Rheumatoid Arthritis and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own joint tissue, thinking it’s a threat.
Unlike wear-and-tear arthritis (called osteoarthritis), RA is inflammatory and autoimmune, meaning it’s your own body causing the inflammation. It can affect anyone, but it’s most common in women and usually starts between the ages of 30 and 60.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Pain and stiffness in joints, often worse in the morning or after resting
- Swelling in your hands, wrists, feet, or knees
- Fatigue – feeling very tired, even if you’ve had enough sleep
- Warm or tender joints
- General feeling of being unwell (like a flu that won’t go away)
- Flare-ups – times when symptoms suddenly get worse
RA usually starts in smaller joints first (like fingers and toes) and tends to affect both sides of the body equally.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
HBOT (known as Oxygen Therapy) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber, which allows your body to take in more oxygen than normal. This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
A 2021 study found Oxygen Therapy helped people with RA to have significantly less pain and better quality sleep. (National Centre for Biotechnology Information)
Possible benefits for people with RA:
- Reduced joint inflammation – Oxygen Therapy may help lower swelling and pain.
- Improved tissue repair – especially in joints affected by long-term damage.
- Better energy levels – some people with RA report less fatigue after sessions.
- Support for immune system regulation.
HBOT is not a cure or replacement for medication. However, some people find HBOT helpful alongside other treatments, especially for easing flare-ups or ongoing fatigue.
Try Oxygen Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
At Herts MS Therapy, we aim to help as many people as possible. We welcome people with any condition, including Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Our specialist focus is Oxygen Therapy, which can help people with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
To find out more or book your appointment, please email enquiries123@hmstc.net or call 01462 684 214.