Decompression Sickness
Emergency recompression therapy for decompression sickness (DCS / 'the bends') in recreational and professional divers.
Decompression Sickness
Understanding Decompression Sickness
Decompression sickness (DCS) occurs when dissolved nitrogen gas in tissues forms bubbles as a diver ascends too quickly. Bubbles can form in joints (Type I) or the spinal cord and brain (Type II — neurological DCS), causing serious injury. Recompression with HBOT is the definitive treatment.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Joint pain ('the bends') — usually elbows, shoulders, knees
- Neurological symptoms: numbness, tingling, weakness, paralysis
- Skin mottling (cutis marmorata)
- Extreme fatigue
- Chest pain, breathing difficulty (chokes — rare, severe)
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction (spinal DCS)
Why Modern Medical
Your Decompression Sickness Treatment Team
Time-Critical Care
This condition requires urgent intervention. Modern Medical coordinates rapid HBOT access for emergency referrals from across Northwestern Ontario.
Physician-Supervised
A hyperbaric-trained physician is always on site during treatment sessions, ensuring your safety and monitoring your clinical progress.
State-of-the-Art Facility
Treatments are delivered in our new 7,000 ft² facility with Perry Sigma monoplace chambers, big-screen entertainment, and a dedicated sound system.
The Science
How HBOT Treats Decompression Sickness
Recompression physically crushes nitrogen bubbles, restoring blood flow and reducing mechanical damage. Breathing 100% oxygen accelerates nitrogen washout from tissues. The earlier HBOT is initiated, the better the outcome — delayed treatment significantly worsens prognosis.
Decompression Sickness is one of 14 OHIP-approved indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Treatment at Modern Medical is fully covered — no upfront costs to patients with a physician referral.
Your Experience
Healing in Comfort
Personal Entertainment
Streaming services on a big screen with a dedicated sound system
Accessible Facilities
Designed for everyone’s use
Physician Supervised
Always on-site for your safety.