HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment of the entire body that uses highly pressurized oxygen in a controlled environment called a hyperbaric chamber. “Hyper” means increased and “baric” refers to pressure; hence, HBOT treats the body with 100% oxygen at levels roughly two to three times greater than normal atmospheric pressures to increase the amount of oxygen your blood cells can carry.
Modern HBOT has been used for more than 70 years to improve healing in tissues deprived of oxygen, where a given patient is placed in a hyperbaric chamber, breathing 100% oxygen while exposed to elevated ambient pressures. This will dissolve oxygen into the plasma (the liquid portion of blood) and into cells, tissues, and fluids up to 10 times the normal concentration.
Why it's done
The goal of hyperbaric oxygen therapy is to get more oxygen to tissues damaged by disease, injury or other factors. In a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, the air pressure is increased 2 to 3 times higher than normal air pressure. The lungs can gather much more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.
The effects on the body include:
Removing trapped air bubbles.
Enhancing the growth of new blood vessels and tissues.
Supporting immune system activity.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat multiple conditions.
Lifesaving treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can save the lives of people who have:
Air bubbles in blood vessels.
Decompression sickness.
Carbon monoxide poisoning.
Serious trauma, such as a crushing injury, causing blocked blood flow.
Limb-saving treatment. The therapy can be an effective treatment for:
Infections of tissues or bone that cause tissue death.
Nonhealing wounds, such as a diabetic foot ulcer.
Tissue-saving treatment. The therapy can help with the healing of:
Skin grafts or skin flaps at risk of tissue death.
Tissue and skin grafts after burn injuries.
Tissue damage from radiation therapy.
Other treatments. The therapy also may be used to treat:
Puss-filled pockets in the brain called brain abscesses.
Low counts of red blood cells from serious blood loss.
Sudden hearing loss from an unknown cause.
Sudden vision loss from blocked blood flow to the retina.
Make it stand out.
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"Our studies show that HBOT can induce neuroplasticity and improve cognitive function even years after brain injury or stroke. The increase in oxygen concentration triggers regenerative processes that are otherwise dormant."
Dr. Shai Efrati, MD – Director, Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research
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"HBOT is one of the only non-invasive treatments that can significantly reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the cellular level, thereby enhancing tissue repair and mitochondrial function."
Dr. Edward Teller, PhD – Researcher in Aging and Cellular Biology
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"For patients suffering from chronic pain or inflammatory conditions, hyperbaric oxygen can reduce swelling and promote healing by improving circulation and oxygen delivery where it's most needed."
Dr. Karen Herbst, MD, PhD – Endocrinologist and Researcher
FAQs
Who should not use HBOT?
HBOT may not be suitable for individuals with certain lung conditions (e.g., untreated pneumothorax), active colds or sinus infections, or pregnant women.
Can I undergo HBOT if I have medical implants or devices?
Many medical devices and implants are safe for HBOT, but it’s essential to inform your provider about any medical history, devices, or implants before beginning treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated. Acute conditions may require fewer sessions, while chronic conditions might need 20–40 sessions or more. During your consultation, our providers will determine how many sessions you need.
What conditions can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy help with?
HBOT can aid in recovery from injuries, support post-surgical healing, reduce inflammation, and improve conditions like chronic fatigue, arthritis, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safe?
Yes, HBOT is a safe and non-invasive treatment when administered by trained professionals in a controlled environment.
How does HBOT enhance athletic recovery?
By increasing oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues, HBOT reduces inflammation, accelerates repair, and improves overall recovery time for athletes.
Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy improve brain health?
Studies show that HBOT may enhance cognitive function by promoting oxygenation and reducing oxidative stress in brain tissues.
What should I expect during an HBOT session?
During a session, you’ll relax in a pressurized chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes and are comfortable and quiet.
