What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a treatment for a number of often serious conditions that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The pressurization allows for greater oxygen absorption in the body and hyperoxygenates the blood plasma in ways other treatments cannot. As your blood carries the oxygen throughout your body, it helps fight bacteria and stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing.
HBOT has been used successfully in medical settings for treating decompression sickness, serious infections, and wounds that haven’t healed. It also helps improve recovery for a wide range of conditions, from athletic injuries and Lyme disease to diabetic wounds and head trauma.
Delaware Hyperbarics combines the effectiveness of medical-grade technology with a spa’s comfort, care, and hospitality to offer more rapid recovery in a soothing environment.
What does HBOT treat?
- athletic recovery
- anti-aging
- autism
- chronic fatigue syndrome
- chronic pain
- concussion
- Lyme disease
- migraines
- mold exposure
- stroke
- sudden hearing loss
- surgical recovery
- wound healing
What are the benefits and results of HBOT?
- reduces post-injury swelling
- promotes circulation & stem cell growth, which reduces inflammation & supports the immune system
- reduces excessive skin damage from ultraviolet radiation
- improves wound healing and reduces scar formation
- reduces edema and swelling
- enhances immune system response
- supports growth of new blood vessels, & increases blood flow to damaged areas of the body
- aids vascular recovery (i.e. promotes blood vessel growth & repair)
- promotes collagen formation and repair
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy FAQs
Is it comfortable inside?
Absolutely. We offer a spa-like setting inside the chamber. It is surprisingly roomy with plenty of windows, pillows and lighting.
How does it feel?
The initial experience is much like being in the first-class section of an airplane. As with take-off, you will need to clear your ears. Once you’ve reached pressure, i.e. “made your dive”, you should feel normal and can enjoy the relaxed time however you like.
Is clearing your ears hard to do?
For most people, clearing their ears isn’t an issue. In fact they barely notice the pressure changes after a few moments of light popping. The pressure is similar to taking off in an airplane, which might mean swallowing more frequently or chewing gum.
What do I do inside the chamber?
We welcome you to enjoy your time in the chamber however you like. For many people, that means a nap or meditation. For others, it’s a chance to read a book, listen to music or catch up on calls and emails. Remember, this is your time.
How do I communicate with the technician once I’m inside?
Walkie-talkies are in every chamber to communicate with your guide whenever you need.
How long will I be in the chamber?
We offer 60 minute and 90 minute sessions.
How many sessions do I need?
Everybody is different. If you have a more acute or chronic condition, you will need more sessions to get a cumulative effect.
How will I feel after a session?
You may feel slightly disoriented when you first come out of the chamber, as your body reaclimates to the lower oxygen levels in the air. This is a normal part of readjusting post-treatment. We provide comfortable seating for you to relax, freshen up with warm towels and replenish your body with vitamins and hydration before you go on with the rest of your day. You may find yourself feeling re-energized and most likely will sleep better that night. Results may very depending on your treatment goals and existing conditions.
I am healthy. Can I benefit from hyperbaric oxygen treatment?
Yes. It can improve energy, sleep, focus, tissue function, stem cell mobilization and immune health and more.
Can my child receive hyperbaric treatment?
Yes—hyperbaric sessions can be very beneficial for children 5 and over. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult in the chamber. Both the child and the adult will need prescriptions.
Can hyperbaric treatments be combined with other therapies?
Yes! As a matter of fact, adding myofasical release or an infrared sauna session will make your recovery even more powerful. We’re happy to make suggestions.
Related Scientific Studies
Wernick B, Nahirniak P, Stawicki SP. “Impaired Wound Healing.” StatPearls, National Institute of Health, Jan. 2020, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482254/.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380
Bhutani, Sourabh, and Guruswamy Vishwanath. “Hyperbaric oxygen and wound healing.” Indian journal of plastic surgery : official publication of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India, National Institute of Health, May-Aug 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3495382/,
Staff, Cancer Research. “How Cells and Tissues Grow.” Cancer Research UK, Cancer Research UK, 1 July 2020, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/how-cancer-starts/how-cells-and-tissues-grow.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 12 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy/about/pac-20394380
Fuller, Ashley M, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Preconditioning Protects Skin from UV-A Damage.” PubMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Aug. 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22855227/.
McRae, Mike. “In a First, Scientists Say They’ve Partially Reversed a Cellular Aging Process in Humans.” ScienceAlert, 20 Nov. 2020, www.sciencealert.com/oxygen-therapy-found-to-turn-back-the-sands-of-time-on-our-body-s-aging-cells.
Barata, Pedro, et al. “Hyperbaric Oxygen Effects on Sports Injuries.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, Therapeutic Advances in Musculoskeletal Disease, Apr. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3382683/
Staff, IHAUSA. “Lyme Disease & Hyperbarics.” International Hyperbarics Association, International Hyperbarics Association, 2020, www.ihausa.org/lyme.html.
Chien-Yu Huang, Yen-Wen Chen, Tseng-Hui Kao, Yu-Chin Lee, Jui-Chun Cheng, Jia-Horng Wang. “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an effective adjunctive treatment for chronic Lyme disease.” Journal of the Chinese Medical Association, May 2014, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1726490114