When Shane Stills developed a stubborn wound on his foot that wouldn’t heal, doctors recommended specialized care at Washington Regional Wound Care Clinic. Early on, his care team suggested hyperbaric oxygen therapy—a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber to accelerate healing and can be used for many conditions, including diabetic wounds and conditions related to radiation injury and post-plastic surgery recovery challenges. Shane says he was skeptical at first and resisted. “I thought it would be like an MRI—uncomfortable and claustrophobic,” he admits. He continued with wound care treatment, but the spot on his foot refused to heal.

A Turning Point

Curiosity won out when Dr. Bernadette Alberty invited him to see the hyperbaric chamber for himself. “It was a big, clear tube with TVs. I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll give it a try.’” To his surprise, the experience was relaxing. “I didn’t even need the medication they prescribed to ease my tension. It was awesome.” The treatment turned out to be simple and effective. Shane visited the clinic regularly and spent two hours at a time lying in the chamber, watching movies or TV to pass the time. Over the course of 50 sessions, he saw the wound that had persisted for years finally close.

Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works

The pressurized oxygen delivered inside the hyperbaric chamber is more easily absorbed by the lungs. The resulting increased oxygen levels promote healing by helping the body grow new blood vessels, skin and connective tissues. Side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy are generally mild and may include ear or sinus pressure and changes in vision that resolve after therapy ends.

The Outcome

Shane says what began as apprehension ended in relief, and he now encourages people with similar wounds to consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy. “I tell people that if wound care offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy to do it because it definitely helps you heal a lot quicker.”

To learn if hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be right for you, talk with your health care provider or call Washington Regional Wound Care Clinic at 479.463.4325.