In very short and simple terms, Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment where you relax in a pressurized chamber while breathing air or enriched oxygen. The increased pressure allows your blood to carry much more oxygen than normal, helping oxygen reach injured or inflamed tissues so your body can heal, recover, and function more efficiently.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be beneficial for almost everyone because it supports the body’s natural healing processes at a cellular level. By increasing the amount of oxygen available to tissues, HBOT helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, enhance recovery, and support overall wellness across a wide range of conditions and health goals. There are very few contraindications, complications, or side effects, making it a safe and well-tolerated therapy for most individuals. Before beginning care, each patient is thoroughly evaluated to ensure HBOT is appropriate for them. From there, every patient receives an individualized care plan tailored to their specific needs, health history, and goals, ensuring treatment is both safe and effective rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is considered extremely safe, with one of the lowest risk profiles among medical and wellness therapies when it is properly administered and medically supervised. Unlike many pharmaceutical treatments, which often carry long lists of potential side effects, drug interactions, and systemic risks such as liver strain, gastrointestinal issues, dependency, or cardiovascular complications, HBOT works by using a natural substance the body already depends on: oxygen. Rather than introducing chemicals that must be metabolized and filtered by the body, HBOT enhances normal physiology by improving oxygen delivery at the cellular level.

The most commonly reported side effect is temporary, mild ear discomfort during the first few sessions, caused by pressure changes in the chamber, very similar to the sensation some people feel during airplane takeoff or landing. This sensation is typically brief, easily managed with simple pressure-equalizing techniques, and resolves quickly on its own as the body adapts. Serious complications are rare, especially when patients are properly screened beforehand and treatments are individualized. Overall, HBOT offers a non-invasive, drug-free, and low-risk option that stands in stark contrast to many pharmaceutical interventions, making it a safe and appealing choice for a wide range of patients.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a calming, comfortable, and surprisingly relaxing experience, even for people who feel nervous at first. During a session, you simply lie back and breathe normally while the chamber gently pressurizes, most people describe the sensation as similar to the mild ear pressure felt when flying, which quickly fades as your body adjusts. Once pressurized, many patients feel deeply relaxed, warm, and at ease, often using the time to nap, meditate, or watch a show. There is no pain, no needles, and no effort required on your part, just quiet time for your body to absorb oxygen and heal. Many patients are pleasantly surprised by how peaceful the experience feels and leave their sessions feeling refreshed, clear-headed, and calm.

When beginning hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), the number of treatment sessions a patient may need can vary widely based on their individual goals, health history, and how their body responds to care. A commonly referenced starting point is the 40-hour “golden protocol,” which reflects the amount of cumulative exposure shown to create meaningful cellular and neurological benefits for many people. That said, HBOT is not a one-size-fits-all therapy, some patients may benefit from shorter protocols focused on recovery or wellness, while others may require longer or ongoing care for more complex or chronic concerns. Each patient is thoroughly evaluated before starting, and treatment plans are customized and adjusted over time to align with progress, response, and personal health goals.