CASE HISTORY: HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY AS AN ADJUNCT THERAPY FOR APPLIED KINESIOLOGY TO TREAT A STROKE VICTIM WITH DIABETES II, HIGH CHOLESTEROL AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Darrick E. Sahara, D.C.

Abstract

An adult male stroke victim with diabetes II, high cholesterol and high blood pressure is discussed below. As a result of his stroke, the patient experienced left arm and left wrist contracture with tightness and pain with full paralysis. The patient has left partial paralysis of his left leg.

Introduction

A 70 year old male patient with left biceps brachii and left wrist contracture and complete paralysis complained of tightness and minimal pain. Additionally, the patient has left leg stiffness, although he has partial voluntary movement. After a complete health history and physical examination was completed, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was prescribed in addition to Applied Kinesiology. Furthermore, the low level cold laser therapy, emotion neurovascular reflexes and hypoadrenia techniques were applied.

Health History

Patient was diagnosed with diabetes II seven years (2000) before the stroke. The patient had a right cerebral hemorrhage in which he immediately fainted. He suffered paralysis to the left arm and partial paralysis to his left leg. Ever since the stroke, the patient has been under the care of a physical therapist, acupuncturist and occupational therapist. Further, the patient has complained of visual acuity and sensitivity to bright lights. Moreover, the patient appears to have more joint and muscle stiffness in the morning, while experiencing minimal to no cravings of sugar or salt.

Typically, the patient eats three meals per day. He notices a subtle dizziness and lightheadedness when rising to his feet. Patient takes medication for general blood sugar handling as well as specific medication for diabetes II. He is also on blood pressure medication and is looking for alternatives. The patient was specifically interested in HBOT and was interested in learning how it has worked for many patients that have suffered from strokes.

Examination & Applied Kinesiological Testing

General Information:

Age:           70 years old
Weight :    195 lbs.
Height :     6’6”
Oral pH:    6.2

Postural Blood Pressure:

Right Arm Seated Blood Pressure:    127/71, pulse 8
Left Arm Seated Blood Pressure:       N/A
Left Arm Supine:                                144/80, pulse 83
Left Arm Standing:                             105/60, pulse 91

Deep Tendon Reflexes:

Left            Right
Biceps C5,6:                  N/A              +2
Triceps C6,7,8:              N/A              +2
Brachioradialis:              N/A              +2

Applied Kinesiological Observations, Diagnosis and Testing

Postural Analysis revealed a high right occiput, high left shoulder and high right pelvis. The left shoulder was moved slightly forward as was the right hip. The T/S Line showed bilateral subscapularis (T2) and left sartorius (T9). The patient’s right arm displayed an inhibited right subscapularis and an inhibited left sartorius.

When the patient applied Therapy Localization (T.L.) to T2 there was an immediate strength to the right subscapularis. In addition, when applied T.L. to T9 again there was an immediate strengthening to the left sartorius. When performing Temporal Tap to the patient while the patient applied T.L. to T2, a strong indicator muscle (left hamstring) remained strong. However, when using Temporal Tap to the patient as the patient applied T.L. to T9, the strong indicator muscle (left hamstring) went weak.

The author had to use an indicator muscle because the patient was unable to use the left arm to T.L. T2 while testing the right subscapularis. Furthermore, the patient was unable to reach behind his back to T.L. T9 while testing the left sartorius. Therefore, the author decided to test the patient while lying prone and using the left hamstring muscle as the strong indicator muscle.

The patient had a shorter left leg while the right leg had a more medial turn in. The patient presented a Category II and inhibition of the patient’s right latissimus dorsi. Whether the patient was prone or supine the left leg was shorter. George Goodheart, Jr., D.C., D.I.B.A.K., mentions that this could be due to occiput subluxation.

