Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has the potential to help in treating various medical conditions, ranging from chronic wounds to neurological disorders. The therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised room or chamber, allowing your lungs to absorb more oxygen than possible under normal atmospheric conditions.
NHS England commissions HBOT services from several providers, with a cost of £8.2 million per year in 2023/24, showing the growing recognition of its therapeutic benefits across the healthcare system.
This increased oxygen delivery can promote healing, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. The frequency and duration of HBOT depend on several factors, including the condition being treated, the severity of the problem, and the individual’s overall health.
In this article, we will explore the factors influencing the frequency of HBOT, the different conditions treated, and the general guidelines on how often you might need hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Before we get into the specifics of how often you should undergo HBOT, let's explore the process and its general effects on the body.
During HBOT, the patient enters a hyperbaric chamber where the air pressure is increased to levels higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This pressurised environment allows the lungs to absorb oxygen, which is then delivered to tissues throughout the body.
HBOT can help with wound healing, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and fighting infections. It is often used as an adjunct treatment for conditions such as diabetic foot ulcers, chronic non-healing wounds, carbon monoxide poisoning, and decompression sickness.
Common Treatment Protocols for HBOT
Wound Healing
Patients with chronic, non-healing wounds often receive HBOT as part of a multi-faceted treatment plan. Depending on the severity of the wound, patients may undergo daily treatments for 1–2 weeks, followed by 3–5 sessions per week.
As healing progresses, the frequency of treatments may be reduced. Hyperbaric oxygen helps by increasing oxygen delivery to damaged tissue, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes.
If you’re interested in how HBOT supports tissue repair and recovery, especially for wounds, you can explore this in more detail in our guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for wound healing.
Neurological Conditions
For neurological conditions, patients often undergo HBOT 3–5 times a week for several weeks. Studies suggest that continuous treatments may lead to improvements in cognitive function, neurological repair, and overall quality of life, as demonstrated in a 2022 randomised controlled trial published in Scientific Reports, where HBOT improved memory, attention, and information processing in individuals with post-COVID neurological symptoms.
Acute Conditions
In the case of acute conditions, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness, patients typically undergo intensive treatments, 2–3 times per day for a few days, followed by a tapering schedule as their symptoms improve.
General Wellness and Recovery
For general wellness and recovery, people may undergo HBOT 1–3 times per week. Some people use HBOT to improve tissue recovery after intense workouts, manage inflammation, or improve cognitive function. For these purposes, the therapy is often more intermittent and used as a preventive measure.
How Often Should I Have HBOT?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how often you should have Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. It depends on your individual needs, the severity of your condition, and the treatment goals set by your healthcare provider. However, general guidelines suggest that:
- Acute conditions might require several sessions per day initially, followed by daily sessions for 1–2 weeks.
- Chronic conditions might need 3–5 sessions per week, especially in the early stages, with gradual reductions based on progress.
- Wellness or performance: might require 1–3 sessions per week, depending on individual goals.
It's important to note that while HBOT can be incredibly beneficial, it is also important to be aware of potential side effects.
For more information on the side effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, you can read our article on the side effects of HBOT, which outlines potential risks and how to control them.
Are There Unapproved Uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
There are several unapproved or off-label uses of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). While not FDA-approved for some conditions, it is also used for a range of other conditions that have not been formally approved by regulatory bodies.
Here are a few examples of the unapproved uses of HBOT:
- Stroke Recovery: Some studies suggest that HBOT may help promote recovery in stroke patients by improving oxygen supply to damaged brain tissue. However, this use has not yet received full FDA approval.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): There is ongoing research into HBOT's potential to reduce inflammation and promote healing in patients with TBI, but it is not officially approved for this use.
- Cognitive Decline & Dementia: Some practitioners recommend HBOT for patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of cognitive decline, as studies have shown it may improve brain function by enhancing oxygen delivery. However, it is not an FDA-approved treatment for these conditions.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Some proponents of alternative therapies suggest that HBOT can help alleviate symptoms of autism, especially amongst children. However, clinical evidence supporting its use for ASD is limited, and it is not approved by regulatory agencies for this purpose.
- Fibromyalgia: HBOT has been studied as a potential treatment for fibromyalgia, with some results indicating pain relief and improved quality of life, but it remains unapproved for this condition.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS): Similar to fibromyalgia, HBOT has been investigated for its potential to alleviate symptoms of CFS, but its use is not FDA-approved.
- Anti-Ageing and Skin Rejuvenation: Some wellness centres offer HBOT as a treatment for general skin rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, and anti-ageing. However, these uses are considered experimental, and there is limited scientific evidence to support their use.
When Might HBOT Not Be Safe?
There are certain situations where HBOT may not be safe or should be used with caution. These include:
- Pregnancy: While there is limited data on the effects of HBOT during pregnancy, it is generally recommended that if you are pregnant, you avoid HBOT, especially in your first trimester.
- Untreated Pneumothorax: If you have an untreated pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, the increased pressure from HBOT could worsen your condition.
- Certain Respiratory Conditions: If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, you may face risks due to the potential for changes in your oxygen levels. You may require closer monitoring or special precautions during treatment.
- Certain Heart Conditions: If you have heart disease, you should discuss the safety of HBOT with your doctor. Though HBOT can improve circulation and oxygenation, it can also put additional stress on your cardiovascular system.
- Seizure Disorders: If you have a history of seizures, HBOT could potentially trigger these seizures due to the changes in your oxygen levels and pressure.
Find the Right Solution for You
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a flexible treatment used for a variety of medical and wellness purposes. How often you should undergo HBOT depends on your condition, its severity, and your overall health.
If you're ready to begin your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy journey, Optimal Health offers a range of high-quality solutions to suit different needs:
- S22 Soft Hyperbaric Chamber: A versatile, soft-shell solution that offers excellent comfort and portability.
- Seated Steel Chamber for Oxygen Therapy: A clinical-grade chamber designed for comfort and safety.
- F85 Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber: A spacious, professional-grade solution designed for personal wellness and recovery.
For more information or to get started, feel free to contact us to talk to one of our experts.
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