Everyone at one time or another gets a cut or burn. Most of these injuries heal just fine, but for about five million Americans, wound healing is not a simple process. Cooking enthusiast Walt Wehrmann had an accident that resulted in a wound that just wouldn't go away. "It goes back about 2 or 3 years and it was a bad burn that wouldn't heal so I kind of ignored it and figured it would eventually heal itself and it has just continued to give me problems," says Walt.

Walt is not alone. Many people don't realize that a non-healing wound can turn into a serious situation, especially for people with diabetes, poor circulation and other health conditions. To treat it properly you may need to see a specialist - or go to a specialized wound care center. Dr. Robert P. Casola, Medical Director of Hyperbaric Medicine and Wound Care Center at Southwest Florida Regional Medical Center, explains; "One of the advantages of our wound care center is we offer so many modalities. We're able to handle that large cross spectrum within our own center."

Having your wounds treated in a hyperbaric chamber can lower the chances of serious infections and can even help you save a limb. "Our specialty is the way we manage the patients ourselves, eyes and hands on the wounds," states Dr. John Bishop.

When it comes to wound care, Walt regrets not making a move sooner. He figured the wound would take care of itself, but it did not heal. While most of us associate the use of a Hyperbaric Chamber with treating divers suffering from "the bends," it's now being used regularly in wound care.