Patient displayed symptoms and kinesiological testing for hypoadrenia, blood sugar handling problems and emotional disturbances. In addition, the patient was neurologically disorganized on several levels. He was treated accordingly and put on a hyperinsulinism diet, in which he was instructed to eat every two hours. Further, the patient was placed on supplements that supported his adrenals as well as his blood sugar. The patient was then treated with low level cold laser therapy, specific chiropractic adjustments, and a detoxification ionic foot bath. The patient was then instructed to have HBOT for at least three times per week or more. Finally, the patient would come back in a month for re-evaluation and a second treatment.

Discussion

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

According to HBOtreatment.com, humans can live without oxygen for approximately 5 minutes. Oxygen is essential to our existence, as evidence in the numerous conditions caused by oxygen deficiencies in our bodies. This lack of oxygen deficiencies or hypoxic conditions, results in a dysfunction of organ systems, causing various chronic health problems. Therefore, HBOT is one of the most efficient methods of delivering oxygen to cells throughout the body. A specialized designed chamber delivers pressurized oxygen to the body through an air compressor and oxygen saturator.

There are many clinical and double blind cases that have shown remarkable results with pressurized oxygen to the body. HBOT has known to successfully treat cases involving gas gangrene, cancer, prevention or treatments of strokes, cardiovascular disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, problems involving slow tissue healing, headaches, migraines, immunological problems, rehabilitation and sports medicine, neurosurgery, hematology, pulmonary disorders, geriatrics, poisoning, skin burns and afflictions as well many other circulatory and neurological disorders.

HBOT takes place inside a chamber in which you breathe oxygen while the pressure inside the chamber is slowly increased to 1.4 to 3.0 or higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Oxygen, which is normally delivered to tissues via the hemoglobin in red blood cells, dissolves in all of the patient’s body’s fluids, cerebral spinal fluid and lymphatic system. Oxygen is transported to all tissues, even those with poor blood supply.

The typical treatments sessions last about one hour, during which the patient can listen to music, read, meditate, or simply relax. The patient often times will feel an initial subtle pressure in his/hers ears, a feeling similar to that of an airplane takeoff or landing, but there is no other noticeable discomfort. When the session ends, the pressure slowly returns to normal. There is a threshold and various guidelines involved when using HBOT. For example, there is a possibility of oxygen toxicity that the physician needs to be aware. The guidelines on usage as well as clinical studies of HBOT with various conditions are written in the Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine, fourth edition, by K.K. Jain, M.D.

HBOT has been documented by many medical physicians to reverse symptoms resulting from strokes. Dr. Jain as well as other doctors have shown clinical success in reversing paralysis and revitalizing dead brain cells from stroke victims. Further, MRI studies reveal improvement from HBOT treatment with astonishing success. HBOT also seems to help the patient’s neurological system. This enhances what we as chiropractors and Applied Kinesiologists may accomplish.

Cranial motion and adjusting the spine is imperative. Cranial motion improves neurological function as well as lymphatic flow, CSF flow and even endocrine function. HBOT enhances all these techniques. Finally, HBOT directly revitalizes the brain cells as well as other neurological ailments.

Historical Background of HBOT

In modern times, HBOT has been used around the world for over forty years, especially in the prevention and improvement of debilitating conditions and in the enhancement of overall health. However, the first known use of hyperbaric therapy actually precedes the discovery of oxygen. A British physician by the name of Henshaw used compressed air as a therapy in his medical practice in 1662. The chamber he constructed was an air tight room called a “domicilium” in which variable climatic and pressure conditions could be produced. Henshaw was quoted, “In times of good health this domicilium is proposed as a good expedient to help digestion, to promote insensible respiration, to facilitate breathing and expectoration, and consequently, of excellent use for the prevention of most afflictions of the lungs.” No one was documented ever using hyperbaric oxygen for nearly two centuries.

