Originally developed for treating decompression sickness in deep-sea divers, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has expanded its applications far beyond its initial purpose. Nowadays, hospitals use this treatment for aiding chronic wound recovery, addressing radiation injuries, managing carbon monoxide poisoning, and combating certain severe infections. It has also found a big role in the world of athletic recovery and longevity strategies. For those interested in experiencing HBOT with professional oversight, TH7 Body Labs offers hyperbaric oxygen sessions at our Queensland studios, ensuring a safe and effective treatment environment.

How hyperbaric oxygen therapy works inside the chamber

Imagine stepping into a hyperbaric chamber, a unique space where the air pressure is higher than what we’re accustomed to in everyday life. As you settle in, you wear a mask or an oxygen hood, and breathe in pure oxygen. The chamber’s pressure gradually builds, a sensation you might recognise from descending in a plane, especially in your ears.The resultant effect of elevated pressure and oxygen creates the basis for HBOT.

Why pressurised pure oxygen behaves differently to room air

So, what makes pressurised pure oxygen different from the air we normally breathe? Typically, the air around us contains about 21% oxygen. However, inside the chamber, you’re inhaling almost 100% oxygen at two to three times the usual atmospheric pressure. According to Henry’s Law, the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid (like oxygen in blood) is directly related to the pressure on that gas. This means that more oxygen dissolves in your blood when you increase both the pressure and the oxygen concentration.

In normal circumstances, the red blood cells are responsible for carrying most of the oxygen in your bloodstream, and they are highly saturated with oxygen. However, HBOT works differently since it increases the amount of oxygen contained in the plasma in your body.

What happens in your blood plasma during a session

During a session, this oxygen-rich plasma helps deliver oxygen to areas where red blood cells cannot easily reach, such as swollen tissues, areas with poor blood supply, wounds with compressed capillaries, and inflamed regions where circulation is limited. This enhanced delivery system allows oxygen to reach damaged cells that would otherwise be deprived. It also stimulates the endothelial cells lining your blood vessels, encouraging them to multiply and form new capillaries. Additionally, it energises your white blood cells, boosting their ability to combat infection effectively.

The medical conditions HBOT is approved to treat

Understanding the clinical applications of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can provide insight into its medical benefits. Hospitals often rely on HBOT for treating specific conditions, as approved by the Hyperbaric Medical Society and similar organisations.

Wound healing and chronic wound recovery

Patients with chronic wounds (such as diabetic foot ulcers) often see a huge improvement with HBOT. The problem is that such wounds fail to heal owing to lack of proper circulation and oxygen to the wound site. This can be achieved through HBOT by providing high amounts of oxygen to aid healing. It also enhances the success of skin grafts and flaps that might not otherwise integrate well. By reducing tissue necrosis, HBOT lowers the risk of wounds progressing to the point of requiring amputation. Research, including a comprehensive review of 14 controlled trials involving 768 patients, shows that HBOT substantially improves the healing of diabetic foot ulcers and decreases the rate of major amputations. Also, HBOT aids in the recovery of tissues damaged by radiation therapy, as it promotes the growth of new capillaries in affected areas.

Treatment for decompression sickness and gas embolism

Deep-sea divers facing decompression sickness benefit greatly from HBOT. When divers ascend too rapidly, nitrogen can form bubbles in their blood and tissues. HBOT re-pressurizes the body, shrinking these bubbles and allowing them to dissolve back into the bloodstream for safe removal. The same concept is applied to gas embolism, which happens after specific surgical procedures or injuries. Through compression of the bubbles, HBOT improves blood circulation in the affected arteries and prevents serious complications.

Carbon monoxide poisoning and severe infections

Where there is carbon monoxide poisoning, the treatment method is quick. This is because carbon monoxide binds to the hemoglobin faster than oxygen, thereby hindering oxygen delivery through the blood. HBOT makes it possible for the displacement to occur faster than if you breathed in ordinary air. This makes HBOT an effective treatment for severe carbon monoxide poisoning. HBOT is also utilised for treating necrotising soft tissue infections and severe crush injuries. In these scenarios, HBOT ensures oxygen reaches the tissues rapidly, which is crucial for preventing further damage when the blood supply is compromised.

The recovery and performance benefits driving the wellness boom

The wellness industry is experiencing a significant rise, largely fuelled by the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) extending outside of hospital walls. Professional sports teams have incorporated HBOT into their recovery protocols, and many amateur athletes are quickly adopting this practice. The appeal lies in its tangible physiological benefits rather than mere promotional hype.

Faster muscle recovery after intense training

There are several reasons why people decide to undergo HBOT, but one of the major benefits is rapid muscle repair after intense exercise. This process involves injuries to the muscles, swelling, and accumulation of toxins, which may interfere with the athlete’s future performance and disturb glycogen stores. By bringing additional oxygen to the affected tissues, HBOT helps muscles regenerate and recover.

Recovery periods after intense training for sports persons play an extremely critical role, particularly if they are undergoing back-to-back training sessions. Athletes that make use of HBOT find themselves having less DOMS, thus preparing themselves faster for the next rigorous training session. This makes HBOT an excellent complement to other muscle recovery strategies.

