Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Recover, Repair, Restore

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Recover, Repair, Restore

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is well-established as a medical treatment to help tissues heal from injuries and infections. Plus, there is a growing body of evidence that it can also assist with health through inflammation reduction, encouraging blood vessel growth, and helping fight infection.

The process involves sitting comfortably in a pressurised chamber and breathing pure oxygen. This pressurised, oxygen-rich environment allows your lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen than normal. This high dose of oxygen then travels around your body in the red blood cells and plasma.

When performed in a controlled environment by medical professionals – like those at the HealthScreen clinics in Sydney and Melbourne – hyperbaric oxygen therapy has the potential to improve many people’s health. Plus, it’s available on the Australian Medical Benefits Schedule for certain conditions.

Key takeaways

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing highly concentrated oxygen in a pressurised chamber
• HBOT is an established treatment for many medical conditions, including decompression sickness, selected wounds, and radiation injury
• Sessions are non-invasive, and many people find them relaxing
• Treatment suitability depends on your medical history, symptoms, and health goals

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work?

The air we breathe in our everyday lives contains around 21% oxygen. As we all know, oxygen is essential for our bodies to function

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing air that is 100% oxygen. The pressurised oxygen is two to three times that of normal air pressure. This pressurisation helps your lungs to gather and absorb more oxygen. As a result of this increased uptake, more oxygen dissolves into your blood, which transports it around your body to your tissues.

In the tissues of your body, oxygen provides energy to your cells. This enables them to function properly. By taking in more oxygen than normal via hyperbaric therapy, you provide extra energy to the cells. This is why the therapy is useful for conditions such as wound healing and infection.

Conditions treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy benefits a range of conditions where increasing oxygen supply to the tissues can help support physical recovery or improve health outcomes. ​​Its use also extends from emergencies to complex, slower-to-recover conditions that may require several sessions of therapy.

Emergency uses

In emergency medicine, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used where patients have been deprived of oxygen, and rapid, intensive delivery is critical. This includes instances of decompression sickness – known as “the bends” – when scuba divers ascend too quickly, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wound and tissue healing

In some forms of wounds, such as burns, non-healing diabetic foot ulcers, and compromised skin grafts, oxygen and blood flow to the damaged area can be impaired. HBOT can support the healing process in these cases.

Radiation

Some patients can develop tissue damage after receiving radiation therapy. And the damage may only develop several months or even years after the radiation program has finished. HBOT may be able to help repair this delayed damage.

Infections

Some infections can cause tissue damage or restrict the supply of oxygen to them. In these instances, doctors may use HBOT alongside antibiotics and, sometimes, surgery, as part of a broad treatment plan.

Conditions that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help treat

There is growing interest in how HBOT may support recovery, tissue health, and broader wellbeing applications. There is also ongoing research exploring its potential role in areas such as inflammation, circulation, and cellular repair. Early studies, including research examining telomere length and cognitive health in older adults at elevated dementia risk, have attracted attention in longevity medicine, although these remain developing fields of research.

Researchers are also continuing to explore whether HBOT may play a role in areas such as brain function, recovery, collagen production, and healthy ageing. However, again, the clinical efficacy of these applications remains an emerging area of study.

Who is hyperbaric oxygen therapy for?

Given the wide range of conditions HBOT may benefit, the reasons someone might explore this treatment can vary.

You might consider hyperbaric oxygen therapy if you:

• Have wounds that are recovering slowly
• Are managing tissue damage following radiation therapy
• Are dealing with a specific medically recognised indication, like those above
• Are seeking medically supervised support for recovery, resilience, or proactive health optimisation
• Are an athlete, executive, or high performer looking to prioritise recovery

Whether HBOT is a suitable treatment will depend on a range of factors. These include your health status, medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. That’s why a clinical assessment is a central part of the procedure.

If you’d like to learn more, request a call, and our client concierge team can guide you through your options.

Who should not have hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Although HBOT is suitable for many different uses, it’s not appropriate in every situation. Sometimes, other treatments should be prioritised first. In some instances, HBOT should be avoided or only undertaken after significant physician consultation.

For example, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not recommended if you have certain lung conditions, a recent ear injury, or surgery. Equally, avoid it if you have suffered from a collapsed lung or have a condition in which a collapsed lung is a risk. Such conditions include emphysema, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Plus, it’s worth remembering that hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often used in combination with other treatments to effect the best recovery. At HealthScreen, your physician will review your medical history, current symptoms, and health. They will then be able to determine whether HBOT is an appropriate option for you.

Before your treatment session

Preparation for a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session is simple. You do not have to change your eating habits or fast before the session. However, you should avoid smoking or drinking alcohol before your session. Wear comfortable cotton clothing that you can relax in.

When you arrive at one of our clinics, you will check in and then have a consultation with a clinician. They will review your medical history and current health status to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe for you. This is also an opportunity to discuss what you hope to get out of the therapy – so we can tailor the treatment to your goals. You can also ask any questions that you may have.

You may be asked questions about:

• Any current symptoms and treatment goals
• Any history of lung conditions, asthma, or breathing difficulties
• Recent ear problems, sinus issues, or ear surgery
• Whether you have ever experienced a collapsed lung
• Medications and supplements you are taking
• Recent illnesses, infections, or fever
• Previous surgery or ongoing medical conditions
• Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
• Smoking or vaping habits
• Claustrophobia or anxiety in enclosed spaces
• Any implanted medical devices

What happens during a session

Following your physician consultation, you will be briefed by a qualified technician.