Notable Historical Advances in HBOT:(1)

•  In 1837, Pravaz of France constructed the largest hyperbaric chamber of his time and used it to treat a variety of ailments.
•  In 1860, the first hyperbaric chamber was constructed on the North American continent in Oshawa, Canada.
•  In 1870, Fontaine of France used the first mobile hyperbaric operating chamber.
•  In 1891, Corning used the first hyperbaric chamber in the United States to treat nervous disorders.
•  In 1921, Cunningham of the United States used the hyperbaric chamber to treat a variety of ailments.
•  In 1937, Bente and Shaw first used HBOT for decompression sickness.
•  In 1938, Ozorio de Almeida and Costa (Brazil) used HBOT to treat Leprosy.
•  In 1942, End and Long (USA) used HBOT for treating experimental carbon monoxide poisoning in animals.
•  In 1954, Churchill-Davidson used HBOT to enhance radiosensitivity of tumors.
•  In 1987, Jain (Switzerland) demonstrated the relief of spasticity in hemiplegin from strokes under HBOT.
•  In 1988, formation of the International Society of Hyperbaric Medicine.
•  In 1990, Michelle R. Reillo, RN treated HIV and AIDs patients and observed dramatic results (patients did not take antiviral drugs) with HBOT. (2)

Materials and Methods
The HBOT chamber used by the author was manufactured by Performance Hyperbarics. The patient simply lies in the chamber with an oxygen saturator mask covering the patient’s nose and mouth. The physician zips the inner chamber bag up and buckles together the outer bag. The doctor then closes the air valve in order to build up pressure from the compressor. The author takes an extensive health history and follows the guidelines from the Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine , fourth edition, by K.K. Jain, M.D.

Construction Information (3)

A one inch diameter welded aluminum frame holds the chamber in an open position for greater comfort and faster inflation time. The frame can be oriented in either a right or left-handed configuration. A custom fit medical grade internal mattress with woven fiberglass fireproof sleeve, washable cover, and anti-roll bolsters insure a comfortable hyperbaric experience.
The inner bag is made from 1000 weight double urethane coated nylon with Kevlar stitching features four double layered polycarbonated windows. All external chamber controls are also duplicated on the inside of the chamber allowing for solo operation. No soft plastics are used in the manufacture of this chamber so it can be used by individuals with chemical sensititivities.
The inner bag is surrounded by an outer bag made from double urethane coated thirty-nine ounce nylon. This outer bag is then reinforced with nine circumferential and thirteen lengthwise high strength straps which are fixed to two stainless steel rings at either end of the chamber. Since the inner bag is slightly larger than the outer bag, all the force of the inflation is transferred away from the zippers in the inner bag to the reinforced outer bag making for an incredibly strong chamber. (4)

Chamber Technical Specifications (5)

Weight:
Length:
Diameter:
Volume:
Zipper length:
Test pressure:
Max pressure:
Max total pressure:
Sound level inside chamber:
Compressor sound level:
Pressure gauge diameter:
Inflation time:
Chamber temperature:  
75 lbs.
105 in.
34 in.
>95,000 in.
65 in.
10 p.s.i.
>20 p.s.i.
>250,000 lbs.
53Db
67Db at 3 feet
5 in.
6 min.
< 9 F over ambient

Compressor Technical Specifications (6)
Compressor flow rate:                 184 lpm
Filtration:                                      0.01 micons

Erchonia PL 5000 Laser (7)
Configuration:   Dual Diode
Diode:                 Dual 5 milliWatt
Wavelength:       635 nm
Frequency:         Variable from 1hz-1,000hz, Programmable Decimal Point Frequencies
Material:              Machined Billet Aluminum Enclosure, Powder Coated for Durability and Ease of                              Cleaning
Switch:                Hydro Formed Membrane Switch ESD Shielded Hardcoated Polyester Design for                              Ease of Cleaning
Display:              Backlit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Power Source:  Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable Battery

Results
The patient was then re-evaluated the following month and was also given another treatment session. Since the first treatment and a series of HBOT and ionic detoxifications through the feet, the patient lost 15 pounds.

