7 Things Veterans Don’t Know About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

I am a veteran that recently stumbled into the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) through serving as Co-Chair on the Grunt Style Foundation (GSF) HBOT Committee. The GSF team members are working diligently to increase awareness of HBOT as a treatment modality and to advocate for broader use of HBOT by the Veterans Administration to treat veterans to treat a wider array of illnesses.

The GSF HBOT committee is comprised of an elite team of physicians, survivors, and industry experts in HBOT treatment for veterans in the United States. This team is truly leading the charge to change policy to increase HBOT utilization and awareness among the military community. I am humbled to learn from the leaders on this committee and to share a few ofthe things I believe its important for us all to know about HBOT.

1. What is HBOT?

HBOT is a medical treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber and is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including diabetic foot ulcers, decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, toxic exposure complications, and other types of wounds.In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of HBOT for veterans with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Several studies demonstrate that HBOT helps reduce the symptoms of PTSD and TBI, improve cognitive function, and promote healing of brain tissue.

2. How does HBOT work?

HBOT works by increasing the amount of oxygen that is available to bodily tissues. This can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. In the case of PTS and TBI, HBOT may help to reduce the symptoms of these conditions by increasing the availability of oxygen to the brain. This can help to improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety and depression, and promote healing of brain tissue.

3. What are the benefits of HBOT for veterans with PTS and TBI?

The potential benefits of HBOT for veterans with PTS and TBI include:

• Reduced symptoms of PTS and TBI

• Improved cognitive function

• Reduced anxiety and depression

• Promoted healing of brain tissue

• Reduced need for medication

• Improved quality of life

HBOT treatment may not be a magical cure-all for these illnesses but should be included as one modality within a broader, holistic treatment plan. Our team is working to enable policies that will allow the addition of this tool to added to the tool belts of physicians across the country to increase health outcomes for veterans.

4. Is HBOT safe?

HBOT is generally considered to be a safe treatment. However, there are some potential side effects, such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own.

5. How much does HBOT cost?

The cost of HBOT varies depending on the provider and the location. In general, HBOT is a more expensive treatment than traditional therapies for PTS and TBI. However, there are some financial assistance programs available to help veterans pay for HBOT. If you are a veteran with PTS or TBI, you may be eligible for financial assistance to pay for HBOT. To find out more, please contact your local VA medical center. Our hope is that all veterans may access this treatment free of cost through their VA medical center in the future.

6. Why does a t-shirt company care about HBOT treatment for veterans?

Grunt Style is more than a t-shirt company. Founded in 2021, the parent company created its philanthropic foundation to give back to the military community. Grunt Style Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that provides life-changing resources to help veterans, service members and their families thrive. Our four pillars of focus include bolstering mental health and wellness, assisting with transition and sustainment from the military to the private sector, eradicating food insecurity among military families, and eliminating veteran homelessness.

7. Is there anything I can do to encourage HBOT treatment for veterans?

The Grunt Style Foundation partnered with Burn Pits 360 to deliver Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Chambers to 12 deserving veterans in 2022. This is the first program developed by the Foundation that is in direct response to providing immediate alternative therapies for veterans diagnosed with TBI, toxic chemical and/or heavy metal exposure, or soft tissue damage. You can donate today to support delivery of an HBOT chamber delivered directly to a veteran in need.

You voice matters. Continue to follow our blog here to stay up to date on GSF’s latest advocacy efforts and find our templates for writing your congressperson about the importance of HBOT therapy to the health and wellbeing of your community.