What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 13 published studies involving 280 patients to assess how well HBOT relieves pain and improves function in people with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a condition causing severe, persistent limb pain.
What They Found
HBOT protocols ranged from 3 to 63 sessions, typically at 2.4 atmospheres absolute for 90 minutes. Significant symptom relief and functional improvement were reported across both major subtypes of CRPS, sympathetically maintained pain (42.5% of patients) and sympathetically independent pain (48.2%). Benefits appeared regardless of how long a patient had the condition.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadians with CRPS, a condition that is notoriously difficult to treat, HBOT appears to offer meaningful pain relief and improved function without invasive procedures. Patients who have not responded to other treatments may benefit, especially when HBOT is used alongside existing therapies.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. CRPS is not currently an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT.
Study Limitations
The review included small, heterogeneous studies, some were case reports, limiting the strength of conclusions about effectiveness.