Sergio’s Story: Sergio was to be promoted to Warrant Officer in the SEAL Teams on May 9, 2014. Many family members were headed to Virginia Beach to attend the ceremony and congratulate their loved one. One day prior on May 8, Sergio was participating in the command Navy SEAL fitness test, which he has completed many times, suffers a heart attack and dies. He was revived by rescue and on his way to the hospital dies two more times. The result is an anoxic brain injury that leaves this once powerful Navy SEAL who could overcome any obstacle put in front of him unable to walk, talk, read or write. As Sergio says, “I was like a baby again.” But he decided he had been in worse spots before and this was a speed bump. He would get better. He must get better.
Watch this compelling story of recovery as Sergio describes his long, dramatic recovery relying on sheer grit, determination, positive mindset and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Greg’s Story: Greg had sudden-onset peripheral neuropathy out of the blue. He was otherwise healthy. It was debilitating and he was unable to walk. He had no coordination in his legs and feet.
The Mayo Clinic defines peripheral neuropathy as happening “when the nerves that are located outside of the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It also can affect other areas and body functions including digestion and urination.”
Peripheral neuropathy can result from diabetes, traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, inherited causes and exposure to toxins.
Listen to the before and after how HBOT changed his life after 40 treatments. Post completion of his last treatment, Greg continued to see improvements. His cane became an assist versus a crutch. For those thinking about trying HBOT for neuropathy, Greg says, “Try it. You have nothing to lose.”
Terry came to Hampton Roads Hyperbaric seeking to improve her cognition associated with Attention Deficit Disorder and relief from chronic pain. Prior to treatment, Terry had chest pains hourly. After 40 sessions she stopped having chest pains completely. Terry has gained her focus and short term memory back.
HBOT works to treat ADD naturally by increasing blood flow to the brain with 100% pressurized oxygen, which gets rid of the toxins allowing for healthy tissues to restore. Research shows that neuro-inflammation is one of the factors of ADD. HBOT has been shown to reduce inflammation allowing the brain to do its job.
May had COVID in September of 2022 and has not been feeling her normal energy level ever since then. A few days into the acute symptom phase, her pulse oxygen level got down to 77 and she felt like she couldn’t breath. May is a personal trainer and considers herself a healthy person, works out every day and is very particular about her diet.
May heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy and that it had helped people with post COVID symptoms and she knew she had to investigate this therapy right away. After her first session, May says she feels like she was getting better and better after each session.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 30% of the 5.5 million patients hospitalized with COVID-19 since August 2020 are suffering from long COVID syndrome, also known as long-haul COVID or post COVID conditions. Doctors and clinics around the globe are starting to look at hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a way to combat post COVID 19 syndrome due to its proven anti-inflammatory effects.
More than 450,000 veterans and active duty military have been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury since 2000. Travis suffered two traumatic brain injuries while on active duty and now suffers from post concussion syndrome.
Travis says it has caused a tremendous amount of turmoil in his life between aggression, concentration and memory issues, as well as anxiety and depression.
Travis contacted Tier I Therapy Centers (formerly Hampton Roads Hyperbaric Therapy) and noticed a huge improvement in his symptoms and performing activities of everyday life.
When neurons are “idling” from traumatic brain injury, they are not receiving the oxygen they need to send the proper signals our body needs for normal functioning. Giving 100% oxygen with 2 to 3 atmospheres of pressure delivers 20 times the amount of oxygen to the tissues more than if you were breathing room air (21%) under normal living conditions. This provides immediate help to ischemic and compromised tissue with marginal blood flow. HBOT floods the cells with oxygen, forcing it into the plasma allowing them to thrive and revive.
Recent research has shown that cells can be revived with 100% pressurized oxygen. SPECT imaging, computer-based cognitive assessments, self-assessments and QEEG conducted pre and post therapy show the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Joyce developed sudden neuropathic pain and numbness after being prescribed medication. With no prior history of neuropathy, Joyce was unable to drive, go anywhere alone, and she has difficulty standing and walking. After being told her side effects would most likely be permanent, Joyce decided to seek alternative treatment and found hyperbaric oxygen. Watch her story and see how she is doing today!
HBOT is an effective treatment for neuropathy by driving oxygen deep into tissues, reviving cells and reducing pain symptoms. Hyperbaric stimulates the growth of new blood cells, allowing the body to increase effective oxygen and nutrient delivery. Hyperbaric uses 100% pure oxygen to allow the body to heal in a healthy and natural way.
Shirly had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 1995 and had tried all of the traditional treatment options, changing her diet, taking a hand-full of medications with side effects. She was faced with the news that she’d soon have to be in a wheelchair. Shirley came into Hampton Roads Hyperbaric struggling with speech and balance. After 40 sessions, Shirley could hold a conversation and was able to play golf and go on walks again!
HBOT decreases inflammation and stimulates the growth of new, healthy blood cells. Research suggests that neurological outcomes by increasing enzymes in the body that protect cells and prevent neuronal damage. In Parkinson’s patients, HBOT decreases depression, anxiety, and tremors.