Postural Blood Pressure Readings for the Second Treatment (1 month after first readings)
Right Arm Seated Blood Pressure:   123/71, pulse 102
Left Arm Seated Blood Pressure:      106/70, pulse 100
Left Arm Supine Blood Pressure:      123/68, pulse 90
Left Arm Standing Blood Pressure:   90/61, pulse 90
Oral pH:                                                   7.6
Pulse points:                                          CV

Other Findings

Patient had bilateral inhibited supraspinatus, and left inhibited sartorious. When the patient applied T.L. to the right emotional reflex (ENV) only and applied T.L. to the left neurolymphatic reflex, all muscles were facilitated. The patient then held an issue of “him being a patient” (similar to encoded memory technique) while the author held the right ENV for thirty seconds until a steady pulse was read. Simultaneously, the author proceeded to laser and rub the left neurolymphatic reflex for the adrenals.

The author adjusted the patient’s occiputs and balanced all the cranial bones. The author corrected the category II implementing an osseous thrust on the left (PI – IN) and (AS – EX) listing on the right. The patient was then blocked for a category I. Next, the patient was treated for an open Valve of Houston and adjusted accordingly.

The patient was also treated with low level cold laser therapy. The laser therapy was directed specifically to the left cerebellum and right cerebral cortex. The left stylohyoid muscle was spindle cell down, and the patient was instructed to try to extend the arm. The patient was able to partially/minimally extend the arm.

The patient’s gait also seemed to improve. During the patient’s first treatment with HBOT, he had a difficult time getting inside and out of the chamber. Now, the patient seems to be able to move easier and easily gets inside and out of the chamber. The patient was then instructed to do more HBOT and a re-evaluation would be performed again the following month. Finally, the patient was instructed to stay on the diet plan and his supplements were adjusted accordingly.

Conclusion

Although it is too early, it is the author’s opinion that the HBOT coupled with proper care using Applied Kinesiology are promising. The patient’s postural blood pressure improved although the patient’s adrenals still require treatment. Dietary factors as well as supplements are imperative. The patient will be an ongoing case study, however, the progress although premature, is extremely positive on many levels.
The author also noticed that measurements of oxygen saturation should be taken before and after treatments involving HBOT. The author is in the process of obtaining an oxygen reading meter.
It was also an interesting to note that the right ENV was positive and was located on the same side of the patient’s stroke. Along with rigorous treatment the left adrenal gland’s neurolymphatic reflex improved (with the specific emotion held, similar to encoded memory technique). The patient’s gait and arm also seemed to improve dramatically. Hence, HBOT and Applied Kinesiology together can make a big difference.


(1) Jain, K.K., M.D., Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine , Fourth Edition, pp. 6-7.
(2) Altman, Nathaniel, The Oxygen Prescription: The Miracle of Oxidative Therapies , p.87.
(3) Performance Hyperbarics , 2007.
(4) See id.
(5) Performance Hyperbarics , 2007.
(6) See id.
(7) Burns and Wound Healing – Low Level Laser Therapy Technology by ERCHONIA 3LT Low Level Lasers .

References

•  Altman, Nathaniel, The Oxygen Prescription: The Miracle of Oxidative Therapies , Healing Arts Press, Rochester, VT, 1995.
•  Burns and Wound Healing – Low Level Laser Therapy Technology by ERCHONIA 3LT Low Level Lasers .
•  Goodheart, George, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., The Collected Published Articles and Reprints , Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, 1992.
•  Goodheart, George, D.C., D.I.B.A.K., You’ll Be Better: The Story Of Applied Kinesiology , A.K. Printing, Geneva, OH, 1992.
•  Jain, K.K., M.D., Textbook of Hyperbaric Medicine , Fourth Edition, Hogrefe & Huber Publications, 2004.
•  Performance Hyperbarics , 2007.