Talk Story with an Advertiser: O2 Lab of Hawaii
In 2005, Dr. Eric Mizuba received the phone call that any child dreads. His father, Seth Mizuba, had a major stroke after his 60th Hilo High reunion. Although his father survived, his physical impairments were significant. After 6 months, Seth was released from rehabilitation and advised to “get his affairs in order.” Being a PhD, after doing his own research, Seth decided that a more aggressive approach for his post-stroke rehab was warranted, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It facilitated his recovery.
This experience was the impetus for Dr. Mizuba to understand HBOT. He pursued professional training and licensing for incorporating it in his chiropractic practice. He had been in practice in Northwest Pennsylvania for 10 years, and was also working for major-league baseball, the US Golf Association, and the Ontario Hockey League, all while raising four children with his wife, Andrea. With a foundation in chiropractic, and his diplomate specialty in sports medicine, Dr. Mizuba has always supported a multidisciplinary approach to optimize health and performance of athletes. In the early years of providing HBOT, Dr. Mizuba was primarily treating concussions, post-concussion syndrome, and musculoskeletal injuries. As the years passed, referrals increased for utilization of HBOT as an adjunctive therapy, and patient outcomes were significantly improved.
Twelve years later, Dr. Mizuba was surprised that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was not available on Hawai‘i Island. By the end of 2017, Dr. Mizuba, Andrea, and their children relocated to be closer to his family and to open the island’s first credentialed hyperbaric clinic. Dr. Mizuba recalls, “Upon our arrival, many people thought that hyperbaric oxygen therapy was a novelty and did not understand the power of oxygen under increased atmospheric pressure.” That has changed. “The best part of doing HBOT is seeing the positive effects in difficult situations,” Dr. Mizuba explains.
“Our business is unique in the field of hyperbarics,” Andrea shares. Dr. Mizubaʻs wife, Andrea Mizuba, CHT, CSD, is involved with the clinic, and she too has a background in healthcare administration and board certifications with the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society. Dr. Mizuba is an instructor of HBOT safety and operation trainings.
Having the best equipment and best training, while striving to keep costs affordable, has required commitment. Dr. Mizuba expresses gratitude towards the island community for welcoming him here these past few years, saying, “Helping our community starts by helping one person at a time. Our mantra is: Faster, Stronger, Longer!”
The O2 Lab Hawaii at Mizuba Chiropractic
65-1206 Mamalahoa Hwy., Suite 3-212, Kamuela
808.887.1918
drmizuba.com
