Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an innovative healing treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process significantly increases the oxygen supply to your body’s cells, tissues, and organs, to facilitate healing and boost the immune system. HBOT is used to treat a range of conditions, from chronic wound care to enhancing recovery after illness or injury. If HBOT is part of your treatment plan, here are 7 crucial insights to ensure you’re fully prepared for your first HBOT appointment.
1. Shower and avoid fragrances
Arrive to your HBOT session freshly showered to ensure that no external substances interfere with the therapy’s safety or efficacy. Skincare products, perfumes, and even certain hair products can contain ingredients or even flammable substances that might react unfavorably in a pure oxygen environment.
2. Reschedule if you are sick
If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s best to reschedule your appointment. Conditions like a cold or the flu can make it difficult for you to equalize the pressure in your ears during the session and cause discomfort or, in very rare instances, ear injury. Your ears need to equalize pressure in the same way they do when you’re in an airplane or when scuba diving.
3. Remove all jewelry and faux hair pieces
Metal objects and certain synthetic materials can create static electricity and pose a risk in an oxygen-rich chamber. Removing jewelry and synthetic hair pieces like wigs or extensions before your session helps maintain a static-free environment for your safety and comfort. This also includes other personal items such as watches, piercings, and electronic devices.
4. Avoid tobacco products
Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which limits the amount of oxygen that can reach your tissues. HBOT’s effectiveness relies on your body’s ability to circulate oxygen-rich blood to tissues and organs. Abstain from using tobacco products throughout your treatment plan (you may have between 30-40 sessions over the course of 1-5 months) for optimal blood flow and maximized therapeutic benefits of the oxygen therapy.
“During HBOT, patients inhale 100% oxygen—far above the usual 21% found in normal air. This process boosts oxygen levels in the bloodstream to promote natural healing, improve circulation, fight infections, and encourage new tissue growth.”
—Dr. Dan Monti, integrative medicine doctor.
5. Avoid certain medications
Some medications, especially those that may affect blood flow or oxygenation levels, can interfere with the effectiveness of HBOT. These can include certain pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Be sure to discuss your current medications with your physician to determine if any adjustments are needed before your treatment.
6. Treatments last between 1-2 hours
Expect each HBOT session to last between 1-2 hours to allow for a gradual increase and decrease in pressure to ensure you receive the full therapeutic dose of oxygen. Your provider will give you an exact treatment time based on your needs. During this time, you’ll lie inside the chamber and be able to watch TV, relax, meditate, or fall asleep. You can communicate with the nurse via intercom at all times and you may also have a loved one in the room.
7. Many patients see results after the first session
A notable benefit of HBOT is its ability to reduce swelling and inflammation. This effect is due to HBOT’s ability to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues and reinvigorate the body’s healing processes. Many patients notice this improvement after their first session, alongside a sense of rejuvenation and increased energy.
About Dr. Dan Monti, integrative medicine doctor
Dr. Dan Monti is an integrative medicine doctor and neuroscientist who uses the synergistic benefits of Western medicine, ancient health principles, and the latest technologies to help his patients heal and thrive. Dr. Monti is the founder and CEO of the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Jefferson Health in Philadelphia & Villanova, PA. Our expert team of integrative health specialists offers research-driven diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments like HBOT to treat the root causes of what ails you.
To learn more about functional medicine or if you think you may benefit from HBOT, we invite you to contact the Marcus Institute for an assessment.
References »
Lam G, Fontaine R, Ross FL, Chiu ES. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Exploring the Clinical Evidence. Advances in Skin & Wound Care. 2017 Apr;30(4):181-190. doi: 10.1097/01.
Ortega MA, Fraile-Martinez O, García-Montero C, Callejón-Peláez E, Sáez MA, Álvarez-Mon MA, García-Honduvilla N, Monserrat J, Álvarez-Mon M, Bujan J, Canals ML. A General Overview on the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Applications, Mechanisms and Translational Opportunities. Medicina. 2021 Aug 24;57(9):864. doi: 10.3390/medicina57090864.
Jones MW, Cooper JS. Hyperbaric Therapy for Wound Healing. 2023 Jun 12. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 29083562.
Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Jia Y, Wang T, Meng D. Adverse effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine. 2023 May 18;10:1160774. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1160774.
