Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment in which you breathe pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber, and it raises air pressure to two or three times normal levels. Under this pressure, your lungs take in more oxygen, and your blood carries it to tissues throughout the body. This is how doctors use hyperbaric therapy for several medical conditions:
Chronic Wound Healing
Some wounds stay open for months despite standard care. Doctors call these chronic wounds, and they typically involve poor blood flow to the area. Since damaged tissue receives little oxygen, the body struggles to rebuild skin and blood vessels. Examples include pressure sores, venous leg ulcers, and wounds from radiation treatment.
HBOT raises oxygen levels in the blood, and that oxygen reaches tissue with weak circulation. When oxygen levels rise, cells called fibroblasts produce more collagen for new tissue. Higher oxygen levels also help white blood cells fight bacteria. Over repeated sessions, oxygen supports the growth of new small blood vessels.
If you have an open wound, a wound care specialist may assess you. Hyperbaric therapy typically works alongside cleaning, dressings, and other standard treatments. Results vary between patients, and your care team will track the wound at each visit.
Diabetic Ulcer Treatment
Diabetes damages nerves and blood vessels in the feet over time. Since people with nerve damage may not feel small cuts, foot ulcers sometimes go unnoticed for weeks. Medicare covers HBOT for certain diabetic foot ulcers, and private insurers may follow similar rules. A typical treatment plan includes these elements:
- Repeated HBOT sessions
- Several sessions per week
- Ongoing blood sugar management
Accelerated Recovery
Surgeons sometimes use HBOT after procedures, and plastic surgeons use it for skin grafts and flaps. A graft needs a steady oxygen supply to survive. When a graft or flap shows signs of failing, HBOT may help keep more of the tissue alive. Doctors also use it for tissue damaged by past radiation therapy.
Some clinics offer HBOT for sports injuries, but major medical groups may not have approved it for routine sports recovery. Ask your doctor about current evidence before booking sessions. Insurance rarely covers HBOT for this use, so expect out-of-pocket costs.
Traumatic Injuries
Severe injuries crush tissue and cut off blood flow, and swelling adds pressure on nearby vessels. Low oxygen then threatens muscle and nerve tissue. Emergency teams sometimes add HBOT to surgical care when an injury involves crushed limbs or compartment syndrome. Doctors also use it for these related conditions:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas gangrene and other deep tissue infections
- Decompression sickness from diving
HBOT may accelerate healing by delivering concentrated oxygen directly to the bloodstream, which supports tissue repair. It’s a straightforward process. While the treatment is highly effective, it is typically reserved for critical cases where standard care alone may not su
Try Hyperbaric Therapy Sessions
HBOT treats a defined list of medical conditions. Each patient responds differently, and your doctor will review your health history first. Talk to a medical provider about your symptoms and insurance coverage. If you have a slow-healing wound or recent injury, visit or call a clinic to discuss a referral for hyperbaric sessions.
