What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a therapy in which an individual typically breathes in 100% oxygen (other percentages are available) via a mask and is placed under higher pressures than normal atmospheric pressure. This leads to increased levels of oxygen in the blood and tissues.
Hyperbaric oxygen has been used to treat those with diving injuries for a long time, however, more recent research is showing increased applications including for wellness and health and recovery applications.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has multiple benefits. These include:
- Helping reduce inflammation
- Increasing blood flow to ischaemic or damaged areas
- Stimulates the development of new blood vessels
- Stimulating collagen synthesis helps bone and cartilage recover
- Increases the release of stem cells which help in the recovery and healing of tissues
- Infection-fighting white blood cells also become more effective in the hyper-oxygenated (oxygen-rich) environment.
Reduces Side Effects
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help reduce swelling and pain. It has been indicated for use post-surgery, post-injury and post-radiotherapy used for cancer treatment. It helps reduce swelling and inflammation, supports tissue healing and speeds up recovery.
Reduces Swelling and Inflammation
Swelling and pain is a sign of the body’s inflammatory process. One of the actions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is to supply extra oxygen to reduce inflammation, and aid in the repair of injuries which can help to bring down swelling.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has also been shown to improve the function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts (cells found within the bone). These cells play an essential part in healing after a bone fracture with a faster return to normal bone health.
Boost Immune System Function
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases immune system function through increased white blood cell (infection-fighting cells) production. In addition, the increased oxygen levels in blood generate free radicals that directly kill bacteria (bacteriocidal) or slow their growth (bacteriostatic). The free radicals directly damage the outer lining of bacteria and make the environment inhospitable for bacteria.
Increases the Ability of White Blood Cells
In the presence of raised oxygen levels, white blood cells (infection-fighting cells) are more active in fighting infections, whilst in areas deficient in oxygen the function of white blood cells is diminished resulting in poorer function of the immune system.
Periods of high oxygen levels in the tissues have been shown to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics, helping to resolve infections quickly.
Increases the Release of Stem Cells
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases the production of nitric oxide within tissues which leads to increased proliferation (number) and activity of stem cells within the body. Stem cells are important for regeneration and recovery. It also promotes angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels)
Aid in Athletic Performance and Recovery
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps to provide extra oxygen for cell mitochondria, the engines of all cells in the body. This additional energy can be used by the body to help dampen down inflammation and aid recovery, in addition to providing oxygen to tissues depleted of oxygen quickening their recovery.
Improves TBI Symptoms
Various studies have examined the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Studies have shown factors such as reduced cell death, reduced brain swelling, reduced inflammation, increased oxygenation of brain tissue, new blood vessel development and improvement in the function of nerves within the brain tissue, brain remodelling and improved cognitive function.
Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy have side effects?
Hyperbaric oxygen is a very safe treatment. Pressure changes can lead to sinus and ear discomfort, which can be managed by adjusting the pressure. Other side effects may include myopia, cataracts, injury to the heart and lungs, fatigue, central nervous system irritation, confinement anxiety and low blood sugars. It is best to consult with a suitable healthcare professional before undertaking hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What conditions does hyperbaric oxygen therapy treat?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be used for general wellness, recovery from injury, infection and fatigue as well as optimising performance.
HBOT can be used in the management of body inflammation such as that which is seen in long covid, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease as well as other inflammatory medical conditions.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy good for you?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a very safe therapy that can support the optimisation of health and performance. It helps with the healing and recovery of tissues as well as being a relaxing environment to enjoy your treatment.
It can help improve energy levels, improve mental clarity, reduce pain and encourage healing.
What conditions does hyperbaric oxygen therapy treat?
HBOT is indicated for the following conditions:
- Air or gas embolism
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas gangrene
- Crush injury, compartment syndrome and other acute traumatic ischemias
- Decompression sickness
- Healing problem wounds
- Central retinal artery occlusion
- Severe anaemia
- Intracranial abscess
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
- Osteomyelitis (refractory)
- Delayed radiation injury
- Compromised grafts and flaps
- Acute thermal burn injury
- Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
- Fertility
There is more evidence emerging for its use in well-being, inflammatory medical conditions, chronic injuries, neurological deterioration, wound healing, mental health and many more.
How should patients prepare for treatment?
Before coming for treatment, you should ensure that you have had something to eat, this ideally should be something healthy, and wear natural fibres e.g. cotton, no static-causing clothing such as shell suits and remove all metal jewellery and accessories. Individuals should not have any temperatures or be suffering from any severe sinus congestion as this may make pressure equalisation very uncomfortable.
Common Q&A about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, promoting healing by enhancing tissue repair and fighting infection.
In an HBOT chamber, the air pressure is increased up to three times higher than normal. This allows your lungs to gather more oxygen, which is then carried through the bloodstream to help heal damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
HBOT is commonly used to treat conditions like decompression sickness (from diving), chronic wounds (like diabetic ulcers), carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation injuries, and severe infections such as gangrene. Some also use it for off-label treatments like stroke recovery or traumatic brain injury.
Generally, HBOT is considered safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks, such as ear pain, sinus issues, and in rare cases, oxygen toxicity or lung damage. Always consult a healthcare provider before undergoing HBOT.
A typical session lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Multiple sessions are often required, with some treatment plans involving 20-40 sessions over several weeks.
During the treatment, you may experience a feeling similar to the pressure changes when flying in an airplane or diving underwater. You might need to “pop” your ears to equalize the pressure. Otherwise, the process is generally comfortable.
HBOT is generally safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or those who have had recent ear surgery or infections, should avoid HBOT. Always consult a doctor to assess your eligibility.
Most patients tolerate HBOT well, but some side effects can occur, such as ear discomfort, sinus congestion, or mild fatigue. In rare cases, more severe side effects like oxygen toxicity or lung damage can occur, but these are uncommon.
For certain conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chronic non-healing wounds, HBOT is often covered by insurance. However, off-label uses like anti-aging or cognitive enhancement may not be covered. Check with your provider for details.
The number of sessions depends on the medical condition being treated. For chronic wounds or infections, 20-40 sessions may be recommended, while acute conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning may require fewer treatments. Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan to your needs.