Overview
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing enriched oxygen in a pressurized chamber, significantly increasing oxygen levels in the blood. Originally developed for treating decompression sickness from scuba diving, HBOT is now used for a variety of conditions, including:
- serious infections
- air embolisms
- chronic wounds like those caused by diabetes or radiation
Inside a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, the air pressure is raised to two or three times the normal atmospheric pressure. This increased pressure allows your lungs to take in significantly more oxygen than would be possible under regular conditions, even when breathing pure oxygen.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps fight bacteria and stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells, supporting the body’s natural healing process.
Why it's done
Your body’s tissues rely on adequate oxygen to function properly, and when tissue is injured, it needs even more oxygen for healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood, helping injured tissues recover. With repeated sessions, the temporarily elevated oxygen levels can promote sustained improvement in tissue oxygenation, even after therapy ends. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. Your healthcare provider may recommend this therapy for specific conditions, including:
- Burns
- Crushing injuries
- Nonhealing wounds (e.g., diabetic ulcers)
- Radiation injuries
- At-risk skin grafts
- Brain and cognitive recovery
- Cellular repair
- Accelerated recovery
- Stroke support
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Post-surgical healing
How you prepare
Before your first treatment, our staff will review your medical history and current condition to ensure you receive the most personalized care. It is generally recommended to eat before your treatment, and in some cases, we may require it based on your specific condition. This will be discussed with you during your initial consultation.
For your safety, items like lighters and battery-powered devices that generate heat are prohibited in the hyperbaric chamber. You may also need to remove any petroleum-based hair and skin care products, as they pose a fire risk. Your healthcare team will guide you on how to prepare properly for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What you can expect
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Patient in our soft chamber hyperbaric oxygen chamber
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the air pressure in the chamber is increased to about 2 to 3 times higher than normal. This heightened pressure may cause a temporary feeling of fullness in your ears, similar to what you might experience on an airplane or at high altitude. Yawning or swallowing can help relieve this sensation.
The therapy session typically lasts around 90 minutes, and our staff will closely monitor both you and the therapy unit throughout the treatment to ensure your safety and comfort.
After hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Staff will check you after your session. A team member may look in your ears and take your blood pressure and pulse. Once the team decides you are ready, you can get dressed and leave.
It’s common to feel somewhat tired or hungry after a session. However, hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not restrict your ability to continue with normal activities.
Results
After treatment, many patients report improved mental clarity and energy levels. Those experiencing pain from swelling or nerve impingement often notice significant relief, along with increased strength and enhanced range of motion.
To gain the full benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, multiple sessions are usually necessary, with the number of treatments depending on your specific medical condition. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other therapies and medications tailored to your unique needs.
Frequently asked questions
We have the information you need about our HBOT treatment and the common questions we answer for our patients.
Hyperbaric therapy used to be an uncomfortable experience due to small chambers that felt more like coffins than medical treatments. However, today’s HBOT technology has advanced significantly, making it a relaxing and enjoyable experience. At The James Clinic, we are committed to providing a comfortable and private setting for your HBOT sessions.
During your treatment, you’ll be in a sitting-up soft chamber where you can relax and view your surroundings at all times. You’ll want to wear comfortable clothing and we have pillows and blankets as the atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels gradually increase. The treatment is painless, though you may experience a sensation of pressure in your ears, similar to the feeling when an airplane descends. Each session lasts about one and a half to two hours, during which you can sleep, watch TV, listen to music, or simply relax. Our team monitors your entire procedure, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience.
HBOT is used for a wide range of health benefits, but the off-label applications that we use at James Clinic are not typically covered by insurance. While insurance tightly controls and restricts eligibility for coverage, you may have options through your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to manage costs. We recommend consulting your plan administrator to determine if you can submit your receipts for reimbursement under these accounts.