Healing for Post-Radiation Injuries in Fargo, ND
Radiation may be over, but the side effects don’t always end when treatment does.
Post-radiation injuries, also known as delayed radiation injuries, can develop slowly—causing tissue damage, pain, or chronic symptoms that appear months or even years after cancer treatment. These injuries often go unrecognized or untreated, leaving patients with unresolved complications and few options.
Whether you’re a patient living with these side effects or a loved one of someone struggling post-cancer, our goal is to offer clarity, comfort, and a path to true healing.
At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we use hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO therapy) to treat post-radiation injuries at the root—restoring oxygen-deprived tissue, reducing inflammation, and helping you feel like yourself again.
What Are Delayed Radiation Injuries?
Delayed radiation injuries—also known as post-radiation tissue damage—occur when healthy tissue is damaged as a side effect of past radiation therapy. These effects can surface months or even years after cancer treatment ends, often catching patients off guard with a sudden onset of symptoms.
Radiation doesn’t just target cancer cells—it can also affect surrounding healthy tissue. Over time, reduced blood flow, tissue breakdown, and oxygen deprivation can lead to pain, wounds, and functional decline in the treated area.
Common Symptoms of Post-Radiation Injuries
Radiation damage doesn’t always show up right away. For many people, symptoms of delayed radiation tissue injury appear months or even years after completing cancer treatment. These injuries can affect soft tissue, skin, and even bone—especially in areas that received high-dose radiation, such as the jaw, pelvis, or chest.
Many people don’t realize their symptoms are linked to radiation. Some are misdiagnosed, while others are told nothing more can be done. But there is hope, especially when treatment targets the root cause: oxygen-starved, damaged tissue.
Signs & Symptoms of Post-Radiation Injuries
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the following symptoms after radiation, it may be a sign of a post-radiation injury:
- Chronic pain, tightness, or swelling in the area of past radiation
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking (after head, neck, or throat radiation)
- Open wounds or slow-healing surgical sites
- Exposed or infected bone (common with jaw radiation)
- Fatigue, weakness, or loss of function in a previously radiated area
- Unexplained tissue breakdown or recurring infections
These symptoms often stem from reduced blood flow, inflammation, and tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen) caused by radiation exposure. Unfortunately, they’re also often overlooked or dismissed as unrelated side effects.
Why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works for Post-Radiation Injuries
Radiation damage doesn’t heal like other injuries.
When healthy tissue is exposed to radiation, it can become chronically inflamed, oxygen-starved, and unable to repair itself—sometimes years after cancer treatment ends. Unlike medications or topical wound care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO therapy) works at the root level by restoring oxygen, reversing tissue damage, and jumpstarting the body’s natural healing process.
What HBO Therapy Does
Delivers 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal pressure to increase oxygen in blood plasma
Stimulates new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) in damaged areas
Reduces chronic inflammation and improves circulation
Boosts immune response and collagen production
Speeds recovery time for wounds, infections, and bone/tissue breakdown
The result: Long-term tissue repair—not just symptom relief.
Types of Post-Radiation Injuries We Treat
Radiation therapy can affect any area of the body that receives high-dose treatment. At Healing with Hyperbarics, we use hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat a wide range of post-radiation injuries, including:
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Radiation can damage healthy tissue in the treatment area, leading to long-term complications that may not appear for months or even years. This type of radiation tissue damage is most common after breast, prostate, pelvic, or abdominal cancer treatment.
It often results in chronic inflammation, pain, fibrosis (hardening of tissue), and reduced blood flow, making the area vulnerable to non-healing wounds or ulcers. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers high levels of oxygen to the damaged tissue, stimulating healing at the cellular level. -
When radiation affects the bladder or rectum (often following prostate, bladder, or cervical cancer treatment) patients may develop radiation cystitis or radiation proctitis.
