgeries and injuries. Whether you’re dealing with knee pain, recovering from surgery, or exploring alternative therapies for long-term wellness, HBOT offers a safe and effective option. However, it’s essential to choose a certified facility that provides real, medical-grade HBOT under the supervision of a trained physician.

If you're ready to take control of your knee pain, click here to discover more about these five effective knee pain home treatments. With these simple steps, you can start your journey towards pain-free knees and a more active lifestyle.