Healing Under Pressure: Exploring Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with Dr. Chris LoRang

When it comes to healing, oxygen might just be one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools we have. A recent episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast features Dr. Chris LoRang, founder of Capital Health in Des Moines, to explore the transformative potential of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

Dr. LoRang is no stranger to integrative medicine. With a background that blends chiropractic care, functional medicine, and a deep respect for osteopathic principles (thanks to his upbringing), he’s always looking for ways to treat the whole person—body, mind, and biology.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

At its core, HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This environment allows oxygen to dissolve not only into red blood cells but also directly into the blood plasma, delivering a potent dose of oxygen to tissues throughout the body, even areas with limited blood flow.

The benefits are profound:

• Reduced inflammation

• Enhanced stem cell activity

• New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)

• Accelerated tissue repair and regeneration

“It treats the worst of the worst in hospitals,” Dr. LoRang says, “and helps the best of the best in professional sports. And we’re finding it does a whole lot for everyone in between.”

From FDA Approvals to Cutting-Edge Applications

HBOT is already FDA-approved for conditions like:

• Crush injuries

• Radiation tissue damage

• Non-healing wounds

• Severe infections

But what’s really exciting is the growing body of research supporting its off-label use in conditions like:

• Concussions and traumatic brain injuries

• Cognitive decline and dementia

• Post-surgical recovery

• Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia

One of the most mind-blowing stories Dr. LoRang shared was a 1960s experiment in which pigs, drained of red blood cells, were able to survive solely on plasma-saturated oxygen inside a hyperbaric chamber. It’s a powerful illustration of how effective this therapy can be at flooding tissues with life-sustaining oxygen.

Safety and Science

Unlike many cutting-edge therapies, HBOT comes with very few side effects when administered by trained professionals. That’s why Dr. LoRang emphasizes the importance of working with clinicians who understand both the science and the nuance of this powerful tool.

The field is evolving rapidly, and not every provider is up to speed. “You need someone who’s done the homework,” Dr. LoRang says. Fortunately, at Capital Health, HBOT is integrated into a broader wellness framework that takes into account your unique physiology and goals.

Why HBOT Matters—For Everyone

Whether you’re an elite athlete, recovering from injury, or simply looking to extend your healthspan, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has something to offer. It’s a safe, non-invasive option that complements many other wellness strategies, and it’s backed by a growing mountain of clinical evidence.

Want to learn more? Visit iowahbot.com to explore the latest research and real-world applications or listen to the full podcast here.

Or, better yet, stop by Capital Health and talk to Dr. LoRang yourself. You just might walk away with a whole new perspective on healing, under pressure.

Call 515-421-4018 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. LoRang today!