A ‘Dive’ for Oxygen
The wonders of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
by Virginia J. Pillsbury

reprinted wuth permission, H Magazine, April, 2008
A publication of The Florida Times-Union
www.hforhealth.com

When Tiffany Watts saw what mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) did for her then 5-year-old son, Max, she became a believer.

“My goal with Max was for him to know who I am and to know that I love him,” said Watts.

Diagnosed with autism at 17 months, Max couldn’t speak, had trouble settling down at night to sleep, and was unable to focus his attention. Watts tried several options including a major overhaul of Max’s diet, which resulted in some improvement in his skills, but she wanted much more.

When Max’s pediatrician suggested that Watts give hyperbaric oxygen therapy a try, she didn’t hesitate.

Not new to the traditional medical community, HBOT is utilized to treat a host of conditions including decompression sickness, hard-to-heal wounds, burns, and other ailments. It allows patients to safely breathe in oxygen – delivered to cells and tissues – while relaxing in tube-like chambers.

Although apprehensive at first, Max responded well to the oxygen therapy and learned to enjoy the “dive” – a session in the HBOT chamber.

“Filtered ambient air is compressed to the equivalent of 11 feet below sea level,” explained Watts. “It’s released into a chamber where a client can lie down, relax, sleep, or listen to an iPod, watch a DVD, read a book or chat on their phone. A typical dive lasts from an hour to 90 minutes and it is completely safe.”

Watts is amazed with her son’s progress.

“He recently put his arm around me and called out, ‘Mama, Mama.’ That’s huge. Plus, he now looks people in the eye – another amazing milestone,” said Watts. “It has been more than two years since we started the treatments and I’m still seeing significant changes in Max. The therapies we apply with him make more of an impact and academically he’s off the charts with his goals.”
Clearly her initial goal has been more than reached. “Max is our inspiration,” she said.

That inspiration turned into a passion recently, as Watts and a business partner opened Oxygen8, located in Ponte Vedra.

“I wanted to make this [option] available to everyone,” said Watts. “Our bodies break down, in part, because of a lack of oxygen. With HBOT, oxygen goes to the parts of the body that need it to help revitalize cells so they can function at a better level.”

length of time to reach goals vary depending on the individual. “It’s important for anyone who decides to pursue HBOT, to realize it could be a long-term commitment,” said Watts. “It’s not a cure-all. But, I believe that even a small amount of HBOT can be a jumpstart for many.”

Thus far, her documentation shows that her clients have made significant improvements with medical conditions such as cerebral palsy, pre- and postop plastic surgery, arthritis, migraines, pain management, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, sleep problems, poor circulation, autism, and even nonhealing wounds.

“We have clients who come in with one objective and leave with other benefits,” Watts said. “One patient came in for help after shoulder replacement surgery and found that HBOT also helped her arthritis.”

While many use HBOT for serious conditions, Watts has also had parents bring in teenagers for a HBOT dive as an extra energy boost before a sports tournament.

Another client, Sandy Kavanaugh, public relations and media manager of the Bausch and Lomb Championships in Amelia Island, read about HBOT successes with relieving migraines. A severe migraine sufferer, Kavanaugh remembers waking one morning with a devastating headache and decided to give HBOT a shot.

She sought out Oxygen8 and a short nap later, Kavanaugh woke up with a settled stomach, no tension in her head and says she actually felt refreshed.

“I went into the reception room and said, ‘This is a miracle,’” Kavanaugh remembered. “With medications, I felt a little lethargic after a headache, but with HBOT, I just felt good. It is so nice to have this alternative.”

H Virginia J. Pillsbury is an Orange [County - Jacksonville, Floida] Parkbased freelance writer.

H Magazine, April, 2008, http://www.hforhealth.com/