Located in Hadley, MA
Serving Amherst, Northampton & Western Massachusetts
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Neuropathy
Pioneer Valley Hyperbaric specializes in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for various types of neuropathy, including diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, and other forms of nerve damage. Our comfortable facility in Hadley, Massachusetts provides evidence-based HBOT treatment to help patients throughout Western Massachusetts reduce pain, improve nerve function, and restore quality of life.
Neuropathy—damage to peripheral nerves—causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, most commonly in the feet and hands. When conventional treatments like medications and physical therapy provide limited relief, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer hope for symptom improvement and functional recovery.
Types of Neuropathy Treated with HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help various forms of peripheral neuropathy:
DIABETIC NEUROPATHY
The most common form of neuropathy, affecting up to 50% of people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels damage nerves over time, particularly in the feet and legs. HBOT improves circulation and oxygen delivery to damaged nerves.
CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY (CIPN)
A common side effect of cancer treatment. Certain chemotherapy drugs damage peripheral nerves, causing persistent pain, numbness, and sensitivity. HBOT may support nerve healing and reduce symptoms.
IDIOPATHIC NEUROPATHY
Neuropathy with no identified cause. When the source of nerve damage is unknown, HBOT's anti-inflammatory effects and circulation improvement may still provide benefit.
POST-SURGICAL NEUROPATHY
Nerve damage or compression following surgery. HBOT supports tissue healing and may reduce inflammation around affected nerves.
ALCOHOLIC NEUROPATHY
Nerve damage related to chronic alcohol use and nutritional deficiencies. HBOT combined with lifestyle changes may help improve symptoms.
COMPRESSION NEUROPATHIES
Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tarsal tunnel syndrome. HBOT may reduce inflammation and support healing when other treatments haven't worked.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Helps Neuropathy
Neuropathy involves nerve damage in tissues that typically have poor blood supply. Peripheral nerves—especially in the extremities—don't receive as much oxygen and nutrients as other tissues, which is why they're vulnerable to damage and slow to heal.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers 100% oxygen at 1.3 ATA pressure, dramatically increasing oxygen levels in poorly vascularized tissues. This enhanced oxygenation provides multiple benefits for nerve healing:
• Improves circulation to damaged nerves
• Stimulates growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) into affected areas
• Reduces inflammation around injured nerves
• Supports nerve regeneration and repair
• Improves mitochondrial function in nerve cells
• Enhances the body's natural healing mechanisms
• May reverse some oxidative damage to nerve tissue
For diabetic patients specifically, HBOT helps address the underlying problem: poor circulation and oxygen delivery to the extremities. By flooding damaged tissues with oxygen, HBOT creates an environment where nerves can begin to heal.