A friend suggested I try the hyperbaric chamber, located in Tech 100 (now Tech Plus) hospital, in order to improve my breathing during flares of an unknown etiology. Before I arrived for my appointment, I’d heard stories from others in SMA who had benefitted from increasing atmospheric pressure while breathing 100% oxygen, to help the oxygen penetrate deeply into the cells, promoting healing. One person shared a story about recovery from necrosis due to a brown recluse bite. Another had a serious infection, post-face lift. Both of these individuals received noticeable benefits from the very first session, so I was game to try it, in order to accelerate healing.

I met a young man at the hyperbaric chamber, Marco Martinez Valle, who had very recently suffered a compound fracture and soft tissue damage in his lower leg. He had a serious accident involving another vehicle while he was riding his motorcycle. His doctor, Dr. Ismael Murillo, urged him to have hyperbaric treatments daily, in order to maximize the oxygen getting to his lower leg and foot, before surgery. We both placed oxygen masks over our faces in the submarine like chamber, and watched movies during the treatment.

I called Marco today, to check on his progress. He has had a plate successfully placed in his leg, and recently began weight bearing physical therapy. Although Marco cannot quantify the benefits of hyperbaric, he stated that he feels very sure that it helped. He reiterated that the treatment was highly recommended by his doctor and he is doing very well and making good progress with his recovery.

I noted that my skin felt smoother, and I slept better than I had in a long time, even after a couple of treatments. Below are the benefits of hyperbaric treatment that Dr. Zolezzi outlined:

It is a medicinal therapy using 100% oxygen at high atmospheric pressure. This greatly increases the availability of oxygen on a cellular level.

1. There is a significant increase in healing processes. It is especially beneficial in treating burns, skin ulcers and slow healing wounds. It also helps bones mend more quickly after breaks.

2. Higher levels of oxygen stimulate the formation of new blood vessels which has many benefits, including helping diabetics avoid amputation.

3. It stimulates the immune system.

4. The increased levels of oxygenation of the brain have been associated with an increased feeling of well-being, and also with a more positive affect. The treatments can also help one sleep more soundly.

5. The anti-inflammatory effect of increased oxygen lessens edema; many people find that the treatments help the body rid itself of excess fluid.

6. It is beneficial in the restoration of tissue damage caused by radiation therapy (used in the treatment of cancer.)

7. It considerably reduces the toxic effects of carbon monoxide from smoking. It also aids recovery from heavy metal exposure and other toxic substances.

8. It helps considerably in cases of severe bone infections (osteomyelitis.)

9. It is beneficial pre and post-surgically.

San Miguel de Allende's Tech Plus hospital offers hyperbaric chamber treatments. Dr. Sergio Zolezzi, who is certified in hyperbaric treatments, is in charge of this department.

For more information, please contact Dr. Zolezzi at:
Hospital H +
Office 152 73 00 The office hours are 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

There is a ten treatment sessions minimum, which includes a physical assessment by Dr. Zolezzi before the initial treatment begins. Each hyperbaric chamber session lasts approximately 70 minutes.