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Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Oxygen. Pressure. A carefully controlled environment.

HBOT is a specialized therapy in which a person breathes oxygen inside a chamber where the surrounding pressure is increased above normal atmospheric pressure. This combination changes how oxygen is delivered through the body. It has established medical applications for specific conditions, while researchers continue to investigate other potential uses.

At Healing Tree, the first question isn't “how many sessions can I take?” It's “is HBOT appropriate for me, and what can I realistically expect?”
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Understanding the therapy

What exactly happens during HBOT?

Under normal atmospheric conditions, most oxygen in the blood is carried by haemoglobin inside red blood cells. During HBOT, the person breathes a high concentration of oxygen while exposed to increased atmospheric pressure. Under these conditions, a greater amount of oxygen can dissolve into the plasma — the liquid portion of blood — increasing oxygen availability to tissues under specific circumstances.

The therapy is delivered inside a hyperbaric chamber under controlled conditions. The precise pressure, oxygen concentration, session duration and number of sessions depend on the indication and clinical protocol.

The science

Pressure changes oxygen delivery.

01

Pressure

The chamber increases the surrounding pressure above normal atmospheric pressure.

02

Oxygen

The patient breathes a high concentration of oxygen while under pressure.

Together, these conditions can substantially increase the oxygen dissolved in plasma. In specific medical situations, increased tissue oxygen availability can contribute to physiological processes involved in healing and recovery, including tissue oxygenation, wound healing, angiogenesis, aspects of inflammation, host defence against some infections, and recovery of compromised tissue. However, the biological effects of hyperoxia are complex, and more oxygen is not automatically better for every person or condition — which is why HBOT is best considered within an appropriate clinical context.

Established medical applications

HBOT isn't a treatment for everything.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is recognized for a defined group of medical indications. Depending on national and clinical guidelines, established indications include:

Certain types of decompression sickness

Arterial gas embolism

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Certain acute traumatic ischemias

Selected problem wounds, including specific diabetic foot wounds

Radiation tissue injury in appropriate circumstances

Certain compromised grafts or flaps

Selected severe infections under specific circumstances

Selected sudden sensorineural hearing loss, depending on timing and assessment

The exact indications, eligibility criteria and treatment protocols vary. HBOT should be considered based on the specific medical condition — not simply because oxygen is perceived as beneficial.

Wound healing

Why HBOT is sometimes used for difficult-to-heal wounds

Some wounds are difficult to heal because tissues do not receive enough oxygen — due to reduced blood supply, diabetes, infection, tissue damage, radiation injury or compromised surgical tissue. In appropriately selected patients, HBOT can increase tissue oxygen availability and may support certain biological processes involved in healing. It is not a standalone replacement for wound care, which may also involve infection control, blood-sugar management, vascular assessment, debridement, offloading, appropriate dressings, nutrition and specialist care.

Radiation injury

Treatment-related tissue damage

Radiation therapy can sometimes cause delayed tissue injury months or years later, affecting bone, soft tissue, bladder or other irradiated structures. HBOT has an established role in managing certain delayed radiation injuries by supporting oxygenation and tissue repair. Not every symptom following radiation treatment is radiation injury — persistent symptoms should be medically evaluated first.

A calm, focused approach to wellbeing

Separating interest from evidence

What about recovery, performance and “anti-ageing”?

HBOT is being studied for applications beyond established indications, including sports recovery, neurological conditions, cognitive function, healthy ageing, post-injury recovery and general wellbeing. Some research is interesting, but evidence is not equally strong across all applications — a therapy being investigated in a trial does not mean it has been proven to work for that purpose.

Claims that HBOT “reverses ageing,” “rejuvenates every cell” or “stops ageing” should be treated cautiously. At Healing Tree, we prefer to explain what research actually shows rather than turning preliminary findings into promises.

What you should know

Possible side effects.

HBOT is generally well tolerated when appropriately administered, but it is not completely risk-free.

Ear or sinus pressure

Pressure changes can cause discomfort or, rarely, injury if pressure isn't equalized properly.

Temporary vision changes

Some people experience temporary visual changes after repeated treatments.

Oxygen-related effects

High oxygen exposure can, in certain circumstances, cause oxygen toxicity.

Blood-sugar changes

People with diabetes may require attention to blood glucose around treatment.

Claustrophobia

Some people find enclosed chambers uncomfortable.

Rare serious complications

Uncommon but possible; risks depend on the individual and the treatment protocol.

HBOT is part of care, not a substitute for it

If you have a persistent unexplained symptom, a serious medical condition, a chronic wound, suspected infection, cancer, neurological symptoms, severe pain, sudden hearing loss or breathing difficulties, appropriate medical evaluation is essential. HBOT may be appropriate for specific indications, but should not become a reason to delay necessary medical care.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about HBOT

HBOT can be safely administered when appropriate protocols and screening are followed, but it has potential risks and is not suitable for everyone.

The treatment itself is generally not painful. Some people experience ear pressure during pressurization and decompression.

No. Medical history and the specific reason for treatment need to be considered before beginning.

HBOT is not a general cancer treatment and should never be presented as a cure. It may have specific roles in managing certain treatment-related tissue injuries under medical supervision.

No. HBOT should not be used to replace necessary medical diagnosis or treatment.

There is no universal number. The protocol depends on the indication, severity and clinical assessment.

Suitability depends on the indication, age, medical condition and ability to participate safely. Pediatric HBOT should be medically supervised.

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Ready to explore HBOT?

Start with an assessment.

You don't need to decide whether HBOT is right for you before speaking with us. Bring your questions and your medical information, and we'll help you understand whether it may be appropriate.

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The information on this page is intended for general educational purposes and does not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment. HBOT is appropriate for specific medical indications and is not a universal treatment for disease, ageing or general health concerns. Potential benefits, risks and suitability vary between individuals. Patients should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before undergoing HBOT and should not delay necessary medical evaluation or treatment based on information presented on this website.