The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (and what science says)

Imagine a treatment that can speed up recovery, promote healing, and reduce inflammation by simply giving your body more oxygen.

That’s exactly what hyperbaric oxygen therapy does. It delivers pure oxygen directly to your tissues so they heal faster, and supports your body’s natural repair processes.

If you're curious about what this type of therapy could do for you, keep reading as we explain exactly what it is and what benefits it could have.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen inside a special, enclosed space with air pressure that is 2-3 times higher than normal [1].

For reference, we normally breathe 21% oxygen in the air around us.

By increasing both the oxygen level and air pressure, HBOT helps your lungs absorb a lot more of this vital gas than they can under normal conditions.

This extra supply then flows straight into your blood plasma to reach—and importantly, help repair—tissues that might be injured, inflamed, or simply not getting enough oxygen on their own.

What is a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber?

A hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber (or simply, hyperbaric chamber) is that 'special, enclosed space' we were talking about before, where the treatment takes place.

It's a sealed, pressurised room where the air pressure is higher than normal, and it can be of 2 types:

• Monoplace chambers are designed for 1 person only. These are often used when a patient needs 100% oxygen delivery or has a compromised immune system, as they reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
• Multiplace chambers are built to treat multiple people at the same time. These may be used for conditions that require higher pressures or when medical staff need to be present during the session.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy used for?

Think of HBOT as a boost for your body's natural healing processes. It helps treat conditions where your tissues aren't getting enough oxygen, whether that's from injury, infection, or other causes.

It’s most commonly prescribed for [1]:

• Decompression sickness
• Air or gas bubbles in your blood vessels (air or gas embolism)
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Cyanide poisoning
• Crushing injury
• Gas gangrene
• Bone or tissue infections
• Non-healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers or pressure sores
• Burns or compromised skin grafts
• Sudden hearing loss or vision loss
• Delayed radiation injuries
• Chronic pain

What are the potential hyperbaric chamber benefits?

We already know HBOT can help fight all kinds of medical conditions, from soft tissue infections to hearing loss and chronic wounds.

But there's more. The therapy has several other benefits, all of which are connected and stem from HBOT's key effect: infusing your tissue with pure oxygen.

• Faster wound healing. Oxygen is key to fighting infection and rebuilding tissue. When you breathe in pure oxygen, you create the ideal conditions for your body to heal itself by boosting collagen production (which makes your skin and connective tissue stronger), helping white blood cells clear out dead tissue, and reducing swelling and inflammation.
• Blood cell repair. By increasing oxygen supply, HBOT supports the growth of new blood vessels—new pathways to deliver nutrients to oxygen-deprived cells. It also enhances white blood cell function while restoring red blood cells, making them more flexible and efficient at transporting oxygen throughout the body.
• Lower inflammation. Again, this comes down to the way HBOT floods tissue with oxygen, which limits the release of inflammatory chemicals in the body and supports the repair of damaged cells.
• Faster recovery and better physical performance. Some athletes use HBOT to speed up recovery times, and for good reason. The extra oxygen accelerates the removal of lactic acid—a byproduct of intense exercise that can leave your muscles feeling tired or sore. Less lactic acid = less fatigue and better stamina.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy healthy?

Yes! Breathing in pure oxygen can give your immune system a boost, helping to fight bacteria, improve oxygen delivery to your body's tissues, and stimulate stem cells that support tissue repair and regeneration.

The most important thing is to use it under medical supervision, since it is a targeted treatment for specific health conditions, and not just a general wellness therapy.

How often is hyperbaric oxygen therapy done?

Your doctor may recommend doing HBOT 1-5 times a week, with each session going for 1-2 hours.

Your exact treatment plan and schedule will depend on the condition, the severity of the injury, and how your body responds to the therapy.

Over time, your doctor may increase or reduce the frequency or session length to make sure you get the best results, while keeping your safety the top priority.

What happens before, during, and after a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session?

Before your session, you'll have an initial consultation with a healthcare provider, who will assess the condition you want to treat, as well as your overall health.

From there, they'll decide whether HBOT is the right course of action for you, and if so, how many sessions you'll need.