These conditions can cause pain, burning, incontinence, frequent urination, rectal bleeding, and urgent bowel movements. These symptoms stem from inflammation and blood vessel damage, which can worsen without treatment. HBO therapy improves circulation, reduces bleeding, and encourages new tissue growth, offering long-term relief from symptoms. -
One of the most serious head and neck radiation complications, osteoradionecrosis occurs when the jawbone begins to deteriorate due to lack of oxygen and blood flow.
This condition can develop months (or even years) after radiation for oral, throat, or laryngeal cancers. Common signs include exposed jaw bone, pain, difficulty chewing or speaking, and non-healing dental extractions.
HBO therapy is a proven, FDA-approved treatment that helps reverse this damage by stimulating blood vessel regrowth and bone healing. It’s often prescribed before or after dental surgery to prevent or treat osteoradionecrosis. -
Radiation can impair the body’s natural healing response, especially at surgical sites or in skin folds. This results in wounds that reopen, remain inflamed, or fail to close long after surgery or cancer treatment.
These wounds are often misdiagnosed or treated with standard wound care, despite their oxygen-starved, radiation-damaged nature. HBO therapy accelerates healing by addressing the root cause (oxygen deprivation) and supporting collagen production and tissue repair.
These injuries often have one thing in common: the tissue is oxygen-deprived and unable to heal. That’s where hyperbaric oxygen therapy comes in.
How HBO Therapy Works at Healing with Hyperbarics
At Healing with Hyperbarics, we follow evidence-based, FDA-approved treatment protocols for delayed radiation injuries—grounded in decades of medical research and proven outcomes. These standardized approaches ensure patients receive the most effective care possible for soft tissue and bone damage caused by radiation, all under the guidance of our experienced, physician-led team.
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Stroke Recovery
For individuals recovering from a stroke or post-TIA (mini stroke), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be a powerful addition to their rehabilitation plan. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we support post-stroke patients by increasing oxygen flow to damaged brain tissue—helping reduce inflammation, stimulate new blood vessel growth, and promote neuroplasticity. HBOT has been shown to enhance recovery outcomes after both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, improving mobility, speech, cognition, and energy levels. If you or a loved one is navigating life after a stroke, our team is here to help you regain function and restore quality of life.
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Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is showing promise as a supportive treatment for individuals with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. By delivering high concentrations of oxygen to inflamed tissues, HBOT helps reduce flare-ups, support fistula healing, and restore gut health and function. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we offer targeted oxygen therapy to help manage symptoms, promote long-term healing, and improve overall digestive well-being.
While not an FDA-approved indication, some private insurance plans may cover HBOT for IBD. Contact our team to verify your plan details.
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Diabetic Foot Ulcers*
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an FDA-approved, evidence-based adjunctive treatment for diabetic foot ulcers—particularly those that are non-healing or resistant to standard wound care. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we use HBOT to help increase oxygen supply to the affected area, reduce inflammation, fight infection, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. When paired with proper diabetes management and wound care, HBOT can significantly improve healing outcomes and reduce the risk of complications, including amputation.
*HBOT for non-healing diabetic foot ulcers is FDA-approved and often covered by insurance. Specific coverage depends on medical criteria and plan details—please contact us to confirm.
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Thermal Burns*
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an FDA-approved treatment for thermal burns, including heat burns, chemical burns, and burns from extreme cold (frostbite). At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we use HBOT to reduce swelling, fight infection, and accelerate tissue repair—especially in complex or slow-healing burn wounds. By flooding damaged tissue with concentrated oxygen, HBOT promotes faster healing, reduces pain, and helps minimize long-term scarring and complications. Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or delayed recovery, our clinic provides advanced burn wound care that supports skin regeneration and better outcomes.
*HBOT for thermal burns is FDA-approved and may be covered by insurance when medical criteria are met. Reach out to our team for insurance guidance.
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Compromised Skin Grafts & Flaps*
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an FDA-approved treatment for compromised skin grafts and flaps, often used after plastic or reconstructive surgery. When a graft or flap has poor blood flow—due to trauma, improper handling, or underlying conditions—HBOT can help restore oxygen to the affected tissue and support healing.