Improved endurance and aerobic capacity

In addition to muscle repair, there is evidence that the consistent use of HBOT can also improve endurance and aerobic capacity. It is believed that the treatment can increase mitochondrial efficiency and oxygen utilisation within cells. Research has found that repeated HBOT treatment can promote stem cell production and capillary formation in skeletal muscle tissue, possibly leading to improved aerobic ability.

Although it cannot take the place of training, HBOT helps to facilitate the body’s adjustment to the stresses imposed upon it by athletes.

Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress

HBOT also plays a part in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. While inflammation is essential for the body’s repair process, chronic low-level inflammation can impede recovery and lead to fatigue. HBOT helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response, decreasing overtraining markers and supporting immune health. It also aids in clearing reperfusion injury, which is the secondary damage occurring when blood flow returns to previously oxygen-deprived tissue. Overall, HBOT offers a valuable addition to the recovery toolkit for athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike.

The brain and cognitive benefits of regular HBOT sessions

The brain accounts for only 2 per cent of body weight but uses 20 per cent of available oxygen. Improving the flow of oxygen to the brain can have profound impacts on cognitive performance as well as the general state of the brain.

Sharper mental clarity and focus

A lot of people who frequently receive Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) have reported that they feel more alert and focused during their treatment sessions. This could be because HBOT facilitates oxygen supply in the brain, promotes increased blood flow to the cognitive parts of the brain, lowers neuroinflammation, and reduces oxidative stress. Improved brain function after taking HBOT feels similar to how your brain works after having enough rest.

Long-term brain health and cognitive ageing

Research into HBOT’s effects on cognitive aging appears particularly intriguing. Studies involving older adults have observed enhancements in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions following consistent HBOT sessions. These improvements are thought to result from new blood vessel formation in the brain, stimulated neurogenesis, and reduced inflammation related to amyloid build-up. While HBOT is not a treatment for dementia, ongoing research into its potential benefits for conditions like mild cognitive impairment is promising and merits continued attention.

HBOT for longevity and cellular regeneration

HBOT affects two important biological functions which have a major impact on the way our body ages.

New blood vessel growth and stem cell activation

Consistent therapy with HBOT encourages angiogenesis, which refers to the formation of new blood vessels. This treatment also aids in the liberation of stem cells from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. The increased vascularisation ensures an adequate oxygen supply to all organs, thus leading to better tissue health. An increased amount of circulating stem cells allows the body to perform repairs at the cellular level. These effects are not just theoretical; they are well-documented in clinical studies focused on wound healing, illustrating HBOT’s broader potential to support overall health and longevity.

Collagen production and connective tissue repair

The production of collagen, which plays an essential role in ensuring the proper functioning of skin, joints, tendons, and ligaments, needs oxygen. The administration of HBOT therapy promotes the process of collagen formation, especially when there are any lesions to these tissues. HBOT therapy helps in the healing of connective tissues, which might be under strain due to exercise or trauma.

In essence, HBOT provides a scientifically backed method to support aging gracefully by enhancing the body’s natural repair mechanisms and improving cellular health.

HBOT vs other recovery modalities: where it fits in a stack

Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) is a beneficial aid in the field of healing, particularly when combined with other forms of treatment. However, in order to optimise the effects of HBOT, you must first see it as one component of the overall healing process.

Comparing HBOT with cryotherapy, sauna and contrast therapy

Cryotherapy (including ice baths) primarily focuses on reducing inflammation through vasoconstriction. This process not only calms acute inflammation but also triggers a noradrenaline boost, enhancing mood and mental clarity. Conversely, saunas, including infrared saunas, encourage vasodilation. These raise the rate of heartbeat while stimulating the production of heat shock proteins, whose function is to facilitate cell repair. Contrast therapy involves exposure to alternating hot and cold environments.

HBOT works through a different principle altogether. This therapy raises the oxygen level in the blood, assisting rather than conflicting with other forms of treatment.

Integrating HBOT with other recovery protocols

In order to combine HBOT with other recovery methods successfully, you must consider when and how each should be applied. After a workout, using contrast therapy or a sauna can aid in circulatory recovery and help activate the parasympathetic nervous system.Where heavy training or workouts are involved, the use of HBOT will help accelerate the process of tissue healing. Cold therapy works best in the morning, since it helps in improving alertness and reduces inflammation.

The sequence of these treatment modalities is crucial. For instance, the administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy following the sauna treatment often yields positive results. On the contrary, hyperbaric oxygen therapy immediately after extreme cold conditions may not be advisable since vasoconstriction can interfere with oxygenation. At TH7, our carefully designed protocols ensure each method enhances, rather than diminishes, the benefits of the others.

What HBOT will not do (and benefit claims to watch out for)

HBOT is beneficial in more ways than one, but Internet sources have a tendency to exaggerate the treatment’s potential. There are several areas where the use of HBOT will do you no good, such as treating autism or cancer. The treatment won’t reverse aging either, and neither will it replace healthy living habits such as exercise, proper nutrition, and sleeping enough. Be wary of anyone trying to sell HBOT with the above mentioned benefits.

