The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) has introduced Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at its Skin & Wellness Center, marking a significant step in modern healthcare that focuses on recovery and restoration. HBOT delivers oxygen in a pressurized environment to support healing and tissue repair, benefiting conditions ranging from skin issues to chronic diseases.
How HBOT Works
Dr. Jennifer Tan, chairman of the UCMed Skin and Wellness Center, explains that HBOT helps the body heal more effectively by delivering a higher concentration of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increased oxygen supply stimulates cell repair, promotes the formation of new blood vessels, and reduces inflammation, which are key processes in recovery.
The therapy is beneficial for individuals healing from surgery or injury, as well as those managing infections, diabetes, respiratory or circulatory concerns. It can also aid in muscular rehabilitation, ulcers, dementia, migraines, hypertension, angina, and renal failure. Additionally, HBOT supports beauty care, anti-aging, and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, gangrene, and burns.
Session Details
During a session, patients sit comfortably in a hyperbaric chamber as air pressure is gradually raised to up to twice normal atmospheric pressure. This allows the body to absorb more oxygen, helping tissues recover faster. Each session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, during which patients can relax, read, or rest while oxygen circulates through their system.
Dr. Tan emphasizes that when tissues receive more oxygen, the body can repair itself faster, strengthen its immune response against bacteria, and support tissue regeneration. The therapy enhances the body's ability to recover from certain injuries and conditions while supporting overall wellness.
Facility Features
UCMed's facility can accommodate two persons, allowing the option of a companion for added comfort. Designed with safety in mind, it includes a two-way communication system and clear viewing panels to help patients feel at ease throughout the session.
A Broader Healthcare Direction
Dr. Armando V. Tan, UCMed medical director, notes that HBOT reflects a broader direction in healthcare, combining treatment with prevention. He states that the therapy has long been recognized for its role in improving healing and tissue recovery, and by bringing this technology to UCMed, they are expanding how they care for patients not just when they are ill, but as they work to stay well.
Non-invasive and medically supervised, HBOT offers a science-backed approach to supporting recovery and overall health. Patients are advised to consult with a physician at the UCMed Skin & Wellness Center to determine if HBOT is appropriate for their needs. The center is located on the second floor of the hospital building.
As more people explore proactive health care, therapies that work with the body rather than against it are gaining ground. Dr. Tan concludes that sometimes the most powerful medicine is simply helping the body heal the way it was designed to, and oxygen plays a vital role in that process.