At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we use HBOT to reduce tissue death, improve graft viability, and increase the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome. Our physician-led team works closely with patients recovering from procedures such as breast reconstruction, skin cancer removal, or orthopedic surgeries to enhance healing when complications arise.
*HBOT is FDA-approved for compromised skin grafts and flaps. Insurance coverage depends on your specific plan and whether the surgery was also covered—contact us to confirm your benefits.
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Chronic Bone Infections*
Chronic bone infections—clinically known as refractory osteomyelitis—can persist for weeks or even months, especially when they don’t respond to standard antibiotic treatment. Often caused by trauma, surgery, or the spread of infection, these deep bone infections can become resistant to antibiotics and difficult to heal. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we use FDA-approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to help treat refractory osteomyelitis by delivering oxygen directly to infected tissue, stimulating white blood cell activity, and promoting bone regeneration. This therapy enhances the body’s natural immune response and can be a powerful adjunct to surgical debridement and antibiotic therapy.
*HBOT for refractory osteomyelitis is FDA-approved and often covered by insurance. Contact our team to confirm your plan’s coverage.
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Concussions & Brain Injuries (TBI)
From sports-related concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and post-concussion syndrome (PCS), HBOT offers a powerful, non-invasive way to support brain recovery. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we treat both acute and chronic brain injuries, helping reduce inflammation, restore oxygen to damaged tissue, and improve cognitive function. Our team also supports patients facing sub-concussive trauma, anoxic brain injury, and early signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
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Post-Radiation Injuries*
Radiation can save lives—but for many, its effects don’t end when treatment does. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we provide FDA-approved hyperbaric oxygen protocols to treat delayed radiation injuries, including soft tissue radiation damage, osteoradionecrosis (jawbone damage), radiation cystitis, and radiation proctitis. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps regenerate tissue, improve circulation, and accelerate healing, offering hope and lasting relief for patients facing long-term complications of radiation treatment.
*HBOT for post-radiation damage is FDA-approved and commonly covered by insurance. Coverage may vary by plan—contact our team to verify your benefits.
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Pre & Post-Surgery Recovery
Whether you’re preparing for surgery or navigating the recovery process, HBOT can dramatically improve outcomes. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we support healing before and after orthopedic procedures—like ACL/MCL repairs, knee and hip replacements, and rotator cuff or shoulder surgeries. We also assist patients undergoing elective procedures, including plastic surgeries such as breast augmentation, facelifts, tummy tucks, and liposuction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces inflammation, minimizes risk of infection, and speeds tissue repair—helping you heal faster, with fewer complications.
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Post-COVID Recovery
Often referred to as “Long COVID” or “Long-Hauler Syndrome,” post-COVID symptoms can persist long after the initial COVID-19 illness—impacting daily life and overall well-being. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we use hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to support recovery from post-COVID symptoms like brain fog, extreme fatigue, racing heart rate, and autonomic dysfunction, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). By restoring oxygen flow and reducing inflammation, HBOT helps patients regain energy, clarity, and control.
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Sports Injuries
From acute injuries like sprained ankles and muscle strains to chronic conditions such as overuse injuries and shin splints, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) accelerates recovery by reducing inflammation, stimulating tissue repair, and improving circulation. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we help athletes of all ages—from weekend warriors to competitive athletes—recover faster from bone fractures, ligament injuries, and soft tissue damage so they can safely return to peak performance.
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Chronic Pain
For individuals living with chronic inflammation and persistent pain, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) offers a natural, non-invasive treatment option. At Healing with Hyperbarics in Fargo, ND, we specialize in HBOT for inflammation-driven chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis—reducing inflammation, accelerating tissue repair, and improving overall function. As part of a comprehensive pain management approach, HBOT helps patients find lasting relief without relying solely on medications.
“I didn’t want to just survive—I wanted to live again. Healing with Hyperbarics gave me my life back. Healing is possible—you just have to find the right people and the right place.”
— Jerry N.
