The goal of advanced wound care is to create an optimal environment for the body’s natural healing processes to occur. This often involves keeping the wound clean and moist, removing dead tissue (debridement), and providing adequate circulation, nutrition, and oxygenation. Proper wound care can vary depending on the type and severity of the wound, as well as individual patient factors such as overall health and medical history.

Our wound center is equipped with trained healthcare professionals, specialized equipment, and advanced wound care techniques to effectively manage various types of wounds to help patients achieve optimal outcomes. Some of the wound types that we treat include: arterial ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure injuries.

Chronic and non-healing wounds often result from many medical conditions, such as diabetes, poor circulation, trauma, vascular disease, immobility, and smoking. Some medications and poor nutrition may also slow healing and increase your risk of complications.

How do I know if I need professional wound care?

If you have had your wound for over a month and it has not decreased in size by at least 50%, or if it becomes infected, you should consider seeking professional assistance for your wound. A wound that is draining fluid, has a foul odor, or is very painful may be infected and requires medical attention. Other worrisome symptoms include fever and increasing swelling or redness around the wound.

Who are your wound care specialists?

Our team of experienced healthcare professionals, includes doctors, nurses, and other specialists, who are specialty trained in vascular and wound care medicine.

What services do you provide?

We provide a variety of wound care treatments and services, such as comprehensive patient and wound assessments, advanced wound dressings, cellular or tissue-based products, negative pressure wound therapy, debridement, other surgical procedures and support, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other relevant treatments.

How long does it take to heal a wound?

The time required for a wound to heal varies depending on the type and severity of the wound. We will provide you with an estimate during your initial appointment. Various factors such as your overall health, adherence to care plans, and lifestyle choices may influence your healing process.

Can I do anything at home to help my wound heal faster?

Yes, following our care instructions, maintaining good nutrition, staying hydrated, and avoiding activities that may strain the wound can contribute to faster healing. Our team will provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a non-invasive procedure often used to treat chronic, non- healing wounds. During Hyperbaric Medicine the patient is placed in a chamber containing 100% oxygen at pressures of more than Atmosphere. Hyperbaric treatments typically last about 2- hours. Most patients will feel no differently than they would at home in their beds. They can watch TV or simply take a nap.

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?

Think of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, like giving your body a super boost of oxygen. During the treatment, you’re in a special chamber where the pressure is higher than normal and breathing in pure oxygen. This combo helps get way more oxygen into your blood than you’d normally get just by breathing regular air. And that extra oxygen does some cool stuff—it helps tissues get more oxygen, encourages new blood vessels to grow, and even helps kick out certain types of bacteria. So basically, it’s like a power-up for your body’s natural healing processes!

What conditions can be treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

HBOT, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy, isn’t just for one specific thing—it’s like a superhero treatment that can help with many different things! It’s been given the thumbs-up for treating conditions like air or gas bubbles in your bloodstream, carbon monoxide poisoning, problems with blood flow in your arteries, bone infections called osteomyelitis, and a bunch more. In fact, there are 14 different conditions it’s been approved to help with!

What happens during a consult for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

When you go in for a consultation, here’s what to expect: first up, you’ll chat with a hyperbaric physician. They’ll ask about your medical history and give you a physical exam to figure out if HBOT is right for you. Then, a respiratory therapist will come in and go over all the nitty-gritty details about your treatment plan, when you’ll have sessions and any risks to keep in mind. If you’ve got a stubborn wound that just won’t heal, they might even take some pictures to keep track of how it’s doing over time. It’s all about making sure you get the best care possible!

What occurs during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment?

Here’s the lowdown on what happens during a hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment: first off, they’ll pressurize the chamber you’re in, kind of like going underwater but without the water. Then, you’ll pop on a special hood and start breathing in 100% pure oxygen. During the treatment, they’ll give you a couple of breaks so you can take off the hood for a bit if you need to. After a little over two hours, they’ll ease off the pressure, and you’re all done!

How many treatments are needed, and how often?

How many treatments and how often you need them depends on what’s going on with you. Usually, you’ll do one treatment a day from Monday to Friday. You might need somewhere between 20 to 30 treatments total, spread out over about four to six weeks. The more you stick with it, the better chance you have of seeing some real improvements!

Why are nautical/diving terms used in hyperbaric medicine?

The technology and practices of hyperbaric medicine were developed from military diving research. Many practitioners have a background in diving, hence the continued use of diving-related terminology.

Are there different types of chambers?

Yes, chambers are categorized as monoplace (single-patient) and multiplace (multiple patients). Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Are there any after-effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Generally, patients experience no after-effects. Some may have ear popping or slight fatigue, but these are usually transient.

Is hyperbaric oxygen treatment painful?

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is usually painless. Sometimes, patients might feel their ears getting a bit full, kind of like when you’re on a plane, and your ears pop. But don’t worry, the staff will teach you some tricks to help with that so you can stay comfortable during the treatment.

What will the patient feel during the treatment?

During the treatment, patients might hear the sound of air circulating and feel some changes in pressure. You might also notice your ears popping a bit, which is totally normal. But hey, you’ve got some downtime during the treatment, so feel free to relax, catch up on reading, or watch a movie if you want!

What must a patient do to prepare for treatment?

To get ready for treatment, there are a few things patients should keep in mind. First off, make sure to tell the team about any medications you’re taking. If you’re feeling under the weather with a cold or flu, it’s important to let them know. If you smoke, it’s best to hold off before and during the treatments. Also, skip any cosmetics with certain ingredients, wear the comfy scrubs they provide, and keep yourself nice and clean. It’s all about making sure everything goes smoothly and safely during your session!

Who is considered a candidate for HBOT?

Patients with specific illnesses or injuries, such as non-healing diabetic ulcers or bone infections, may qualify for HBOT after evaluation by a certified physician.

How do I get started with hyperbaric oxygen therapy in Flint, Michigan?

To begin your hyperbaric oxygen therapy journey or learn more about the treatment, simply reach out to our team at Innovative Wound Care Specialists. Whether you’re ready to schedule your first session or just want more information, we’re here to help. Contact us by phone (810) 600-2030 or email info@innovativewoundspecialists.com and our friendly staff will assist you every step of the way. Don’t wait any longer to explore the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy—get started today!

How can I make an appointment?

You may call us directly or be referred by your physician. To make an appointment directly, call 810-600-2030, or a referral may be faxed to 810-600-2029.

Do you accept insurance?

We do accept Medicare and most other types of health insurance. We will be happy to obtain authorization for treatment prior to your visits.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring any relevant medical records such as x-ray films if you have them, a list of your current medications and allergies, and your insurance forms or cards.

What can I expect at the first appointment?

The first appointment consists of an assessment by our advanced wound care team, a review of your medical history, possible lab tests or x-rays and recommendations for your treatment plan.

How long does each appointment take?

Your first appointment often takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours depending on the type of wound that you have. Your subsequent visits usually take 30 minutes to an hour.

Can I contact the center after hours in case of an emergency?

In case of an emergency, we recommend that you visit your local emergency department.

Does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments?

Yes, a lot of insurance plans do cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy, especially for the conditions that medical experts have given the thumbs-up for. Our billing staff can confirm coverage before starting treatments.

Do I need a referral?

You don’t need a referral to reach out to us for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. You can contact our Innovative Wound Care Specialists location directly whenever you’re ready. We’ll still need your medical history and any progress reports from your doctor to ensure we’re on the same page and help with insurance.