Ozone and hyperbaric treatment

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Ozone Therapy are both crucial players in the battle against diabetes and its associated wound complications, particularly in Northwestern Ontario where these treatments can significantly ameliorate patient outcomes. Let’s delve into the uniqueness and synergy these therapies bring to the table:

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT):

  1. Wound Healing Accelerator: HBOT is a commendable ally for individuals with chronic, non-healing wounds often seen in diabetes. By inhaling 100% oxygen in a chamber with increased atmospheric pressure, the therapy bolsters the body’s natural healing prowess. It’s particularly beneficial for diabetic wounds, hastening the healing process and curtailing the distress, disability, and the dire need for hospitalizations or amputations​1​​2​.

  2. Amputation Deterrent: Diabetes can lead to lower limb amputation rates skyrocketing to about 20 times compared to non-diabetic individuals due to persistent unhealed ulcers. HBOT steps in as a therapeutic intervention when standard wound care hits a wall, thereby playing a vital role in reducing amputation rates​3​.

  3. Evidence-Based Approval: In Ontario, the endorsement of HBOT for non-healing ulcers in diabetes mellitus comes from a thorough analysis of published literature, aligning the results and conclusions with the existing healthcare practices in the region​4​.

Ozone Therapy:

  1. Chronic Wound Combatant: Ozone therapy has shown promise in treating chronic wounds by inducing mild oxidative stress or acting as a disinfectant. Its application can be a game changer in advanced wound care, especially in a region where diabetes-related wound complications are prevalent​5​.

  2. Healing Promoter: With its immunologic, bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal therapeutic effects, Ozone therapy optimizes cellular metabolism, promoting wound healing. It’s particularly beneficial in type 2 diabetes where infections post surgery are common due to associated immunodeficiency and diabetic neuropathy​6​​7​.

  3. Amputation Rate Reducer: A systematic review revealed that compared to standard control therapy for diabetic foot ulcers, ozone therapy significantly accelerated wound area improvement and reduced the amputation rate, showcasing its potential as a substantial contributor to diabetes and wound care management​8​.

The need for hyperbaric and ozone treatments in northwestern ontario

Prevalence of Diabetes:

  • Northwestern Ontario has a significantly high prevalence of diabetes, particularly among its First Nations communities. Studies from 2014 to 2017 highlighted a concerning diabetes prevalence in 25 First Nations communities in this region, showcasing a situation that demands specialized attention and care​1​.
  • The diabetes prevalence in the First Nations population of Northwestern Ontario is reported to be double Canada’s average, emphasizing the critical need for effective diabetes management and wound care services​1​.

Challenges in Wound Care Management:

  • The region faces a high rate of lower-limb amputations, a dire consequence often associated with unmanaged or poorly managed diabetes and chronic wounds​2​.
  • Providing wound care services in Northwestern Ontario is notably challenging due to its geographically dispersed population and limited access to specialized care. The rural nature of many communities further exacerbates the challenge, making it imperative to have effective, locally accessible treatment options like HBOT and Ozone Therapy​2​.

Regional Health Care Infrastructure:

  • The healthcare infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario has been evolving to address these challenges. For instance, wound care specialists in ‘hub’ communities like Sioux Lookout and Thunder Bay have initiated dialogues with surgeons for better wound care and lower limb salvage strategies. This evolution underscores the need for specialized treatments that can be integrated into the existing healthcare framework to improve patient outcomes​1​.

Localized Health Priorities:

  • Sub-regional profiles in Northern Ontario have been developed to understand the demographics, diabetes prevalence, estimated diabetes incidence, and access to primary care among other variables. This data collection aims to identify diabetes priorities, thereby underlining the importance of having specialized treatments like HBOT and Ozone Therapy to address the identified needs and improve the quality of healthcare delivery in this region​3​.

Ozone Treatment

Ozone treatment on human blood, often referred to as ozone therapy, involves the introduction of ozone, a form of oxygen, into the blood to potentially enhance oxygen delivery and stimulate the immune system. This therapy is based on the premise that increasing oxygen in the body can improve the efficiency of cellular processes and overall health. Practitioners of this therapy believe it can help treat various diseases, improve circulation, and boost antioxidant defenses, although scientific and medical communities remain cautious and suggest more research for conclusive evidence. As such, it’s crucial to understand that ozone therapy should only be considered under professional medical guidance, due to potential risks and the need for precise application.

