Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a biohacking treatment that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurised chamber. This innovative therapy enhances the body’s natural healing processes by increasing oxygen levels in the blood and tissues. HBOT has gained recognition for its wide-ranging benefits, from accelerating wound healing to improving overall health and wellbeing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - At a glance
Treatment Time
Around 1 hour
Recovery Time
Non-invasive treatment with minimal recovery time
Key Information
Involves inhaling pure oxygen in a controlled, high-pressure environment
Involves inhaling pure oxygen in a controlled, high-pressure environment
Treatment Overview
During HBOT, patients are placed in a sealed chamber where the atmospheric pressure is increased to 1.3 to 3 times normal levels. This pressurised environment allows the body to absorb more oxygen into the bloodstream, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. HBOT is a non-invasive treatment with applications in both medical and wellness contexts.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves inhaling pure oxygen in a controlled, high-pressure environment. By increasing the amount of oxygen available to tissues, HBOT stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation and enhances overall healing. Originally developed to treat conditions like decompression sickness in divers, it is now widely used for a variety of medical and wellness purposes.
What Are the Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
- Enhanced healing: Boosts the body's natural ability to repair wounds and tissues, making it effective for conditions like diabetic ulcers or post-surgical recovery.
- Reduced inflammation: HBOT decreases inflammation and swelling, aiding recovery from injuries and chronic conditions.
- Improved oxygen delivery: Increases the oxygen supply to tissues that may have been damaged or starved due to injury or illness.
- Boosted immunity: Stimulates white blood cell activity, improving the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Anti-ageing effects: Promotes cellular repair and regeneration, leading to healthier skin and overall rejuvenation.
- Enhanced athletic recovery: Supports muscle repair and reduces fatigue after intense exercise or injury.
- Neurological benefits: Shows promise in aiding recovery from traumatic brain injuries and improving cognitive function.
Why Do People Have Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
People seek HBOT for a variety of reasons, including:
- Accelerating recovery from surgery, injury or burns
- Supporting chronic wound healing, including post-surgical recovery
- Enhancing physical performance and recovery in athletes
- Reducing the symptoms of neurological conditions or brain injuries
- Improving skin health and combating signs of ageing
- Supporting general wellbeing and boosting energy levels
- Improved sleep
- Recovery from jet lag
Who is Suitable for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:
- Patients recovering from surgery or injuries
- Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, where healing is slower
- Athletes looking to speed up recovery
- Individuals seeking anti-ageing or wellness benefits such as improved immunity
- People recovering from certain neurological or inflammatory conditions
However, HBOT may not be suitable for individuals with untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), certain respiratory illnesses, or other specific medical conditions. All patients will receive a thorough consultation with our experts at the London Regenerative Institute before proceeding with any treatment to ensure the best possible outcomes.
What Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Involve?
During a session, you’ll sit or lie in a hyperbaric chamber while breathing pure oxygen. The chamber is pressurised to a level higher than atmospheric pressure, enhancing the amount of oxygen your lungs absorb. Sessions typically last for 60 minutes and multiple sessions may be recommended depending on your goals or condition.
What is the Recovery?
HBOT is a non-invasive treatment with minimal recovery time. Most individuals can return to their normal activities immediately after a session. Some people may experience mild fatigue as their body adjusts to the treatment, but this usually resolves quickly.
What Are the Risks of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
HBOT is generally safe, but like any medical treatment, it carries some risks. These may include:
- Temporary discomfort in the ears due to pressure changes
- Mild fatigue after sessions
- Rare complications such as oxygen toxicity or barotrauma
Our medical professionals at the London Regenerative Institute will monitor your treatment to ensure safety and minimise any risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I expect from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? Is there downtime?
- Are the results of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy permanent?
- What other treatments can help maintain my results?
- How should I prepare for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
- What aftercare is required for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is generally a relaxing experience. During a session, you’ll sit or lie comfortably inside a pressurised chamber while breathing pure oxygen. Many people find the process calming and even take the opportunity to read, listen to music, or simply rest. The only sensation you might notice is a slight pressure change in your ears, akin to what you feel during a flight or when diving underwater. This is easily managed by swallowing, yawning or performing the Valsalva manoeuvre. There’s no downtime required after a session, allowing you to resume your usual activities immediately.
The longevity of HBOT results varies depending on the purpose of treatment. For acute injuries or wound healing, the benefits can be long-lasting as tissues regenerate and recover. However, for chronic conditions or general wellness, periodic maintenance sessions may be recommended to sustain optimal results. A consultation with our experts at the London Regenerative Institute will help determine the best schedule for your specific needs.
HBOT works well in combination with other therapies. Physiotherapy can enhance musculoskeletal recovery, skincare treatments can support skin health and regeneration and nutrition plans can optimise your overall wellness. Discussing complementary treatments with your practitioner can help you maximise and maintain the benefits of HBOT.
Preparation for HBOT is simple. Avoid applying perfumes, lotions or makeup, as these substances can interfere with the treatment environment. Opt for loose, comfortable clothing and refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol beforehand, as these can affect oxygen absorption. Ensure you are well hydrated.
After a session, staying hydrated is crucial to support your body’s recovery and maximise oxygen distribution. Rest if needed, particularly if you feel any mild fatigue. Should you experience any unusual symptoms, such as prolonged ear discomfort or dizziness, seek advice from your healthcare provider.
