Multiple Sclerosis and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Herts MS Therapy Centre was established over 35 years ago to support people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Supporting the MS community remains at the heart of what we do today, alongside welcoming people living with a wide range of other conditions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has a long history of use within MS Therapy Centres in the UK. Some people living with MS choose to explore Oxygen Therapy as a complementary approach alongside their existing treatment and symptom management.
Potential benefits of Oxygen Therapy for people with MS may include:
- Increased energy levels
- Support with fatigue
- Improved concentration and mental clarity
- Support for general wellbeing
- Support for the body’s natural recovery processes
- Improved quality of life
What is Multiple Sclerosis?
Multiple Sclerosis, usually known as MS, is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.
In MS, the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering surrounding nerves, called myelin. This can disrupt the messages travelling between the brain and the rest of the body.
MS affects everyone differently. Some people experience relatively mild symptoms, while others find that the condition has a significant impact on their mobility and everyday life.
There are also different types of MS, and symptoms can change or develop over time.
Symptoms of CFS/ME
Because MS can affect different parts of the nervous system, it can cause a wide range of symptoms.
Common symptoms can include:
- Fatigue
- Problems with balance and coordination
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Numbness or tingling
- Problems with vision
- Difficulty walking or reduced mobility
- Bladder problems
- Pain
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Changes in mood
Fatigue is particularly common and can have a significant impact on everyday activities.
Symptoms vary considerably from person to person, which means everyone’s experience of living with MS is different.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Support People with Multiple Sclerosis
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen carried in the blood and allows more oxygen to reach tissues throughout the body.
HBOT is not a treatment or cure for Multiple Sclerosis itself. However, Oxygen Therapy has been used by people living with MS for many years as a complementary approach to supporting their wellbeing and managing some of the challenges associated with the condition.
Some people with MS attending Oxygen Therapy describe feeling more energised and experiencing improved concentration or mental clarity following their sessions.
Researchers have also explored the effects of HBOT in people with Multiple Sclerosis, although evidence regarding its effectiveness remains mixed.
Potential Benefits for People with Multiple Sclerosis
Some people choose to explore Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy alongside their existing MS treatment and symptom management.
- Support with Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of MS. Some people attending Oxygen Therapy describe feeling more energised following regular sessions.
- Concentration & Brain Fog: Problems with memory, concentration and mental clarity can affect people living with MS. Some individuals report feeling more alert or able to concentrate following Oxygen Therapy.
- Support for General Wellbeing: Living with a long-term neurological condition can affect many aspects of everyday life. Some people use Oxygen Therapy as part of a wider approach to looking after their physical and emotional wellbeing.
- A Complementary Approach: Oxygen Therapy can be explored alongside the medication, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and other support recommended by your MS healthcare team.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy does not treat or cure Multiple Sclerosis, and experiences vary considerably from person to person.
Try Oxygen Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis
Supporting people with Multiple Sclerosis has been at the heart of Herts MS Therapy Centre for more than 35 years.
Today, we continue to provide a welcoming place where people living with MS can access Oxygen Therapy and other services designed to support their wellbeing.
We understand that everyone’s experience of MS is different. Our friendly team will be happy to talk through Oxygen Therapy, explain what happens during a session and answer any questions you may have.
We are proud to operate the only group Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chamber in Hertfordshire and to be part of the wider network of MS Therapy Centres supporting people across the UK.
Research into CFS/ME & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been explored in relation to Multiple Sclerosis for several decades, with a number of studies investigating its potential effects on people living with MS.
One of the best-known early studies was conducted by Dr Fischer and colleagues and published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 1983. The study investigated Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in people with Multiple Sclerosis and helped generate further interest in the potential use of HBOT for people with MS.
Research by P B James and colleagues has also explored Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis, contributing to the wider discussion around oxygen therapy and neurological conditions.
These studies, alongside other research, contributed to growing interest in Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy within the MS community and its subsequent availability through MS Therapy Centres across the UK.
Research findings have varied, however, and HBOT is not considered a treatment for Multiple Sclerosis itself. Some people continue to explore Oxygen Therapy as a complementary approach to supporting their symptoms and overall wellbeing.
References
- University of Michigan Health – Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy overview
- NHS – Multiple Sclerosis
- MS Society – About MS
- Fischer BH et al. – Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study – The New England Journal of Medicine
- P B James – Research into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis & Oxygen Therapy – FAQs
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a treatment or cure for MS. However, some people living with Multiple Sclerosis choose to use Oxygen Therapy as a complementary approach alongside their existing treatment and symptom management.
Some people with MS attending Oxygen Therapy describe feeling more energised following their sessions. Experiences vary, and improvements cannot be guaranteed.
Some people living with MS report feeling more alert or experiencing improved concentration following Oxygen Therapy. Research into HBOT and MS has produced mixed findings, so individual experiences can differ.
Yes. HBOT has been researched in relation to Multiple Sclerosis for several decades. This includes the Fischer study published in The New England Journal of Medicine and research by P B James and colleagues. Research findings have varied and further evidence is needed to understand its potential role.
Yes. Oxygen Therapy is intended to complement rather than replace the treatment and advice provided by your MS healthcare team. You should continue taking prescribed medication and following the advice of your healthcare professionals.
No referral is needed to contact us. Our team can explain how Oxygen Therapy works, answer your questions and discuss what to expect before your first session.