How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is Helping Long COVID Patients Recover
As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, so has our understanding of its long-term effects. For many, recovery from COVID-19 is just the beginning of a longer battle with what’s now known as Long COVID—a condition where symptoms persist for weeks, months, or even years after the initial infection. Patients with Long COVID often experience fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and other debilitating symptoms, making daily life difficult. In the search for effective treatments, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising option.
At MD Hyperbaric, we offer cutting-edge HBOT treatments that are showing encouraging results in helping Long COVID patients recover. In this blog post, we’ll explore the latest research on HBOT for Long COVID, explain how it works, and how MD Hyperbaric is helping patients regain their quality of life.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), refers to a wide range of symptoms that continue long after the acute phase of COVID-19 has passed. Common symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Brain fog or memory issues
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Muscle weakness
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety and depression
These symptoms can persist for months, reducing the quality of life and complicating efforts to fully recover from the virus. Long COVID can affect individuals who had mild, moderate, or severe cases of COVID-19, and researchers are still trying to understand its underlying mechanisms.
One hypothesis is that Long COVID results from inflammation, microvascular damage, and oxygen deprivation in various tissues and organs. This is where Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) may offer a new treatment approach.
How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Work?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Under these conditions, the body can absorb much more oxygen than normal, which promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and enhances the body’s natural repair mechanisms. This super-oxygenation helps:
- Stimulate new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis)
- Reduce inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines
- Enhance immune function
- Improve cognitive function by delivering more oxygen to the brain
- Accelerate tissue repair and promote wound healing
Given that Long COVID likely involves a mix of inflammation, vascular damage, and oxygen deprivation, HBOT’s ability to improve oxygen delivery and promote healing makes it a natural fit for treating this condition.
What Does the Research Say About HBOT for Long COVID?
Research into the use of HBOT for Long COVID is still in its early stages, but initial studies show promising results.
1. A Breakthrough Study in Israel
One of the most significant studies to date on HBOT and Long COVID was conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University and the Shamir Medical Center in Israel. The study, published in Scientific Reports (2022), investigated the effects of HBOT on patients suffering from Long COVID symptoms, particularly cognitive and fatigue-related issues (1).
In the study, 73 Long COVID patients were divided into two groups: one receiving HBOT and a control group receiving placebo treatments. The group treated with HBOT underwent 40 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy over two months. Results showed significant improvements in cognitive function, memory, attention, and executive function in the HBOT group compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the HBOT group experienced reduced fatigue and improved physical functioning.
This study was a breakthrough, suggesting that HBOT may be able to address some of the most persistent symptoms of Long COVID by improving brain oxygenation and promoting cellular repair in damaged tissues.
2. HBOT and Microvascular Health
Another important area of research involves the potential for HBOT to improve microvascular function in Long COVID patients. A study published in Medical Gas Research (2021) examined how HBOT can stimulate the production of new blood vessels and repair damaged ones (2). Researchers found that HBOT enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which is crucial in Long COVID cases where blood flow may be compromised due to inflammation or vascular damage caused by the virus.
Since many Long COVID patients experience symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue that are likely tied to microvascular damage, HBOT’s ability to restore proper blood flow and oxygenation can be a game-changer.
3. Improving Chronic Fatigue and Energy Levels
A common complaint among Long COVID sufferers is chronic fatigue, often referred to as post-exertional malaise—where even minimal physical exertion leads to exhaustion. An earlier study published in the Journal of Medicine and Therapeutics (2019) on HBOT for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) found that HBOT significantly improved energy levels and reduced fatigue in patients with chronic fatigue conditions similar to Long COVID (3).
This study is particularly relevant as many Long COVID patients report symptoms that overlap with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, suggesting that HBOT may be an effective treatment for this debilitating symptom.
How MD Hyperbaric is Helping Long COVID Patients Recover
At MD Hyperbaric, we specialize in using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to help patients recover from a wide range of conditions, including Long COVID. Our approach is personalized to meet each patient’s unique symptoms and health needs. Here’s how we support our Long COVID patients:
1. Personalized Treatment Plans
Every Long COVID patient experiences a different combination of symptoms, from cognitive issues to respiratory challenges. At MD Hyperbaric, we start with a comprehensive consultation to understand your specific symptoms, medical history, and health goals. Based on this, we create a tailored HBOT treatment plan designed to address your unique needs.
