What does "hyperbaric treatment" refer to in diving medicine?

Hyperbaric treatment refers to a medical therapy that utilizes increased atmospheric pressure to facilitate healing and recovery from various conditions, particularly those related to diving. In the context of diving medicine, this treatment is crucial for addressing issues such as decompression sickness (also known as "the bends") and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The hyperbaric chamber, where this treatment occurs, allows the patient to breathe pure oxygen in a controlled environment at pressures greater than sea level. This process enhances the oxygen levels in the body, which can help to reduce the size of nitrogen bubbles that form in the bloodstream or tissues due to rapid ascent or changes in pressure.

This approach is not related to warm water baths, buoyancy adjustments, or traditional physical therapy techniques, which focus on different aspects of patient care and recovery. Hyperbaric treatment is specifically tailored to combat the physiological impacts of diving-related injuries, making it a fundamental aspect of diving medicine.