  • Background: Evaluates the effectiveness of various minimally invasive methods, including oxygen ozone therapy, for chronic unilateral radicular syndrome.
  • Methods: 178 subjects underwent one of three CT-guided procedures: pulsed radiofrequency, transforaminal oxygen ozone therapy, or transforaminal epidural steroid injection.
  • Results: The study assessed pain relief and disability improvement, with varying results across the methods.
  • Publication Date: February 2021
  • Cited By: 4 times
  • Full Text PDF

Purpose: Evaluating the therapeutic results of percutaneous injection of ozone for acute low back pain caused by facet joint syndrome (FJS).
Methods: A case study of a 73-year-old woman treated with ozone injections and aquatic exercises.
Results: Significant pain relief was documented and maintained at a 6-month follow-up.
Publication Date: May 15, 2020
Cited By: 3 times
Full Text PDF

Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of ozone therapy compared with hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief in knee osteoarthritis patients.
Methods: Double-blind randomized controlled trial with patients receiving three intra-articular injections of ozone or hyaluronic acid.
Results: Both therapies were safe and effective, with no significant differences in pain scores between the two groups.
Publication Date: May 1, 2023
Cited By: 1 time
Full Text PDF

Background: Investigates the impact of ozone therapy on bone healing in an experimental fracture model in rats.
Methods: Rats with open femoral fractures were treated with medical ozone/oxygen mixture or medical air, and bone tissue was evaluated histomorphometrically and immunohistochemically.
Results: Ozone therapy group showed thicker periost, larger trabecular areas, smaller cartilaginous and new bone areas, and more intense TGF-β and VEGF expressions, indicating positive impacts on bone healing.
Publication Date: December 19, 2019
Cited By: 3 times
Full Text PDF

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of adjuvant ozone therapy in the healing process of wounds resulting from periodontal and peri-implant surgical procedures.
Results: Ozone therapy had a positive effect on outcomes related to periodontal/peri-implant surgical wound healing and increased the stability of dental implants.
Cited By: 0 times
Publication Date: December 19, 2019
Cited By: 3 times
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HBOT Treatment

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where a patient breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process significantly increases the oxygen concentration in the blood and tissues, which can be particularly beneficial for healing wounds. When wounds are exposed to higher levels of oxygen, it can accelerate their healing process, especially for stubborn, non-healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers or wounds with poor blood supply. The increased oxygen enhances the ability of white blood cells to fight infection, promotes the formation of new blood vessels, and helps in the production of collagen, essential for wound healing. HBOT is often used when other treatments have failed, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving healing rates, reducing the risk of amputation in severe cases, and ultimately enhancing the overall healing process in various types of wounds.



  • Objective: Investigate the effects of HBOT on integrin-mediated adhesive properties of neutrophils in patients with chronic non-healing wounds.
  • Results: A significant decrease in β2 integrin expression on neutrophils was observed during HBOT, suggesting reduced inflammation.
  • Publication Date: August 18, 2020
  • Cited By: 15 times
  • PDF: Download PDF
  • Objective: Assess the efficacy of HBOT in healing chronic nonischemic diabetic foot ulcers.
  • Results: HBOT-treated wounds showed a significantly greater percentage of complete closure compared to conventional therapy-treated wounds.
  • Publication Date: March 1, 2019
  • Cited By: 33 times
  • PDF: Download PDF
  • Objective: To identify and treat patients with biopsy-proven metastatic Crohn’s disease using HBOT and monitor wound healing.
  • Results: Out of 13 patients with persisting perineal wounds after proctectomy, six had biopsy results consistent with metastatic Crohn’s disease. Of these, three accepted treatment with HBOT, showing varying degrees of improvement.
  • Publication Date: June 12, 2020
  • Cited By: 13 times
  • Download PDF
  • Objective: Examine the effects of HBOT on acute wound healing in rabbits.
  • Results: The study did not find that HBOT had a significant effect on the healing process of uncomplicated acute wounds.
  • Publication Date: March 5, 2021
  • Cited By: 1 time
  • Download PDF

The hyperbaric treatment treatment steps

  1. Patient Requests Consultation

    • The patient (P) initiates the process by requesting a consultation with the doctor (D).

  2. Doctor Assesses Medical History

    • The doctor assesses the patient’s medical history to determine suitability for HBOT.

  3. Discussion of HBOT Benefits and Risks

    • The doctor discusses with the patient the potential benefits and risks associated with HBOT.

  4. Scheduling HBOT Sessions

    • The patient schedules their HBOT sessions at the clinic (C).

  5. Clinic Confirms Session Dates

    • The clinic confirms the dates for the scheduled HBOT sessions with the patient.

  6. Attending the First HBOT Session

    • The patient attends their first HBOT session in the treatment room (T).

  7. Conducting the HBOT Session

    • The treatment room staff conduct the HBOT session. A note indicates that the session duration can vary.

  8. Attending Subsequent HBOT Sessions

    • This is a looped step, indicating that the patient will attend daily or weekly HBOT sessions. Each session involves the patient going to the treatment room and undergoing the HBOT session.

  9. Post-treatment Assessment

    • After completing the HBOT sessions, the patient returns to the doctor for a post-treatment assessment.

  10. Evaluating Treatment Outcomes

    • The doctor evaluates the outcomes of the HBOT treatment to assess its effectiveness.

  11. Treatment Cycle Completed

    • A final note over both the patient and doctor signifies the completion of the treatment cycle.

Each of these steps represents a crucial part of the HBOT treatment process, from initial consultation through to the final assessment of treatment efficacy.