People with with reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) lead very difficult lives. RSD is a severe pain disorder that causes extreme sensitivity to touch, so much so that even touching a pen or a rail can be very painful. The disease also causes swelling, skin irritation and changes of skin color, body temperature changes, fatigue, profuse sweating, muscle atrophy, and depression. Without receiving treatment, people with RSD lead painful, excruciating lives.

Fortunately, there are RSD treatments available. Hyperbaric oxygen treatments (HOT) have been proven to be highly effective in treating the disease. What is HOT? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses the medicinal use of oxygen to treat its patients. Patients receive higher levels of oxygen by entering a pressurized vessel that can deliver 100% oxygen. In order to achieve the largest concentration of oxygen possible, the hyperbaric oxygen chambers increases the air pressure by two to three times the normal atmospheric limit.

Because of this, oxygen is able to enter the body more easily and profusely than under normal atmospheric pressure. Increasing oxygen levels means the body tissue is able to absorb more oxygen, which aids in healing and pain relief. HOT has been proven to be very effective against the disease.

RSD isn’t the only disease that can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen treatments. The therapy is used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, Lyme disease, radiation necrosis, decompression sickness, and even AIDS. HOT is approved by both the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and Medicare, and the latter recognizes it as a reimbursable treatment for 14 different conditions.

Although hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn’t a cure necessarily, it provides immediate relief and comfort for those who need it the most. People with RSD and other conditions definitely benefit from the treatment. For more information about the therapy, including how it works and where it is offered, feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom.