FAQs
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the administration of oxygen at a pressure greater than one atmosphere, the pressure of the air around us.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy a new medical treatment?
No, it has been in use for many years starting in the 1600’s with hyperbaric air and moving to oxygen (O2) in 1937 when O2 became cheap and available.
What are the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
There is a broad list of benefits including reduction in brain swelling, stopping gangrene so that surgery can salvage limbs, treating radiation side effects and more.
Isn't hyperbaric oxygen therapy only used in scuba diving related injuries?
No, over 95% of all activity at our hyperbaric facility is related to the treatment of medical conditions not related to scuba diving .
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance?
Yes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven effective on 14 conditions which are covered by insurance. You can find the complete list in the “What We Do” section of this website.
How do I find out if my condition can be helped by hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Review the list of conditions for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proven effective (go to “What We Do” on this website). If your condition is listed, ask your doctor for a referral.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
Like any other therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy has side effects and some risks but they are reversible or avoidable. The biggest side effect is boredom as the treatment takes a lot of time. We frequently see a temporary change in vision with near sightedness. This clears after 4 - 6 weeks. There can be a change in the lungs but this is prevented with air breaks during the treatment. There is also a very rare occurrence of oxygen seizures but they are harmless and readily managed.
How much pressure will I be under when I am in the chamber?
The amount of pressure depends on the condition being treated. Apart from equalizing the pressure in your ears at the start of each session, you will not feel any pressure.
How long will I be in the chamber?
The amount of time spent in the chamber depends on the condition being treated and the response. Typical sessions are two hours in length. Depending on your response to treatment, you could require 20 - 40 “runs”, usually two each day.
How many sessions will I have to do?
The amount of time spent in the chamber depends on the condition being treated and the response. Typical sessions are two hours in length. Depending on your response to treatment, you could require 20 - 40 “runs”, usually two each day.
What do I wear when I am being treated in a hyperbaric chamber?
You are required to purchase a set of cotton scrubs at the beginning of treatment which you keep as a souvenir.
Can I bring my electronic devices into the chamber while being treated?
Anything going into the chamber must be inspected by the operator. No lithium battery powered devices are allowed and no voltage over 12 volts.
How can I find out if a hyperbaric facility is reputable?
Typically, reputable hyperbaric facilities only treat the 14 conditions for which hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been proved effective and they have a qualified medical doctor overseeing treatments.
Are there any contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
There are both relative and absolute contraindications to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A complete review of your health history and present condition is needed to check for these.
Are there any side effects to hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Yes, the biggest side effect is boredom as the treatment takes a lot of time. We frequently see a temporary change in vision with near sightedness. This clears after 4 - 6 weeks. There can be a change in the lungs but this is prevented with air breaks during the treatment. There is also a very rare occurrence of oxygen seizures but they are harmless and readily managed.