Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: What It Is, Who It’s For, and What to Expect

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If you are looking into hyperbaric oxygen therapy, you are probably trying to answer a simple question: could this support what my body is dealing with right now? People often hear about HBOT from a friend, a news story, or another provider, then realize they still don’t know what a session feels like, how long it takes, or whether they are even a good fit.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown: we'll cover how this therapy works, identify who might benefit from it, and outline what you can anticipate during an initial evaluation.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and How Does It Work?

You don’t need a medical background to understand the basics. The idea is straightforward: oxygen plus pressure can help your body deliver more oxygen where it is needed.

What is HBOT?

HBOT is short for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. During a session, you relax in a pressurized space and breathe oxygen. The goal is to raise the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, which can help support the body’s natural repair processes.

At Prince Health, we offer this service in our Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, which is designed to make the experience more comfortable for patients who dislike tight spaces. Our chamber can fit up to four people, so it tends to feel more open than a single-person unit.

How Increased Oxygen Supports the Body

When more oxygen reaches tissues, your body may be better equipped to support recovery. Depending on the situation, people explore HBOT as part of a broader plan focused on function, resilience, and steadier day-to-day energy, not as a magic switch.

Who Is a Good Candidate for HBOT?

There is no one “perfect” profile, but there are patterns that make HBOT more worth discussing. If you are wondering who is a good candidate for HBOT, the best starting point is your goals and what your body has been doing over time.

Common Situations Where HBOT May Be Considered

Here are a few reasons people often bring HBOT up during a consultation:

Ongoing symptoms that linger after an illness, including long COVID.

Chronic inflammation that seems to keep “reloading.”

Chronic infections that are hard to shake.

Recovery support after concussions.

Cardiovascular concerns where oxygen delivery and tissue support are part of the conversation.

Cognitive concerns where patients want an educational, supervised discussion about options.

In our clinic, HBOT is usually framed as supportive care. That means we look at whether it fits your overall picture and whether it makes sense alongside other services like functional medicine or a customized lab assessment, when appropriate.

When HBOT May Not Be the Right Fit

A good plan also includes knowing when to pause. For example, if you cannot comfortably equalize pressure in your ears, a hyperbaric session may not be safe or may need to be delayed. If your ears tend to stay clogged and will not clear, we will usually avoid HBOT, since pressure changes can place extra stress on the middle ear.

That is why we start with a real conversation, not assumptions. If HBOT is not a fit, we will talk through other ways to support your goals.

Potential HBOT Benefits as Part of an Integrative Plan

It’s normal to want a clear promise, but the truth is more personal than that. Your starting point, consistency, and the reason you are considering HBOT all shape the outcome.

HBOT Benefits Patients Often Report

When people talk about HBOT benefits, they often mention things like steadier energy, better recovery tolerance, and a sense that their body is “getting more traction.” Some people also pursue HBOT because it can help support inflammation balance and tissue repair processes over time.

The key is keeping expectations realistic. Improvements, if they happen, tend to build gradually. HBOT is not meant to replace good sleep, smart movement, nutrition support, or consistent medical follow-up.

What to Expect During a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Session

If you are nervous about the experience, you are not the only one. Most people feel calmer once they understand the flow of a visit.

Inside the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber session is usually quiet and low-effort. You are there to rest. You may notice mild pressure changes, similar to what you feel during altitude changes. Our team helps you stay comfortable, explains what is happening, and checks in throughout the session.

If claustrophobia is a concern, that is important to mention up front. Prince Health’s chamber is designed to be more spacious, which can make the experience easier for many patients.

HBOT Session Length and Planning

HBOT session length depends on your needs, your comfort, and how your body responds. In our hyperbaric oxygen therapy program, a typical session is around 45 minutes, and it may be a bit longer or shorter based on the person.

We also talk through frequency together. Some people come in for a short series, while others follow a longer plan. The point is to match the approach to your real life, not to force a rigid schedule.

Making a Clear Decision About Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

If you are wondering who is a good candidate for HBOT, start with your symptoms, your health history, and what you want to be able to do more comfortably in daily life.

When you want help deciding whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy belongs in your plan, we can walk you through what to expect, discuss potential fit, and outline a practical next step. You can schedule an appointment whenever you feel ready, and we will take it from there.