Who benefits the most from HBOT?

HBOT is associated with significant benefits; however, it does not suit everyone. The following are some of the individuals who may benefit from HBOT:

Athletes and high performers

Are you someone who hits the gym or the track five days a week or more? Do you frequently compete or find yourself in intense training cycles? If so, HBOT could be a valuable tool for you. It has been shown to reduce recovery time, aid in soft tissue repair, and enhance both aerobic capacity and sleep quality, all of which are key factors for anyone pushing their body to its limits. This is why many professional sports teams in Queensland incorporate HBOT and the reason why our hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers are an important part of how serious trainers structure their recovery.

People recovering from injury or surgery

In patients who have undergone surgeries, broken bones, or injuries to soft tissues, oxygen transport via hyperbaric chambers may mean the difference between a long-term recovery process and an accelerated one. This therapy works wonders especially for diseases where tissue perfusion needs improvement. In the event that it is prescribed as part of your treatment regimen, you can expect your healing process to become dramatically faster than usual.

People focused on longevity and brain health

Are you worried about keeping your brain sharp, heart healthy, and living a long life? If so, then HBOT can be a great supplement for your healthy lifestyle. Besides things like weight lifting, sleeping well, doing some cardio exercise, and eating nutritious food, HBOT can contribute to cellular health. The effects are not immediate but will accumulate over months, not just one session.

Risks, side effects and who should avoid HBOT

The Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT) procedure is relatively safe for most people, yet certain considerations should be taken into account. The most common adverse reaction is associated with ear problems or even ear damage caused by changes in pressure, which may be resolved by equalising. Individuals suffering from nasal blockage will feel some discomfort in their sinuses. Oxygen poisoning is rare in normal wellness treatment procedures, but it can occur with prolonged exposure.

A critical condition where HBOT is not recommended is untreated pneumothorax, as it can lead to lung collapse under increased pressure. Caution is also advised for individuals with certain lung diseases, recent ear surgeries, specific chemotherapy treatments, or active middle ear infections. Diabetic patients must be carefully supervised during HBO therapy since it may cause a decrease in blood sugar concentration due to the high pressure of oxygen. In addition, pregnant women, claustrophobic patients, those suffering from seizures, or having had chest surgery recently should seek medical advice prior to HBO therapy. Lastly, it is essential to mention that electronic appliances cannot enter the hyperbaric chamber.

In the case that any of these issues apply to you, it is crucial that you consult with your physician and our staff prior to scheduling your appointment.

What to expect from your first HBOT session at TH7 Body Labs

Upon arrival, you’ll be asked to wear comfortable clothing made of cotton fabric. Kindly avoid bringing electronic devices, artificial fabrics, petrochemicals, and jewellery inside the chamber. We will assist you throughout the procedure, helping you to learn how to equalise your ears before entering the chamber.

Pressurisation will take about ten minutes, during which you will feel some pressure in your ears (as felt during a plane journey) and you will have to equalise accordingly. Once the desired pressure is achieved, you will be given pure oxygen to breathe using either a mask or a hood. Many people choose to read, listen to podcasts, relax, or watch a show on a tablet during this time. We have locations in Brisbane, Cleveland, and on the Sunshine Coast, and sessions typically last between 60 to 90 minutes, including both pressurisation and depressurisation.

Fatigue or fogging might be experienced after the session due to the body adjusting itself. But most people usually feel more mentally alert throughout the day.

FAQs

How long does a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session last?

The duration of a typical treatment cycle ranges between 60 and 90 minutes, including preparation time for pressurisation and decompression of the hyperbaric chamber. The period spent under pressure while inhaling 100% pure oxygen is typically 60 minutes.

How many HBOT sessions do you need to feel the benefits?

The effects of acute recovery may be seen after one to three sessions, while cognitive improvement and longevity improvement usually need 20 to 40 sessions, depending on the clinical research. When athletes use HBOT as part of their training regimen, they schedule two to four sessions a week.

Is HBOT safe for people with diabetes?

Yes, HBOT is often used to treat diabetic foot ulcers and is considered safe for patients with diabetes. The pressurised oxygen decreases blood sugar levels during the procedure, and your doctor may advise you to check your glucose levels before and after the treatment.

What is the difference between a monoplace and multiplace chamber?

A monoplace chamber is designed for a single individual, filling the entire space with oxygen to provide treatment. A multiplace chamber accommodates several people. Here, individuals receive oxygen through masks or hoods, while the chamber itself is filled with regular air. Both methods ensure effective therapy delivery.

Can you do HBOT every day?

Certainly, daily sessions are standard practice within the framework of clinical treatment programs and are acceptable to most patients. In the context of health improvement and restoration, a program of two to five sessions weekly is standard.

Is HBOT covered by Medicare or private health insurance in Australia?

HBOT can be funded through Medicare under certain prescribed conditions only. Sessions meant for general wellness and recovery are normally not reimbursed. Reimbursements by private health insurers are inconsistent, and you should confirm the current status with your health fund.