Healing Under Pressure: Dr. Chris LoRang on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

On this episode of Maxwell’s Iowa CoffeeCast, I sit down with Dr. Chris LoRang of Capital Health to dive deep—literally and figuratively—into the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Known for his integrative approach to care, Dr. LoRang breaks down what this advanced healing modality really is, how it works, and why it's making waves in both conventional and functional medicine circles.

As someone who grew up in an osteopathic household and has long embraced chiropractic care, I’ve always been fascinated by holistic healing approaches. So when Chris told me he was adding a hyperbaric oxygen chamber to his clinic, I was intrigued. What followed was a conversation filled with scientific insights, real-world applications, and a few surprising stories—like the 1960s experiment where pigs survived without red blood cells… thanks to a hyperbaric chamber.

Dr. LoRang explains that HBOT is all about increasing oxygen levels in the body by exposing it to high-pressure environments. Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves not just into red blood cells but directly into the blood plasma, saturating the body at the cellular level. The result? Reduced inflammation, enhanced stem cell production, new blood vessel formation, and faster tissue regeneration.

We explore how HBOT is already FDA-approved for several serious conditions—like crush injuries, radiation burns, and wounds that won’t heal—and how its off-label uses are showing promise for everything from concussions to cognitive decline. “It treats the worst of the worst in hospitals and helps the best of the best in professional sports,” Chris says. “And we’re finding it does a whole lot for everyone in between.”

We also talk about the surprising lack of side effects, the growing body of scientific research, and why it’s crucial to consult knowledgeable providers—because not every physician is up to speed on this evolving therapy. Whether you're a high-performance athlete, recovering from surgery, or simply looking to extend your health span, this conversation just might change the way you think about oxygen.

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To learn more about HBOT, visit iowahbot.com or check out hyperbaricexperts.com for deep dives into current research.