After a stroke, survivors are frequently advised that significant progress in their recovery is unlikely beyond the first six months of rehabilitation. This leaves many with ongoing motor challenges, cognitive impairments, and an uncertain future.
Aviv Clinics, a pioneering center dedicated to brain and body wellness, offers new hope for stroke survivors through its innovative treatment program. This program, which combines cognitive and physical training, along with nutritional guidance and a special Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) protocol, aims to help stroke survivors regain some of their physical and cognitive abilities, even years after their stroke. This cutting-edge approach continues to improve the lives of survivors, signaling a breakthrough in medical science.
Dr. Shai Efrati, Co-founder and Chair of the Medical Advisory Board at Aviv Clinics, has been instrumental in the success of the clinic. His groundbreaking research on HBOT’s effects on the brain began when he noticed neurological improvements in patients who were exposed to increased atmospheric pressure and oxygen for conditions unrelated to stroke. “If I had believed that brain tissue couldn’t be repaired, as I was taught in medical school, we wouldn’t be here today,” he reflects.
About Aviv Clinics
Aviv Clinics was established to assist individuals in healing their brains through innovative applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). After over 15 years of clinical trials and research, a team of renowned neurosurgeons, physicians, and medical researchers developed a unique protocol that has shown promising results in treating chronic post-stroke conditions, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, long COVID, and age-related cognitive and physical decline.
The clinic’s intensive and personalized treatment program includes HBOT, which helps stimulate brain regeneration by exposing the brain to fluctuating levels of oxygen in a pressurized environment. This fluctuation triggers the body’s natural ability to repair itself.
A Revolution in Medical Science
Dr. Efrati emphasizes that the foundation of Aviv’s approach lies in the willingness to ask questions, learn, and test new ideas. He believes that, just as physical resilience was once crucial for survival, brain resilience has become equally important in today’s world.
Stroke and Brain Recovery
A stroke causes a wound in the brain, leading to varying levels of tissue damage. While some damage may be irreversible, there is often a surrounding area of tissue, known as the penumbra, that can improve with targeted treatment. Dr. Efrati explains, “We focus on the tissue affected by metabolic dysfunction—this is the tissue that can improve with our program.” Advanced brain imaging helps Aviv’s team identify and target these areas for optimal recovery, ensuring that patients have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Stroke Recovery
Dr. Efrati is passionate about the potential of HBOT to aid stroke recovery but warns against misleading claims about the therapy. “Some wellness centers and holistic clinics use HBOT chambers inappropriately, claiming quick healing effects. This approach is harmful because it lacks proper scientific backing,” he notes.
At Aviv, patients undergo HBOT in a multi-place chamber where they breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen, with oxygen levels fluctuating between normoxia and hyperoxia. This fluctuation has been shown to stimulate vascular growth in damaged tissues, promoting healing.
Before starting treatment, patients undergo comprehensive tests, including MRIs, cognitive assessments, and blood tests, to establish a baseline for their health. The treatment itself consists of two-hour sessions, five days a week, over a three-month period. Patients also follow a personalized plan for nutrition and physical and cognitive training. Regular follow-ups are conducted to monitor progress, with additional tests performed six months after completing the program to assess ongoing improvements.
The Comprehensive Aviv Medical Program
Aviv’s HBOT protocol, proven in peer-reviewed research, is the cornerstone of the clinic’s approach. The pressurized chambers increase oxygen levels in the body by 10 to 15 times above normal, promoting tissue repair, stem cell proliferation, and new blood vessel formation. This process also induces neuroplasticity, helping the brain adapt and recover from injury.
The Aviv Medical Program is unique and not available elsewhere in the world.
Preventing Age-Related Decline
In addition to helping stroke survivors, Aviv Clinics offers treatments for adults looking to enhance their cognitive and physical health as they age. This program is especially beneficial for individuals who want to maintain peak brain function and prevent age-related diseases. While there may not be an immediate concern, the program assesses overall health, including fitness and nutrition, to improve areas that may benefit from intervention.
Dr. Efrati explains, “Aging impacts our ability to transfer oxygen to the brain, which accelerates tissue damage and increases the risk of age-related diseases. HBOT helps counteract this process by regenerating tissue that naturally deteriorates over time.”
Insights for Future Care
For those interested in advancing stroke care, Dr. Efrati advises, “The key is to observe the patient closely. Extreme cases provide valuable insights. If you encounter something unusual, dig into it and try to understand why it’s happening.”
Expanding the Aviv Vision
Aviv Clinics has developed a state-of-the-art facility in central Florida, which is set to be the model for future centers across the U.S. and globally. Dr. Efrati emphasizes the universal need for health solutions that transcend borders, stating, “Our commitment to health is global. We hope to bring positive change to as many people as possible.”
Client Testimonials
“Everything felt impossible when my mind wasn’t functioning properly. It was frightening, and I thought I’d never recover. I was told I’d never regain certain abilities. But now, I can type with both hands, and my left hand is improving. My physical therapist was amazed at my progress. I can walk four kilometers every day.”
“How do you put a price on having your mind back? This experience changed my life, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
Dr. Efrati’s Journey
Dr. Efrati’s interest in hyperbaric therapy began as a challenge to medical teachings that neurons cannot regenerate. His research led to surprising findings that reshaped how we view and treat the brain. Initially, he used hyperbaric therapy for a variety of conditions, including wounds and diving injuries. Over time, he observed its unexpected benefits, particularly for stroke patients, which led him to further investigate its potential.
Through his work, Dr. Efrati’s team has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to treat the brain with HBOT, opening new doors for stroke recovery and brain health.
