HBOT

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or HBOT as it is commonly known is a non-invasive, painless therapy, which involves sitting in a chamber and breathing oxygen in a pressurised environment, it is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy used around the world for medical, wellness and sports-related concerns, to help support the body and mind.

Benefits of HBOT

  • Sports-related injuries: Athletes use hyperbaric chambers to recover more quickly from sprains, strains, and muscle fatigue, as the therapy promotes efficient healing and reduces downtime.
  • Non-healing wounds: has been shown to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis, which can aid in wound healing and tissue repair
  • Certain infections: Particularly severe or anaerobic infections, such as those caused by bacteria that thrive in low oxygen environments, can be combated with high-dose oxygen, strengthening the immune response and inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes.
  • Radiation injuries: Individuals who have experienced tissue damage due to radiation therapy can find relief, as hyperbaric oxygen helps regenerate healthy cells and lessen pain or inflammation.
  • 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.
  • Overall wellbeing: Those with chronic health concerns or seeking a general boost in wellness may benefit from the improved circulation, enhanced immune function, and increased energy that come with regular sessions.

How it works

Oxygen is vital to every cell in your body. It is required to produce energy, to help fight against infection, and is fundamental to growth, regeneration, and healing. Your body’s natural healing can’t take place without it. 

Scientists figured out years ago that a gas under pressure is more likely to dissolve into liquid.  

Henry’s Law of Respiration states: “The amount of oxygen dissolved in the body has long been known to be directly proportional to the pressure surrounding the body and the pressure of the air breathed.”

When under pressure, oxygen doesn’t only hook up to red blood cells (the “traditional” way oxygen is delivered to tissues), it also dissolves into the plasma.

This allows more oxygen to be absorbed into the tissues allowing the better healing and recovery. 

As we all go about our daily lives, the air we’re breathing is made up of nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%) and inert gases (1%).  The oxygen in the chamber is concentrated up to 95% therefore allowing more oxygen to be available to be dissolved into your body.  

This increase in pressure (up to 1.5 atmospheric pressure (ATA) 1ATA is air pressure at sea level, 2ATA would be twice the air pressure at sea level)  is scientifically proven to increase the body’s absorption of greater amounts of oxygen into the bloodstream.

The extra oxygen reacts with glucose in the body to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the principal molecule for storing and transferring energy in cells.

This stored energy can then be used to help improve overall health and vitality.

What happens during a HBOT session?

There are several stages during a typical therapy:

  • The first stage is compression in which the chamber is pressurised to the prescribed pressure
  • You may feel warm for a few minutes at the start of therapy
  • You may feel a slight pressure in your ears or sinuses during the session
  • The chamber is maintained at this pressure (depth) while you breathe in the oxygen for the length of your session
  • The chamber is then depressurised, and the therapy is finished

What to expect during your time in the chamber

During the session you will only need to remove your shoes, then you will step into the chamber through top and lay down to relax (there is enough space to sit up if you prefer), then the chamber will be zipped up ready for the session to begin. 

As HBOT is turned on, you will be given a mask which will instantly be delivering concentrated oxygen.  The pressure in the chamber will slowly rise, you will notice this by your ears starting to pop like on take-off or landing on an aeroplane and the walls in the chamber will press out.  

Now you just relax for the remaining time in the chamber.  At the end of the session you will go through a similar popping in your ears as the chamber pressure decreases again.  

Is it HBOT safe?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an extremely safe, non-invasive therapy, with very few rare potential side effects.  Side effects may include:

  • Ear for sinus discomfort, similar to after you have been on a plane
  • Fatigue or light headedness after the session
  • Low blood sugar for diabetics ( take in your glucose with you to avoid this)

Who should avoid using HBOT

  • Have a collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
  • Are pregnant, unless advised by a medical professional 
  • Have certain types of ear or sinus conditions that could be affected by pressure changes
  • Have history of ear surgery or injury or certain types of lung conditions (such as COPD)
  • Struggle equalising your ears during pressure changes
  • You are very claustrophobic 
  • Have an ongoing cold or respiratory infection
  • Are undergoing certain chemotherapy treatments that may interact with high oxygen levels