The session usually takes place at a hospital or clinic. You'll change into a hospital gown and remove any metal objects or electronic devices (both fire hazards in a high-oxygen setting).

Then, you go into the hyperbaric chamber, where you can sit or lie down. You may have to put on a special mask, particularly if you're in a multi-place chamber.

When the door closes, your ears may feel clogged or start to pop. This is normal, and it happens because of the air pressure change, similar to when you take off in a plane.

You stay in the chamber for 1-2 hours, and there's often some sort of entertainment, like a TV, magazines, or card games if you're with other patients.

A healthcare provider monitors you throughout and can answer any questions you may have. They may occasionally ask you to take short breaks outside the chamber, if needed.

As you approach the end of your session, your healthcare provider will gradually decrease the air pressure inside the chamber until it's time to step out.

They'll check some vitals, and once everything's stable, you can put your clothes back on and leave.

Some people feel tired or lightheaded after. This usually passes quickly, but it may be wise to have someone pick you up instead of driving yourself.

What is the recovery process after hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

Recovery from HBOT is really quick, and most people can return to their usual day-to-day activities right after. You may feel some fatigue or mild ear discomfort, but those effects are temporary.

That said, if your provider gives you any specific recovery instructions—perhaps drink water or rest up—be sure to follow them.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe for everyone?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally a safe procedure. But, as with any medical treatment, it isn't suitable for everyone.

You shouldn't get HBOT if you have, or have had:

• A collapsed lung
• Certain lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, or emphysema (all of which carry a high risk of a collapsed lung)
• Recent ear injury or surgery
• Recent cold or fever
• Claustrophobia (the hyperbaric chamber is a small, enclosed room, so it may be hard to tolerate if you don't do well in tight spaces)

Your doctor will always assess your health and make sure HBOT is suitable and safe for you.

If you have any concerns, bring them up during your initial consultation—not only for peace of mind, but for the most effective treatment that's tailored to your needs.

Possible risks and side effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy

HBOT is a gentle therapy, and any potential side effects are mild and short-lived. Still, it's important to be aware of them:

• Ear pain
• Middle ear injuries
• Sinus congestion
• Temporary sight changes

Other less common side effects include low blood sugar, oxygen poisoning, seizures, and lung collapse.

You may also experience anxiety in a small, enclosed space. If that happens, be sure to let your healthcare provider know, and they can pause or stop the session.

Alternative or complementary treatments

HBOT is a fairly unique treatment in how it delivers high levels of oxygen directly to your tissues.

However, if it isn't right for you, other solutions support similar goals:

• Standard oxygen therapy: Like HBOT but less intense
• Compression therapy: Improves blood flow and reduces swelling
• Heat therapy: Relaxes muscles and boosts circulation
• Cold therapy: Reduces inflammation
• Laser therapy: Promotes tissue regeneration and reduces inflammation at a cellular level
• Physical therapy: Helps strengthen muscles and support recovery post-injury
• Nutritional support and supplements: Antioxidants, protein, and vitamins like C and D aid tissue repair and reduce oxidative stress

A lot of these can also be used alongside HBOT for even better, faster results.

How Juniper uses biomarkers to give you deeper health insights

While treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy focus on physical recovery and tissue repair, true health optimisation starts with understanding what's happening inside your body.

At Juniper, we use biomarkers, an objective measure of your metabolic, hormonal, and cardiovascular health, to give you a clearer picture of how your body is functioning and how you can improve it.

These insights form part of the Juniper Programme, which combines clinically proven weight loss medication with dietitian-led health coaching and tracking to help you reach your goals sustainably.

Kickstart your weight loss journey with Wegovy or Mounjaro, two groundbreaking weight loss medications that mimic the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, respectively, to help control cravings, delay stomach emptying, and keep you feeling fuller for longer. These clinically backed treatments help members experience up to 23% body weight loss.

Plus, we have a team of expert dietitians and health coaches you can consult with to help you work through any challenges you're experiencing during your weight management journey. This approach sets you up for sustained weight loss, rather than a quick-fix solution.

This means you can continue to enjoy the things you love in moderation without ever feeling deprived.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here.

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