What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and How Does it Work?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an FDA and Medicare approved modality that is a safe and non-invasive treatment in which a person breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. At sea level (1 Atmosphere or 1 ATA), we breathe approximately 21% oxygen. Breathing 100% oxygen at increased pressure enables the body to absorb (and utilize) much higher levels of oxygen enhancing the body’s natural healing process and ability to fight infection.

HBOT to patient at Charlottesville Hyperbarics

Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy include:

Improved Immune Function Antiviral/Antibacterial

Boosts white blood cell counts. White blood cells help fight and prevent disease by making antibodies that attack bacteria and toxins, helping to destroy infected or cancerous cells, and identifying and eliminating pathogens.

Accelerated Tissue Healing

Oxygen is our most essential nutrient, crucial for proper and efficient healing of most injuries. Hyperbaric therapy significantly increases oxygenation of the body’s tissues, helping your body to heal itself in profound ways.

Increased Stem Cell Production

Stem cells replace specialized cells in your body that are damaged or lost. By increasing stem cell production by over 800%, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can vastly accelerate healing.

Increased Blood Flow

Increase blood flow and circulation through new blood vessel growth via a process called angiogenesis. Blood flow is crucial for healing and for optimal organ function.

Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation has been shown to be at the root of most chronic disease. Oxygen under pressure activates genes that reduce inflammation and promote profound healing.

Reduce Pain

By increasing oxygenation of the body’s tissues, increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can greatly reduce pain and support healing.

Conditions Treated by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Include:

FDA Approved Conditions
  • Diabetic wounds
  • Crush injury
  • Necrotizing soft tissue infection
  • Compromised skin grafts
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Nitrogen narcosis (decompression sickness)
  • Refractory osteomyelitis
  • Radiation injury
  • Thermal Burns
  • Intracranial abscess
  • Exceptional blood loss (anemia)
  • Gas gangrene
  • Gas embolism
Other Conditions Supported by the International Hyperbaric Association:
  • Antiviral/Antibacterial
  • Autism
  • Athletic injury
  • Cellular regeneration
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Cancer
  • Concussion
  • Enhanced Immune Function
  • Irritable bowel disease
  • Lyme disease
  • Macular degeneration (wet)
  • Migraines
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuropathies
  • Post traumatic stress (PTSD)
  • Rheumatism
  • Scleroderma
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Ulcerative colitis

Other Frequently Asked Questions:

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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Chamber Cleaning Procedures

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Why Isn’t Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy More Prevalent?

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Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FDA Approved?

HOBT Studies at Charlottesville Hyperbarics

Are There Studies About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Machins at Charlottesville Hyperbarics

Does My Insurance Cover Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Patient with Therapiest Charlottesville Hyperbarics

How Do I Relieve Ear Pressure During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treatment?