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Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy a Good Remedy for Stress and Anxiety?

Written By Skaggs Chiropractic on November 30, 2020

Life is, unfortunately, full of stress. 

At times, you might be able to implement stress-relieving activities to lower your emotional response. 

However, you may find that, despite your best efforts, you still feel anxious. Thankfully, you can find relief through hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Joplin. 

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works 

When you enter a hyperbaric treatment chamber, you’ll receive 97% oxygen at a high level of pressure (approximately four times higher than normal). 

Exposing your body to high levels of oxygen helps stimulate your body’s healing system. 

Additionally, elevated levels of oxygen in the brain can reduce stress and anxiety significantly. A study published in 2019 found that veterans with PTSD who underwent this type of therapy experienced less stress, better sleep, and were highly motivated. 

What to Expect

During your treatment, you’ll lay in a sealed plastic tube. The appointment will last about 1 hour. Your healthcare provider will monitor you often. 

To see results, you’ll need at least two to three treatments – possibly more depending on your health. 

Why You Need to Take Steps to Reduce Stress and Anxiety 

You may be wondering, “Do I really need to invest in something like hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reduce stress symptoms?”

If you’re having a difficult time reducing stress, then yes – this is a beneficial step. When you experience stress, your body reacts by creating inflammation. Chronic inflammation damages your cells and tissues and can eventually lead to DNA damage and illnesses, such as: 

  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Rheumatoid arthritis 
  • Asthma
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Neurological diseases (like Alzheimer’s)
  • Obesity

Oxygen therapy reduces the stress response, thereby lowering inflammation. A 2017 study found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy lowers proinflammatory cytokine (small proteins that are important to the cell signaling and communication process) while elevating anti-inflammatory cytokines. 

Skaggs Chiropractic LLC – A Unique, Holistic Approach to Healthcare 

Dr. Skaggs and his team believe in treating the whole person. Treating symptoms is like putting a Band-Aid on a broken arm. It doesn’t work. Figuring out the root cause of your symptoms is, though, and will help you live a healthier, pain-free life. 

Your Joplin chiropractic team also believes that each person is unique – and so are their needs. The team at Skaggs Chiropractic LLC will always treat you as an individual, creating treatment plans that will always be unique to your needs. 

Interested in trying hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Contact our team today at 417-624-4242 to schedule an appointment.


Posted In: Chiropractic Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy