“Hyperbaric” refers to pressure greater than normal atmospheric pressure. “Hyper” means increased; “baric” relates to pressure or weight.

Under normal atmospheric pressure, oxygen is carried almost entirely by red blood cells. In a hyperbaric chamber, the increased pressure forces oxygen to dissolve directly into blood plasma, the lymphatic system, and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — enabling it to penetrate areas where red blood cells cannot reach due to swelling, blockage, or poor circulation. This is the same principle as Henry’s Law of physics: increasing pressure forces gases to dissolve into surrounding fluids in proportion to the pressure applied.

Depending on the chamber pressure, the body can absorb up to 10–15 times (and in some settings up to 1,200%) more oxygen than at normal atmospheric pressure. This enhanced oxygen delivery reaches every cell in the body — including injured or impaired areas where circulation may be restricted.

Yes. HBOT is approved by both the FDA and the AMA and is generally very safe when performed in a properly equipped clinical setting. The most common side effect is mild ear or sinus discomfort caused by the change in pressure — similar to what you feel during airplane takeoff or when diving underwater. Patients are taught pressure-equalization techniques before treatment begins. Rare side effects include temporary vision changes. Serious complications such as oxygen toxicity are uncommon and are monitored by trained staff throughout treatment.

No. HBOT is non-invasive and painless. Most patients find it relaxing.

HBOT has been in clinical use for more than a century. It was originally developed to treat decompression sickness in Navy divers. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is the organization nationally and internationally recognized as the authority in making recommendations to the medical community and government agencies concerning HBOT. The term “dive,” still used today at many clinics, is derived from mid-20th century Navy diving trials.

Beyond the 14 FDA-approved indications, a growing body of peer-reviewed research supports HBOT for a wide range of off-label conditions. These uses are not FDA-approved but are supported by published scientific evidence and clinical experience at centers worldwide. Conditions include:

• Aging / Longevity / Anti-aging
• Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative conditions
• Anemia — Acute / Chronic
• Anxiety
• Anoxic / Hypoxic Disorders
• Arterial Insufficiency — Acute / Chronic
• Arthritis — Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Athletic Performance and Sports Injuries
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Avascular Necrosis
• Bell’s Palsy
• Bone Healing — Fracture Repair (Delayed / Non-Union), Bone Grafts
• Brain Health and Cognitive Function
• Cancer (adjunct support; HBOT does not increase metastasis)
• Candida and Fungal Infections
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning — Chronic
• Cellular Energy / Mitochondrial Disorders
• Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
• Cerebral Edema
• Cerebral Palsy
• Chemical Poisoning
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome / Fatigue
• Chronic Infection / Mycoplasma
• Chronic Pain
• Colitis / Crohn’s Disease / GI Tract Disorders
• Compartmental Syndrome
• Concussion / Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• COVID-19 / Post-COVID / Long COVID
• Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Down Syndrome
• Drug and Alcohol Recovery
• Eczema / Scleroderma / Skin Disorders
• Endometriosis
• Epilepsy Due to Hypoxia
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Fragile X Syndrome
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Hashimoto’s Disease / Thyroid Disorders
• Hearing Loss / Meniere’s Disease
• Heart Disease / Cardiac Conditions
• High Blood Pressure
• HIV Infection
• Inflammation (systemic / chronic)
• Liver Disease
• Lupus
• Lyme Disease
• Macular Degeneration / Retinitis Pigmentosa / Vision Disorders
• Migraine Headaches
• Mold Toxicity
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Near Drowning / Near Hanging
• Neuro-Vascular Compression
• Obesity
• Oral Surgery / Teeth and Gums
• Organ Transplant Support
• Osteoporosis
• Overactive Bladder
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Post-Surgical Instability / Pre- and Post-Surgery Recovery
• Prosthesis Rehabilitative Care
• PTSD
• Pulmonary Fibrosis
• RSD / CRPS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
• Sacroiliac Syndrome / Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)
• Silicone-Induced Disorders
• Soft Tissue and Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Spider Bite
• Stem Cell Enhancement
• Stroke (acute and chronic)
• Surgery — Plastic / Reconstructive
• Tissue and Nerve Regeneration
• Ulcers — Gastric / Duodenal
• Vegetative Coma
• Wound Healing (non-diabetic)

Yes. This is one of the most compelling and research-supported applications of HBOT. Multiple peer-reviewed studies — including a landmark 2024 randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry — have demonstrated significant improvement in PTSD symptoms, cognitive function, and quality of life in veterans treated with HBOT. Israel’s Ministry of Defense has gone further than any other government worldwide by funding HBOT treatment for veterans and October 7th survivors with PTSD. As of 2025, Israel’s Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research was treating approximately 350 patients per day. Congressional advocacy to expand VA access to HBOT continues.

