Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is emerging into the spotlight for its unique ability to support the body’s healing response in a manner that traditional therapies cannot. Providing pure oxygen under pressure within a sealed chamber, HBOT is an active agent in tissue repair, particularly where healing is slow or complicated.
The treatment is already used in diseases such as diabetic ulcers, radiation wounds, and chronic infections. With more clinical data to support its results, HBOT is no longer an esoteric treatment — it’s being viewed as a critical part of modern regenerative medicine.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
In hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a patient is placed in a sealed chamber and given 100% oxygen at a pressure that is higher than normal. Normal air contains about 21% oxygen, but HBOT delivers oxygen at pressures that are 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal. This causes oxygen to dissolve more easily into blood plasma, the fluid component of blood, rather than solely depending on red blood cells, allowing even areas of the body with poor blood circulation or tissue damage to receive an abundant oxygen supply to aid in recovery.
How Oxygen Supports Tissue Regeneration
- Oxygen Delivery to Damaged Tissue
The oxygen demand of injured tissue rises as a result of trauma, surgery, or long-term illness. However, damaged blood vessels frequently fail to provide the affected area with adequate oxygen. Even in areas with restricted blood flow, HBOT enables oxygen to reach tissues. Cells use this oxygen to perform vital tasks like eliminating waste, reducing inflammation, and repairing tissue structure.
- Formation of New Blood Vessels (Angiogenesis)
The impact of HBOT on tiny blood vessels is an additional advantage. The body receives a signal to form new capillaries in damaged tissues when oxygen pressure is high. The body can resume its healing process without exclusively depending on outside treatments thanks to these newly created vessels, which restore the affected area’s long-term blood supply.
- White Blood Cell Activity and Infection Control
White blood cells need oxygen to carry out their functions. HBOT increases oxygen levels in tissue, which strengthens the immune response. Additionally, the treatment inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, particularly those that flourish in low-oxygen environments, like those present in gangrene or chronic wounds.
Additionally, when conventional treatments are insufficient, HBOT can help the body fight off potentially fatal infections like necrotizing fasciitis and osteomyelitis (bone infection).
Clinical Conditions Treated with HBOT
The FDA has approved Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for several medical conditions related to tissue damage. These include:
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Chronic bone infections (refractory osteomyelitis)
- Delayed radiation injury (soft tissue and bone damage from cancer treatment)
- Gas gangrene
- Crush injuries
- Severe burns
- Non-healing skin grafts and flaps
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Decompression sickness
- Sudden hearing loss
- Air or gas embolism
- Acute arterial insufficiencies
- Central retinal artery occlusion
In particular, diabetic foot ulcers are among the most common chronic wounds treated with HBOT. According to wound care specialists, HBOT can improve healing rates from 40–50% to 70–75% over a 30–60 day period, especially when combined with other wound care strategies.
How HBOT Sessions Work
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions typically last 90 to 120 minutes. In a transparent chamber, patients lie down and breathe pure oxygen under pressure. Some people might compare this experience to diving underwater or flying in an airplane. It is quite normal for the ears to feel full or pop as the pressure increases.
Patients may unwind, listen to music, or even take a nap while receiving treatment. Afterward, it may take 10–15 minutes for the chamber to depressurize. Depending on the condition being treated, the majority of patients receive several sessions.
HBOT and Stem Cell Activation
According to recent research, HBOT can facilitate the bone marrow’s release of stem cells. These cells help to regenerate new tissue, skin, and blood vessels by moving through the bloodstream to injured tissues. Patients recuperating from major injuries, chronic illnesses, or surgeries may find this natural reaction particularly beneficial.
HBOT in Radiation Injuries
Radiation therapy can harm healthy tissue and is frequently used to treat cancer. Complications like soft tissue necrosis or osteoradionecrosis (bone death) can occur long after treatment is finished. By promoting cell repair and circulation, HBOT can lessen symptoms and aid in function restoration in these situations.
Who Should Avoid HBOT?
While HBOT is safe for most people, it is not recommended for individuals with:
- Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
- Uncontrolled high fever
- Certain types of lung disease
- History of seizures
- Claustrophobia or severe anxiety
- Inner ear problems
Patients are evaluated before starting therapy through physical exams, medical history reviews, and diagnostic imaging such as chest X-rays or ECGs. This ensures that the treatment is safe and appropriate.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, HBOT comes with possible side effects, though most are mild and temporary. These may include:
- Ear discomfort or barotrauma
- Sinus pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Temporary vision changes
- Fatigue or claustrophobia
Rare but serious complications include lung collapse or oxygen toxicity, especially when safety protocols are not followed. It’s important to undergo HBOT at a certified center under trained medical supervision.
Conclusion
Whether it’s helping a diabetic wound close, reducing post-surgery recovery time, or managing the after-effects of radiation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a promising option for patients looking for real, lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is dealing with a slow-healing wound or tissue damage, talk to your healthcare provider about whether HBOT may be a suitable part of your treatment plan. HBOT is showing promise as a treatment for complex and chronic wounds, radiation injuries, infections, and other conditions where normal healing is disrupted.