Sabrina was in a motor vehicle accident, causing a traumatic brain injury. Since the crash Sabrina couldn’t focus well and her memory was impaired. After 40 hyperbaric treatments, Sabrina gained her memory back, was able to have a conversation without having to pause and think about her next words and processing the information she received.
We know that the brain needs oxygen to survive and function properly, right? Brain trauma limits the flow of oxygen to the injured part of the brain causing cell damage. HBOT floods the cells with oxygen, forcing it into the plasma allowing them to thrive and revive.
Recent research has shown that cells can be revived with 100% pressurized oxygen. SPECT imaging, computer-based cognitive assessments, self-assessments and QEEG conducted pre and post therapy show the effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Sherry suffered reef cuts while surfing in Maui. After five weeks of failed antibiotics and seeing three different doctors, Sherry saw no real change in her infection. Her daughter-in-law in Australia sent her a link to Hampton Roads Hyperbaric Therapy (now Tier I Therapy Centers). Sherry was able to get into the chamber quickly, underwent five hyperbaric treatments and, “voila!.” After those five sessions, her wound was healed and she was getting back in the water to surf in a contest the very next weekend!
Hyperoxygenation of the tissues enhances the killing of bacteria and is critical in curing deep seated infections. By going under pressure, oxygen is forced to dissolve into the plasma and get to the injured areas, saturating hypoxic tissue, muscle, and bone. This forces the inflammation to go down and the growth of new blood vessels forcing accelerated healing, which reduces bruising, swelling and pain. Increased oxygen also stimulates stem cells and reduces lactic acid.
What are you waiting for? Let us help you get back in the game now. To learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing chronic wounds, call 757-452-3934.
5.5 million military and veteran caregivers suffer untreated compassion fatigue, a serious clinical issue defined as emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others. Compassion fatigue creates health challenges that manifest as burnout, lack of empathy, detachment, anxiety, depression and physical/mental fatigue. Especially vulnerable are our Special Operation Forces (SOF) spouses. Research shows these symptoms may be a strong contributing factor to the 40% divorce rate seen in the SOF community. Neurotherapy is a non-invasive, drug-free and cost-effective intervention demonstrating positive impacts on the symptomatology of compassion fatigue and warrants further study.
ESPECIALLY HIGH-RISK OF HAMPTON ROADS SOF COMMUNITY FOR COMPASSION FATIGUE
Hampton Roads is home to Naval Station Norfolk, the largest Navy base in the world, as well as 16 other surrounding bases (including East Coast-based EOD and SEAL Teams). Local families experience long and sometimes sudden deployments, stress overload, rigorous training and unprecedented combat exposure. Service-related injuries such as mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder create additional stress and strain on SOF spouses/caregivers. Untreated compassion fatigue leads to anxiety, depression, addiction and divorce; plunging family members further into feelings of separation, isolation and loneliness.
WHY NEUROTHERAPY FOR SOF CAREGIVERS WITH COMPASSION FATIGUE
Neurotherapy includes talk therapy and neurofeedback. It has been shown to effectively treat several disorders such as depression, anxiety and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research has long demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback in the treatment of addiction, PTSD and nervous system dysregulation. A 2022 retrospective study of 593 participants also demonstrated the effectiveness of remote neurofeedback in improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.
Tier I Therapy Centers is focused on providing our community with essential tools for recovery, optimization and healing. Our neurotherapy program will leverage remote neurofeedback to demonstrate scalability and success in restoring health, improving quality of life and enhancing resilience in the SOF community, thus benefiting Hampton Roads families (and subsequently, the SOF community nationwide).
OUR PROGRAM
Patients undergo an extensive intake. Psychophysiological profiles consisting of quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), physiological stress assessments and computer based cognitive assessments are performed.
Based on assessment results, a personalized treatment protocol is developed.
During treatment, precise instruments measure brainwaves, heart function, breathing, muscle activity and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately “feed back” information to the user. The presentation of this information in conjunction with changes in thinking, emotions and behavior, supports desired physiological changes. Over time, these changes can endure without the continued use of an instrument.
The program also integrates group talk therapy to optimize healing.
Post treatment QEEG and clinical assessments demonstrate evidence of results.
Upon completion, patients receive a personalized neurofeedback device and access to tools for ongoing self-care.
If you or someone you know is suffering from compassion fatigue, whether they are a military spouse or civilian caregiver, call today and speak with one of our friendly, caring staff members about whether or not neurotherapy is right for you. 757-452-3934.
*Disclaimer: Information provided here is not to be considered medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for non-approved, off-label indications is considered to be investigational.
Sergio’s Story: Sergio was to be promoted to Warrant Officer in the SEAL Teams on May 9, 2014. Many family members were headed to Virginia Beach to attend the ceremony and congratulate their loved one. One day prior on May 8, Sergio was participating in the command Navy SEAL fitness test, which he has completed many times, suffers a heart attack and dies. He was revived by rescue and on his way to the hospital dies two more times. The result is an anoxic brain injury that leaves this once powerful Navy SEAL who could overcome any obstacle put in front of him unable to walk, talk, read or write. As Sergio says, “I was like a baby again.” But he decided he had been in worse spots before and this was a speed bump. He would get better. He must get better.