FAQs About HBOT Treatments
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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help treat many different health conditions by delivering extra oxygen to the body’s tissues to speed up healing. At Healing with Hyperbarics, we use HBOT to treat:
Concussions and other brain injuriesTissue damage from radiation treatments
Sports-related injuriesRecovery after surgery
Long-term COVID symptoms (also known as Long-COVID)
Chronic pain and inflammationStroke recovery
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis
Diabetic foot ulcers
Burns, including chemical burns and frostbite
Skin grafts or flaps that aren’t healing properly
Ongoing bone infections like osteomyelitis
If you’re not sure whether HBOT could help your condition, contact our team to learn more. -
Some HBOT treatments are covered by insurance, depending on your diagnosis and plan. At Healing with Hyperbarics, we accept Medicare and most major insurance providers—including Blue Cross Blue Shield, HealthPartners, Sanford Health Plan, Cigna, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and TRICARE.
Several conditions we treat are FDA-approved indications for HBOT, such as post-radiation injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, thermal burns, and chronic bone infections. These are often eligible for insurance coverage when medical criteria are met.
Other treatments—like concussions, post-COVID symptoms, or sports injuries—may be considered research-supported and are typically billed as private pay.
Not sure what your plan covers? Contact our team, and we’ll help you verify your benefits and walk you through the process. -
The best way to determine if HBOT is a good fit for you is to schedule a medical consultation with our team. At Healing with Hyperbarics, every patient begins with a one-on-one evaluation to review your health history, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment goals. From there, we’ll determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy can safely and effectively support your recovery.
HBOT is used to support healing for a wide range of medical concerns—from brain injuries and post-surgical recovery to chronic pain, wounds, and inflammation. Explore the full list of conditions we treat. -
The number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions needed depends on your specific condition, its severity, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients—such as those with acute concussions—may benefit from as few as 4 sessions, while others with chronic conditions like radiation damage or diabetic foot ulcers may require up to 40 sessions.
At Healing with Hyperbarics, we create a personalized treatment plan after your initial consultation. Your progress is continuously monitored, and we adjust your plan to ensure the safest, most effective healing path possible.
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Yes—when administered by trained professionals in a medical setting, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a very safe treatment. At Healing with Hyperbarics, patient safety is our top priority. Our physician-led team follows FDA-approved protocols and has developed specialized safety procedures over years of experience treating a wide range of conditions.
We use hospital-grade Sechrist chambers and closely monitor each patient during every session. Most patients experience no side effects beyond mild ear pressure—similar to what you might feel during a flight.
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Yes—hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can benefit multiple conditions simultaneously. Because HBOT improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and enhances tissue repair throughout the body, many patients experience improvements in more than one area of concern. For example, a patient recovering from surgery who also has chronic pain or brain fog may find relief from all three symptoms during treatment.
Our physician-led team will evaluate your full medical history to build a personalized care plan that addresses your unique needs and overlapping conditions.
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No referral is needed to start hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at Healing with Hyperbarics. We welcome self-referrals and are happy to schedule an initial consultation directly with you.
While you don’t need a referral to begin, we work closely with your broader care team—including oncologists, surgeons, wound care specialists, and primary care providers—to ensure every aspect of your healing is supported and aligned.
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At Healing with Hyperbarics, you’re more than a diagnosis—you’re a whole person with a story, goals, and the desire to heal. As one of the only standalone hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers in the region, we offer physician-led care, FDA-approved treatment protocols, and personalized support at every stage of your healing journey.
Our comfortable, clear-chamber environment is designed to ease anxiety and provide a relaxing experience. But what truly sets us apart is our approach: our team genuinely cares about your well-being. We’re not here to push unnecessary treatments—we’re here to help you heal as effectively and efficiently as possible. That means no pressure, just purpose-driven care rooted in medical integrity and compassion.
Have questions about how we’re different? We’d love to talk with you—call us at 701.532.2426 [link: tel:7015322426] or send us a message!