There is a new kid on the block in Oklahoma City. When OK Theta Chamber reached out to me to test this, I had no idea what I was walking into! After what I will admit was the oddest treatment, I did a deep dive into the research and was blown away at the long list of benefits. This technique has been shown to help with the following conditions:
- Heart health and reduced heart attack risk (heart failure, high cholesterol, coronary artery disease)
- Chest pain (angina) that is not responding to traditional treatment (after heart attack has been ruled out of course)
- Brain health including post stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sleep quality
- Sudden hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Long Covid
- POTS symptoms
- Ischemic eye disease including non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (I would assume even the events occurring due to GLP1’s fit in this category), central retinal artery occlusion, ischemic optic atrophy, diabetic retinopathy
- Mood – depression, anxiety
- And more….
Basically, all things that have a vascular origin may be a candidate. The amazing thing is you don’t have to do one thing except lay on a table and the machine does all the rest! No needles, no procedures and no recovery time.
READ ON to learn more about this cutting-edge technology that your insurance may even cover in certain circumstances….
Introducing EECP which stands for enhanced external counterpulsation. I know that doesn’t tell you much and I responded with a WHAT, also. This is a non-invasive application that consists of cuffs wrapped around your thighs, buttocks and calves that inflate and deflate during your heart beat cycle. Basically, it squeezes you to the rhythm of your heart beat. It is a very rapid inflation creating the squeezing sensation and sudden release. All you do is do your best to relax while this is contracting for up to an hour. I did it and was honestly shocked how relaxed but more energetic I felt when I finished. Check out the video so you can get a taste of what it is like. This doesn’t hurt at all!
When reviewing new technology like this the most important question I have is who SHOULDN’T do this. If you have any of these conditions then this is not for you. The OK Theta & Wellness Center is well versed on this so if in doubt call and speak to them.
- Deep vein thrombosis or active inflammation of the blood vessels (phlebitis) especially in the lower extremities
- Heart valve issues that are moderate-to-severe, especially aortic regurgitation
- Presence of an aortic aneurysm (widening of the aorta even if you have been told they are just following it)
- Pulmonary hypertension that is moderate-to-severe
- Brain (cerebral) aneurysm
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Pacemaker
- Progressive, decompensated heart failure
- Heart rhythm issues like atrial fibrillation, ventricular rhythm issues, rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Bleeding disorders
- Active infection in the lower extremities
- Pregnancy
There are additional conditions that may be eligible but need a consultation with an orthopedic or cardiovascular physician before proceeding.
Now that all of the contraindications are out of the way, let me share some of the date showing results. Over a standard course of treatment these sessions work on helping your body…
- Grown new collateral blood vessels
- Increase nitric oxide production (which helps the lining of the blood vessels)
- Helps lower the blood pressure (mainly the upper number called systolic)
- Decrease arterial inflammation and stiffness
- Improve blood flow to organs
Study regarding tinnitus and hearing loss showed 47% of patients reported an improvement in tinnitus and 28% had an improvement in hearing (this was in patients with sudden hearing loss)
Improvement in blood sugar regulation, decreased levels of inflammation markers like CRP.
Small study showed 87% improvement of symptoms of Parkinson’s.
92% of patients that had micro-circulation issues from non-obstructive coronary artery disease showed improvement in heart perfusion scans and exercise tolerance.
Study of 190 patients with early Alzheimer’s disease showed statistically significant improvement after 12-24 weeks of therapy and this persisted even after stopping the treatment.
And there is more! If you want to check out a great article reviewing many of the studies click here.
As long as you do not have a contraindication as listed above and are dealing with any type of perfusion issues then I think this is worth exploring. This service is offered by the OK Theta and Wellness clinic. Please disclose all medical conditions to them as they may ask for clearance from your cardiologist or orthopedic physician prior to treatment. If you have refractory angina which means persistent chest pain without relief from medication your insurance might even cover these sessions!
To your health,
Laura
