The short answer

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where you breathe 100% oxygen inside a pressurised chamber. At normal atmospheric pressure, almost all of the oxygen in your blood is carried by red blood cells. Under increased pressure, oxygen also dissolves directly into your blood plasma, which means it can reach tissue that damaged or restricted circulation would normally leave short of oxygen.

That matters because healing is an oxygen-hungry process. Tissue that is injured, swollen or poorly supplied with blood often cannot get the oxygen it needs to repair itself. HBOT is a way of delivering that oxygen anyway.

How does HBOT work?

During treatment, the chamber is pressurised to above normal atmospheric pressure while you breathe medical-grade oxygen. This combination has several well-described effects on the body:

  • Greatly increased oxygen delivery. Oxygen dissolved in plasma can reach areas that red blood cells struggle to serve, such as swollen or damaged tissue.
  • Reduced swelling. Elevated oxygen levels help constrict blood vessels in injured areas without starving the tissue, easing swelling and pressure.
  • New blood vessel growth. Repeated sessions stimulate angiogenesis, the growth of new capillaries in tissue with poor circulation.
  • Support for infection control. White blood cells rely on oxygen to kill certain bacteria, and some bacteria are directly inhibited by oxygen-rich environments.
  • Collagen production. The structural protein that wounds need to close is produced more effectively in well-oxygenated tissue.

What is HBOT used for?

HBOT has a set of established medical uses that are recognised internationally, alongside newer areas where it is being actively explored.

Established uses

  • Decompression sickness (diving injuries)
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Chronic non-healing wounds, including selected diabetic foot ulcers
  • Late tissue injury following radiotherapy
  • Compromised skin grafts and flaps
  • Certain serious soft-tissue infections, as part of wider medical care

Areas being explored

The strength of evidence varies between uses, which is why any reputable provider will assess whether HBOT is genuinely appropriate for you before treatment begins, rather than presenting it as a cure-all.

What happens during a session?

Before your first session you are screened for suitability, including your medical history and any current medication. Once cleared, a typical session looks like this:

  • You enter the chamber and settle in. You can usually rest or relax during treatment.
  • The chamber pressurises gradually. You will feel pressure in your ears, similar to a plane descending, which you relieve by swallowing or yawning. A trained operator guides you throughout.
  • You breathe normally. Sessions usually last 60 to 120 minutes.
  • The chamber depressurises slowly and you carry on with your day. Some people feel slightly tired afterwards.

The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Acute problems may need only a few, while chronic conditions are usually treated with a structured course over several weeks. You can read about the full process, from enquiry to review, on our how to receive treatment page.

Is HBOT safe?

Delivered by trained staff in a clinically governed setting, HBOT has a well-established safety profile. The most common side effects are mild: ear or sinus discomfort from pressure changes, and occasionally temporary changes in vision that resolve after treatment ends. Serious complications such as oxygen toxicity are rare when treatment is properly administered and supervised.

HBOT is not suitable for everyone. It is generally avoided in people with an untreated collapsed lung, certain other lung conditions, recent ear surgery, or a current cold or fever. This is exactly why clinical screening comes before treatment, every time.

HBOT in the UK

In the UK, the NHS commissions HBOT for a narrow set of conditions, most notably decompression illness. Beyond that, treatment is generally accessed through independent providers, and the quality of provision varies widely, from medical-grade hospital chambers to soft portable chambers in wellness settings.

If you are considering HBOT, it is worth asking any provider about:

  • The type of chamber used and the pressures it treats at
  • Who carries out clinical screening and oversight
  • The training of the people operating the chamber
  • The governance framework the service operates within

Heal & Go₂ Medical delivers HBOT through hospital-based Centres of Excellence, within a clinically governed framework aligned to Care Quality Commission standards, supported by a UK-wide network of referring healthcare and performance partners. You can learn more on our locations page.

Common questions

Is HBOT painful?

No. The main sensation is pressure in the ears as the chamber pressurises, similar to a plane descending. This is relieved by swallowing, yawning or gently equalising, and your operator will guide you through it.

Is HBOT available on the NHS?

The NHS commissions HBOT for a small number of conditions, most notably decompression illness. For most other uses, including chronic wound care and recovery support, treatment is usually accessed through independent providers.

How quickly does HBOT work?

It depends on the condition being treated. Acute conditions may respond within a small number of sessions, while chronic conditions such as non-healing wounds typically need a structured course of treatment over several weeks. Progress is reviewed throughout.

Is HBOT a replacement for medical treatment?

No. HBOT is used alongside, not instead of, standard medical care. Any treatment plan should be discussed with a healthcare professional, and at Heal & Go₂ every patient is clinically screened before treatment begins.

Related guides

Clinical Guide Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing Performance Guide HBOT for Sports Recovery & Injury

This guide is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional about your individual circumstances before starting any treatment.