Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Several groups and conditions are not suitable for hyperbaric chamber treatment. People who can not use a hyperbaric chamber include:

• Individuals with Untreated Pneumothorax. Increased pressure could worsen the air leak, potentially leading to a life-threatening situation by exacerbating lung collapse.

• People with Ear and Sinus Issues. The pressure changes can cause severe pain or damage due to the inability to equalize pressure effectively, leading to potential barotrauma in blocked airways.

• Patients with Severe Lung Diseases. High oxygen levels can lead to oxygen toxicity, exacerbating conditions like emphysema and potentially causing a pneumothorax in those with significant lung conditions.

• Individuals with Certain Heart Conditions. Increased oxygen levels might overload the heart, especially in cases with compromised heart pumping ability, leading to acute heart failure or cardiovascular complications.

• People with a History of Seizures. High oxygen concentration can increase the risk of a seizure due to oxygen toxicity affecting the central nervous system.

• Pregnant Women. The lack of research on HBOT’s safety for the developing fetus leads to a cautious approach due to potential risks associated with increased pressure and oxygen levels.

• People with Certain Types of Infections. The therapy could worsen certain types of infection or interfere with the body’s immune response, especially with active anaerobic bacterial infections.

• Individuals on Certain Chemotherapy Drugs. Drugs like doxorubicin and cisplatin can become more toxic in combination with high oxygen levels, posing a risk during treatment.

• People with Claustrophobia. The confined space of a hyperbaric chamber may cause anxiety or panic attacks in those with severe claustrophobia.

Increased Oxygen Levels: Under increased atmospheric pressure, the lungs can gather more oxygen than they would at normal air pressure. This oxygen is dissolved into the blood plasma, which then carries it to all body tissues, including areas where circulation is diminished or blocked.  

Pressure: The chamber is pressurized to levels higher than sea-level pressure. This pressure helps to push oxygen deep into the tissues.

We are always empathetic to people who deal with claustrophobia. A large majority of clients come in with fear of claustrophobia, but we have yet to have a client not be able to use the chamber because of this issue. The chamber has plenty of room and a large window that you can see through. Our clients have control of decompressing the chamber at any time they choose, and we will always proceed at our customer’s pace, whatever that is.

The sensation you will feel inside the chamber is very similar to descending on an airplane. You will feel pressure in the inner ear and the need to equalize. You can equalize your ears by yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or using Valsalva techniques. Your HBOT attendant will be cognizant of making sure you have strategies, and you are comfortable equalizing under pressure.

Insurance rarely pays for HBOT, but many health savings accounts (HSA’s) do.

We have high quality hardshell hyperbaric chambers that can reach up to 1.5ATA.

You can receive benefits from as little as one session. However, HBOT is a cumulative effect treatment, so the most powerful results happen with a course of care. Your Recovery Specialist will help design a program custom to your needs.