Wound Healing

Our bodies have an incredible capacity to heal. A small cut, scratch, or burn often repairs itself with little intervention. However, beneath the surface, a complex and coordinated process begins the moment a wound occurs.

When a wound damages blood vessels, the body triggers a chemical cascade to start the repair process:

1. Platelets activate and form clots to stop bleeding.
2. White blood cells defend against invading microbes.
3. Macrophages remove dead cells and debris.
4. Fibroblasts and other cells build new blood vessels and repair tissue.

Eventually, the clot forms a scab that protects the wound while healing continues beneath. Under normal conditions, this process occurs with speed and precision.

What Impedes Wound Healing?

Certain factors can interfere with blood flow and oxygen delivery to the wound, which slows or complicates healing. Common conditions that may impair wound healing include:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Peripheral arterial disease
• Immobility of the affected limb
• Chronic inflammation

When blood flow is restricted, the wound site experiences hypoxia—a state of insufficient oxygen. Since oxygen is essential for cellular repair and immune function, its absence or inadequacy can prevent normal healing and increase the risk of infection.

Signs of slow-healing wounds that may include:

• Increasing pain and inflammation
• Fever
• Oozing pus

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Can Help

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) exposes the body to 100% oxygen under pressures greater than those experienced at sea level. This process forces oxygen to dissolve into the blood plasma—the liquid portion of blood—allowing it to reach tissues with limited blood supply.

Benefits of HBOT in Wound Healing:

• Super-oxygenation: Reduces inflammation and enhances cellular activity at the wound site.
• Stimulation of repair cells: Increases the activity of fibroblasts and other “builder” cells that form new tissue.
• Formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis): HBOT triggers the development of additional blood vessels, improving nutrient and oxygen delivery.
• Improved healing cycle: By supporting tissue repair and reducing inflammation, HBOT helps wounds heal more efficiently.

Types of Wounds That May Benefit from HBOT

HBOT is often used in the management of wounds with poor blood flow and oxygenation, including:

• Burns
• Radiation injuries
• Skin grafts
• Ulcers (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers)
• Gangrene
• Gas gangrene

Treatment Course

The number of HBOT sessions required depends on the nature and severity of the wound and the stage of healing. While some patients may see improvement after 20-40 sessions, 40-60 sessions are often typical for chronic or severe wounds.

Health Canada Compliance Notice

HBOT is recognized for specific medical conditions and must be delivered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Patients are encouraged to consult with our naturopathic doctors to determine whether HBOT is appropriate as part of their wound management plan.