Research demonstrates that HBOT does not increase cancer metastasis and may in fact inhibit tumor growth while enhancing quality of life during cancer treatment. HBOT is the only treatment known to repair radiation-damaged tissue, making it especially valuable for patients who have undergone radiation therapy.

Yes. HBOT has been used effectively in children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder, and other neurological disorders. Each child is assessed individually before beginning treatment.

HBOT is based on Henry’s Law of physics: when a gas is under pressure, more of it dissolves into surrounding liquids. At increased atmospheric pressure, oxygen dissolves into blood plasma, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid — not just red blood cells — enabling delivery to injured or hypoxic tissues regardless of compromised circulation.

Hard-shell chambers reach higher pressures and deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen directly to the patient, providing superior therapeutic benefits. Soft-shell (mild HBOT) chambers operate at lower pressures (typically 1.3–1.5 ATA) and use an oxygen concentrator, resulting in lower oxygen saturation. Hard-shell chambers are preferred for medical-grade treatments requiring higher pressures and more precise oxygen delivery.

Most patients find HBOT sessions comfortable and relaxing. A typical session progresses as follows:

• Compression (10–15 minutes): The chamber pressurizes with a soft hissing sound. You may feel warmth and pressure in your ears, similar to airplane takeoff or descending underwater. Staff walk you through ear-clearing techniques.
• At pressure (60–90 minutes): You breathe pure oxygen through a mask or hood. You can watch TV, listen to music, read, sleep, or meditate. Many patients report a sense of calm or mental clarity.
• Decompression (10–15 minutes): The chamber gradually returns to normal pressure. You may feel mild ear pressure changes again, and staff will guide you through equalization.

Depending on the facility, patients can watch TV or movies, listen to music or audiobooks, read (paper materials without newsprint are typically allowed), meditate, or rest. You are always in communication with staff via intercom.

For safety reasons, the following items are typically prohibited:

• Cigarettes, matches, or lighters (fire hazard with pure oxygen)
• Electronics and battery-operated devices
• Hair products, perfume, deodorant, makeup, or lotions
• Hearing aids, dentures, and hard contact lenses
• Newspapers or certain paper products

Your technician will review the complete list before your first session.

Patients change into 100% cotton scrubs provided by the clinic. Cotton is required to eliminate static electricity risk in an oxygen-rich environment. No synthetic fabrics, underwire bras, or clothing with metal components are permitted inside the chamber.

Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes at pressure, plus 10–15 minutes each for compression and decompression. Total time in the facility per visit is generally 80–120 minutes. Some clinics differentiate by condition: 60-minute sessions for brain-related conditions (TBI, PTSD, stroke) and 90-to-120-minute sessions for body-related conditions (wounds, infections, orthopedic injury).

For active treatment of a medical condition, sessions are typically scheduled once daily, Monday through Friday (or Monday through Saturday at some facilities). For wellness and performance goals, a few sessions per week is a common starting point.

Yes. The FDA classifies oxygen as a drug, and HBOT requires a prescription from a licensed physician (MD, DO, or DDS). You will undergo a medical intake review before your first treatment at clinical facilities.

• Eat a meal beforehand — HBOT can affect blood glucose levels, and arriving well-fed helps maintain stable blood sugar.
• Shower and remove all lotions, makeup, hairspray, perfume, and deodorant before arriving.
• Shampoo hair — do not use gels, hairspray, or hair products.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment (you will change into clinic-provided cotton scrubs).
• Remove hard contact lenses, dentures, and hearing aids.
• Leave valuables at home.

In most cases, yes. However, some formerly used chemotherapy drugs require discontinuation for one week before and during HBOT. Always inform your provider of all current medications before beginning treatment.

Absolute contraindications include:

• Current collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Untreated tension pneumothorax

Conditions requiring caution or individualized assessment:

• Emphysema with CO2 retention
• Uncontrolled high fever
• Active ear or sinus infections (treatment temporarily deferred until resolved)
• Certain chemotherapy agents

Each patient is assessed individually. Most conditions are manageable with appropriate protocols.

Yes — HBOT is in fact an FDA-approved treatment for diabetic foot wounds and ulcers. Diabetic patients should eat before sessions since HBOT accelerates glucose metabolism. Blood sugar monitoring before and after sessions is standard practice at most facilities.