At Optimus Injury Treatment Center, every patient who walks through our door has been hurt in an accident, injured on the job, or affected by a traumatic event. That is the entirety of what we do. No maintenance care. No general wellness. No commercial patients. Our practice exists at the intersection of serious injury and the advocacy that follows it — and we have built every clinical system around that single purpose.
We are a personal injury chiropractic and functional rehabilitation practice serving patients across Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, with our primary clinic in Dover, DE and satellite locations extending our reach statewide.
Adaptive Contrast Oxygen Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery
What Is Adaptive Contrast Oxygen Therapy?
ACOT is a structured oxygen delivery protocol that alternates between higher and lower oxygen concentrations in a controlled, rhythmic sequence. This contrast pattern is designed to stimulate the brain's vascular and metabolic systems, encouraging improved oxygen uptake and circulation in areas affected by injury. Unlike standard oxygen supplementation, the adaptive contrast approach creates a physiological challenge that prompts a more active neurological response.
The therapy is non-invasive, requires no sedation, and is administered in a clinical setting under direct supervision. Sessions are typically brief and well-tolerated, even by patients managing post-concussion symptoms such as headaches, light sensitivity, and cognitive fatigue.
How ACOT Supports TBI and Concussion Recovery
Traumatic brain injuries disrupt the brain's ability to regulate blood flow and metabolic function, two processes that are essential for healing. Research into oxygen-based therapies for brain injury has grown significantly, with studies suggesting that targeted oxygen protocols can support neurological recovery by improving cerebral perfusion and reducing inflammation in injured tissue.
At Optimus, ACOT is not offered as a standalone treatment. It is integrated into a broader functional rehabilitation plan that may include neuropsychological evaluation, functional neurological rehabilitation, and electrodiagnostic testing. This coordinated approach ensures that every element of a patient's recovery is documented, connected, and clinically coherent.
Who Is a Candidate for ACOT at Optimus?
ACOT is appropriate for patients whose TBI or concussion has not resolved on its own following standard rest and initial medical care. It is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing post-concussion syndrome; a condition in which symptoms persist weeks or months beyond the initial injury.
Patients who may benefit include:
- Adults diagnosed with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury following an auto accident
- Patients experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms including brain fog, headaches, sleep disruption, and mood changes
- Individuals who were cleared by the ER but continue to experience neurological symptoms
- Workers' compensation patients with documented work-related head injuries
- Patients already enrolled in a TBI evaluation or concussion treatment program at Optimus
Why ACOT Is Offered Here and Not Everywhere
Most chiropractic and rehabilitation practices do not offer ACOT because they do not specialize in brain injury. Optimus is built around a different model: every service we provide exists to support patients with personal injury and work injury diagnoses, and TBI is a central part of that focus.
Dr. Robert Buckley, D.C., DACRB, brings more than 35 years of clinical experience and a Diplomate in Functional Rehabilitation to every treatment plan. Dr. Anthony Doran, Psy.D., a nationally recognized neuropsychologist available via telehealth, provides the neuropsychological layer that most injury practices cannot offer. ACOT fits within this structure because it addresses the neurological and vascular dimensions of TBI that chiropractic and physical rehabilitation alone do not reach.
ACOT Within the Optimus One-Stop Treatment Model
One of the most significant problems in post-accident TBI care is fragmentation. Patients are sent from the ER to a primary care physician, then referred to a neurologist, then to a psychologist, and then somewhere else for rehabilitation, with each provider working from incomplete information about what the others are doing. Documentation gaps in that chain can seriously weaken a personal injury claim.
At Optimus, chiropractic care, TBI evaluation, neuropsychological testing, ACOT, functional rehabilitation, and EMG/NCV testing are all coordinated under one provider umbrella. Every treatment decision is documented in a format structured for personal injury litigation. Attorneys and case managers working with our patients receive records that tell a complete, clinically consistent story from first visit through discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adaptive Contrast Oxygen Therapy
What is adaptive contrast oxygen therapy for traumatic brain injury?
Adaptive contrast oxygen therapy (ACOT) is a non-invasive protocol that alternates oxygen concentrations in a controlled sequence to stimulate vascular and metabolic function in the brain. It is used as part of a comprehensive TBI recovery program to support areas of the brain affected by injury-related disruption in blood flow and oxygen delivery.Is ACOT the same as hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
No. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) uses a pressurized chamber to deliver 100% oxygen. ACOT works differently: it uses alternating oxygen concentrations at normal atmospheric pressure to create a contrast effect that prompts a neurological response. ACOT does not require a hyperbaric chamber and is administered in a standard clinical setting.How many ACOT sessions are typically needed for concussion recovery?
The number of sessions varies based on injury severity, symptom duration, and how ACOT fits within the patient's broader treatment plan. At Optimus, ACOT is prescribed as part of an individualized rehabilitation protocol. Your provider will establish a session schedule based on your specific clinical presentation and recovery goals.Can ACOT help with post-concussion syndrome symptoms like brain fog and headaches?
ACOT is specifically used for patients experiencing persistent post-concussion symptoms, including cognitive fog, chronic headaches, fatigue, and sleep disruption. By targeting the vascular and metabolic factors that contribute to these symptoms, ACOT supports the neurological recovery process when standard rest and initial treatment have not resolved symptoms on their own.Is adaptive contrast oxygen therapy covered by insurance after a car accident?
Coverage depends on your specific insurance carrier and the documentation supporting medical necessity. Because Optimus specializes exclusively in personal injury cases, our clinical records are structured to support insurance and legal claims. We work with patients and their attorneys to ensure that all treatment, including ACOT, is documented in a way that supports reimbursement and case value.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Most patients can be seen within 24–48 hours of their first call. The sooner your injuries are evaluated and documented, the stronger your path forward — medically and legally.