What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which allows your lungs to take in more oxygen than normal atmospheric conditions. This increased oxygen is carried by the bloodstream to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance the body’s natural healing processes .
At RevitaLife MD in Louisville, our medical-grade hyperbaric chamber is operated under clinical protocols, ensuring both safety and comfort for each session.
How HBOT Works
Under normal conditions, oxygen is primarily carried by red blood cells. Inside a hyperbaric chamber, atmospheric pressure is increased 1.5 — 3× above normal, allowing oxygen to dissolve directly into plasma and other body fluids. This means oxygen reaches areas with compromised circulation more effectively — a key reason HBOT is FDA-approved for certain wounds and injuries.
How Can Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Enhance Healing, Recovery, and Wellness?
The benefits of a hyperbaric chamber are widely recognized for enhancing healing, reducing inflammation, and increasing oxygen delivery to tissues. A hyperbaric oxygen chamber delivers oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure, significantly increasing oxygen levels in the bloodstream.
By breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) allows the body to absorb oxygen at levels higher than normal, promoting cell repair and recovery.
The FDA has approved HBOT for 13 medical conditions, however, many individuals turn to this therapy for off-label uses like athletic recovery, brain function, and immune support—though these applications remain under research.
Current Benefits of Hyperbaric Chambers (FDA Approved Medical Conditions for HBOT)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved HBOT for 13 medical conditions. These are supported by substantial clinical evidence and are the only conditions for which HBOT can be marketed as a medical treatment in the U.S.:
- Air and Gas Embolism – Removes trapped air bubbles to restore blood flow and prevent organ damage.
- Severe Anemia (when transfusions aren’t possible) – Supports oxygen delivery to tissues in critical cases.
- Severe Burns – Enhances healing, reduces swelling, and lowers infection risks.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – Removes CO faster than standard oxygen therapy, preventing brain and organ damage.
- Crush Injury – Reduces swelling and prevents tissue death.
- Decompression Sickness (“the bends”) – Dissolves nitrogen bubbles, relieving symptoms.
- Gas Gangrene – Stops bacterial growth and promotes healing.
- Sudden Hearing Loss – May restore hearing if treated early.
- Severe Skin & Bone Infections – Helps fight resistant infections.
- Radiation Injury – Promotes tissue repair after cancer treatments.
- Compromised Skin Grafts or Flaps – Increases tissue survival.
- Sudden Vision Loss in One Eye – May restore partial vision if treated promptly.
- Non-Healing Wounds (Diabetic Ulcers) – Improves healing and lowers amputation risk.
Potential Wellness & Recovery Benefits (Under Research)
Beyond its FDA-approved medical indications, many individuals explore HBOT as part of a broader wellness and recovery strategy. These uses are considered investigational and are not FDA-approved, but emerging research suggests promising physiological effects.
Cognitive Function & Brain Health
Studies suggest HBOT may support neuroplasticity, circulation, and oxygen delivery to the brain, potentially benefiting those seeking improved focus, memory, or post-concussion recovery.
Skin Health & Aesthetic Benefits
Hyperoxygenation may stimulate collagen production, improve hydration, and support skin rejuvenation — making HBOT a popular adjunct in aesthetic and regenerative programs.
Immune Support, Energy & Chronic Fatigue
HBOT’s ability to enhance tissue oxygenation and mitochondrial efficiency has led some individuals experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or lingering inflammatory symptoms (e.g., after infections such as long COVID, Lyme, or mold exposure) to explore it as a supportive therapy.
These applications remain under research and are not FDA-approved treatments for any condition .
Cancer Therapy Support (Adjunctive)
Laboratory and clinical studies are investigating HBOT’s ability to increase tumor oxygenation, which may help enhance responsiveness to radiation or chemotherapy. HBOT is not a cancer treatment, but may play a supportive role under medical supervision .
Try HBOT in Louisville for $97
Experience the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at RevitaLife MD Louisville.
👉 Introductory session: $97 — ideal for wellness, recovery, or simply exploring the experience in a medical-grade chamber.
Book Your Session Today → Book Here
Risks & Side Effects of HBOT
Most people tolerate HBOT well, but it’s important to understand potential effects:
Mild (Common):
- Ear pain or sinus pressure (similar to airplane travel)
- Temporary lightheadedness or fatigue
- Temporary vision changes
Rare but Serious:
- Oxygen toxicity (with prolonged exposure)
- Lung barotrauma
- Middle ear injuries
HBOT should always be administered under proper protocols to minimize risk .
📚 References
- Thom SR. Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127 Suppl 1:131S–141S.
- Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Indications, 14th Edition. 2019.
- Heyboer M et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: role in inflammation and wound healing. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2017.
- Hadanny A & Efrati S. Therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on brain function and structure. Neuropharmacology. 2020.
- Robbins T et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-COVID condition: case series and review. Front Med. 2023.
- Daruwalla J & Christophi C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for malignancy: a review. World J Surg. 2006.
Ready to discover how HBOT can support your recovery, energy, and wellness?
Book your introductory $97 session at RevitaLife MD Louisville today and experience the benefits of enhanced oxygenation in a safe, professional setting.
Schedule Now → https://www.revitalifemd.com/treatments/hyperbaric
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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Off-label applications should be undertaken only under appropriate supervision.
