Company hopes to bring hyperbaric oxygen therapy to Wilmington
The treatment could help with a variety of medical conditions, including PTSD and depression in veterans.
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A cutting-edge treatment known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be coming to the Wilmington area.
The treatment could help with a variety of medical conditions, including PTSD and depression in veterans.
Representatives with Extivita Healthcare—a company that specializes in HBOT clinics—spoke to local leaders about the value the therapy could bring to the community on Thursday. The company already has one clinic in Durham, NC.
The therapy consists of multiple sessions known as “dives,” where patients are placed in a pressurized chamber of pure oxygen.
Some studies have shown the treatment can assist in healing wounds by boosting the level of oxygen in the blood and potentially ramping up stem cell production.
Extivita claims the technology can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and PTSD—conditions that veterans face at much higher levels than the general population.
In addition to operating their clinics, Extivita also collaborates with HBOT for Heros, a nonprofit that gives veterans access to the therapy free of charge.
Purple Heart Veteran David Buzzard with HBOT for Heros said—for him—the treatment was life-changing.
“I was wounded twice in Afghanistan, I was a combat infantryman, took some blasts to the side and face here, I had some shrapnel issues,” Buzzard explained. “After three dives, my sleep improvements were so dramatic, It went from three and a half, four hours of rough sleep to about seven hours of deep sleep; you know, sleep that I haven’t enjoyed in many years.”
Buzzard said the treatment also saw an improvement in his mental wellbeing and mobility.
Though, it’s not just Buzzard. The experience is shared by Marine veteran Chris Rabassi.
“It has improved my sleep. I am an alcoholic, haven’t had a drink since 20-23,” Rabassi said.
Rabassi and Buzzard’s hope is that Extivita—and by extension HBOT for Heros—can expand their services to Wilmington and beyond.
“North Carolina is leading the nation, and that’s a good position to be in, I think,”Buzzard said. “A lot of our representatives see the benefit and they see the value in actually leading the nation in addressing this and hopefully bringing it nationwide.”
“I think it’s something that should expand and be a part of our healing culture,” Rabassi added