Since hyperbaric oxygen therapy takes place in a pressurised, oxygen-rich environment, certain items are not permitted inside the chamber for safety reasons. We will provide detailed instructions before your appointment, but you may have to avoid:

• Lighters and electronic devices
• Perfumes, aftershave, hairspray, and aerosol products
• Make-up, lipstick, and oil-based skincare products
• Synthetic clothing, including nylon fabrics
• Jewellery, watches, and other accessories
• Wigs and hairpieces 
• Hearing aids

Once ready, you’ll enter the medical-grade hyperbaric chamber. There is a comfortable seat inside to sit in and a large window in the door. It looks like this.

When you are settled, the technician will close the door (don’t worry, there is a big window in it). Then they will start to pressurise the chamber.

Once the chamber is at pressure, you simply sit back, relax, and breathe normally. You could also read, if you wish. Most sessions will last between 60 and 90 minutes. The precise duration will depend on things like your health status and treatment goals. The technician will check on you throughout to ensure you’re feeling comfortable.

After the allotted time has elapsed, your technician will tell you that the chamber will begin to return to normal pressure. Again, due to the changing pressure, you may feel a slight discomfort in your ears.

Most patients feel very relaxed after a session and can resume their normal activities straight away. Some patients may feel slightly lightheaded, but after a brief period sitting down, return to normal. Your clinician will advise you about any follow-up care, future sessions, or additional recommendations based on your treatment plan.

What does HBOT feel like?

Most people find the experience of hyperbaric oxygen therapy relaxing. All you need to do is sit in the pressurised chamber and breathe as normal.

As the chamber comes up to pressure, you may feel a certain fullness in your ears – like you might experience during take-off or landing on a flight – but that typically dissipates quickly. Your physician will be able to guide you through simple techniques, such as swallowing or yawning, that can help to equalise the pressure in your ears comfortably.

Besides the benefits of breathing pure oxygen, the sessions can provide a period to rest and reflect.

What are the risks of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

When delivered in an appropriate medical setting like a HealthScreen clinic, HBOT is considered a very safe treatment. However, as with most medical procedures, there are potential side effects to be aware of.

Ear discomfort

The changing pressure inside the chamber is going to cause slight discomfort in the ears. Typically, it passes quickly; however, in rare instances, it can persist. Let your technician know if you cannot equalise your ears.

Sinus discomfort

Some people experience pressure or discomfort in the sinuses, particularly if they have congestion, allergies, or a recent cold.

Claustrophobia or anxiety

The hyperbaric chamber is an enclosed space. If you experience claustrophobia or anxiety when in such situations, you may feel a little uncomfortable. The chamber does have a large window in the front and two smaller portholes at the side. Your physician and technician can help you manage any feelings of discomfort.

Temporary vision changes

Some patients may experience vision changes, particularly after a few sessions. This could be that you feel a little short-sighted. Such effects are typically very mild and resolve themselves after the course of treatment has finished.

At HealthScreen, all HBOT sessions are conducted by experienced healthcare professionals. Every treatment begins with a thorough suitability assessment, and sessions are carefully monitored to prioritise patient safety, comfort, and individual care.

How to book HBOT at HealthScreen

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one of the treatments we offer as part of our longevity memberships. 

With a longevity membership, you pay a monthly fee and have access to ongoing health and wellbeing guidance and treatments. Depending on your program and goals, you could have access to HBOT for weekly or monthly sessions.

A personalised approach to hyperbaric oxygen therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used across a wide range of medical and recovery-focused settings. These range from supporting wound healing and tissue repair to assisting with certain infection-related conditions. Research is also continuing into its potential role in broader areas of recovery and resilience.

Although the therapy itself is straightforward, sitting comfortably in a pressurised chamber while breathing concentrated oxygen, HBOT is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Its suitability depends on your health status, medical history, and treatment goals. That’s why proper clinical assessment and supervision are essential.

At HealthScreen, we tailor hyperbaric oxygen therapy to your needs and goals. It is a structured, physician-led process, beginning with an in-depth consultation followed by careful preparation, professionally supervised therapy sessions, and ongoing follow-up.

Fill out our online form to get started.

FAQ

Who should avoid hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

HBOT is not for everyone. A medical assessment is an important part of the process. It will help determine whether HBOT is an appropriate treatment based on your individual health history and current condition(s). For example, HBOT may not be suitable if you have certain lung, ear, or sinus conditions.

Can I use an oxygen mask at home instead?

You won’t get the same benefits as you do with hyperbaric oxygen therapy. HBOT offers the controlled environment of a specialised pressurised chamber monitored by medical professionals. This enables your body to absorb higher levels of oxygen than you’d get with a mask at home.

Is HBOT considered safe?

Yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is considered very safe when administered under the supervision of trained medical professionals. At HealthScreen, you’ll undergo a full pre-treatment consultation to determine suitability, and you will be monitored throughout to ensure that you are safe and relaxed.

How many sessions do I need?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is rarely used as a one-off session. Instead, it’s delivered as a course of treatments. The precise number of treatments will depend on your condition, its severity, and your treatment goals. You’ll discuss this with your HealthScreen physician.

How soon will I notice any effects from HBOT?

The response to hyperbaric oxygen therapy varies from person to person. It will depend on the reason for treatment, your health, and the number of sessions completed. 

Some people report feeling more rested or refreshed after a session. For others, the benefits are more gradual and build over a course of treatments. Your HealthScreen physician will discuss what you can expect based on your individual plan.