2. State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our facility is equipped with the latest hyperbaric oxygen chambers, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for every patient. We maintain strict medical protocols to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety. Our chambers are designed to maximize your comfort while delivering the therapeutic benefits of HBOT.
3. Expert Care
At MD Hyperbaric, our experienced team of HBOT technicians & HBOT Medical Director monitor your progress throughout your treatment journey. We work closely with you to ensure you’re getting the most out of each session, tracking improvements in your symptoms, and adjusting your treatment plan as necessary.
Why Choose HBOT for Long COVID Recovery?
Long COVID can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms persist for months without improvement. Traditional treatments like medications and physical therapy can help, but they often fall short of addressing the full spectrum of symptoms. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy offers a new avenue of hope by targeting the root causes of Long COVID—such as inflammation, oxygen deprivation, and vascular damage—helping patients recover more fully and regain their quality of life.
At MD Hyperbaric, we’ve seen firsthand how HBOT can help Long COVID patients reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function, and get back to their daily routines. If you’re struggling with Long COVID symptoms and looking for a science-backed, non-invasive treatment option, HBOT may be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Final Thoughts: How MD Hyperbaric Can Help
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is rapidly emerging as a promising treatment for Long COVID, offering relief from symptoms that have left many patients feeling hopeless. By enhancing oxygen delivery, promoting tissue repair, and reducing inflammation, HBOT can help patients recover from the long-term effects of COVID-19.
At MD Hyperbaric, we’re proud to offer specialized HBOT treatments designed to help Long COVID patients regain their health and well-being. If you’re ready to explore how HBOT can help you, contact MD Hyperbaric today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our personalized treatment plans.
Citations:
- Scientific Reports. (2022). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves cognitive function in Long COVID patients.
- Medical Gas Research. (2021). HBOT and microvascular health in Long COVID.
- Journal of Medicine and Therapeutics. (2021). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome: Implications for Long COVID recovery.
What Our Patients Say
Real Patients. Real Results
Post-Surgical Recovery“Getting HBOT helped me a lot with my wound healing. I noticed my scars remarkably lightened. My mood and energy levels improved as well in just three weeks of getting two sessions each week — despite my demanding work schedule, I felt like I had more energy.”Namae
Inflammatory Bowel Disease“I was prescribed HBOT by my specialist to treat a complex and traumatic issue stemming from IBD and reconstructive GI surgeries. I did a full course and absolutely saw improvement right away. The staff are amazing, very professional and caring.”Kathleen
Injury Recovery“I broke my wrist playing tennis and came to MD Hyperbaric Westchester to help speed up my recovery. After a few sessions I have felt a tremendous improvement in energy, sleep — and my doctor says my wrist is healing remarkably well.”John
Cancer Adjunct“I'm a breast cancer survivor, and after radiation near my lungs, I thought this treatment might be useful. I can feel a difference in my breathing and cognition. I definitely recommend it if your body has gone through a traumatic experience.”Aziza
Wellness“I recently began using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at MD Hyperbaric, and it's been one of the most unique and impactful wellness treatments I've explored. I was drawn in by the potential benefits for anxiety, fatigue, and overall cellular repair, but I didn't expect it to feel this restorative — and my skin is glowing too!”Olesia
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a proven treatment that enhances healing by flooding the body with oxygen. Used for over 100 years, it supports brain health, anti-aging, athletic recovery, and medical conditions by boosting oxygen in blood, tissues, and organs. Patients breathe 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, accelerating recovery and promoting cellular repair.
HBOT is FDA-approved for 14 conditions like burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds. Emerging research also supports its use for post-surgical recovery, brain injury, fatigue, inflammation, athletic recovery, and anti-aging. Our medical team will assess if HBOT is right for you.
Yes, HBOT is safe when properly supervised. At MD Hyperbaric, treatments are protocol-driven, medically overseen, and administered by certified staff. Our Medical Director and onsite Safety Director ensure every session is carefully monitored, and we continuously update our protocols based on the latest research to prioritize patient safety.
Typically, most treatment sessions are approximately 60 minutes, though some conditions may require up to 90 or 120 minutes. Pressurization and depressurization may add about 20 minutes to the appointment, so you should plan for about 90 minutes for your visit.
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated. Some patients may benefit from a few sessions, while others may require a more extended treatment plan. A typical protocol will involve 10-40 daily sessions to build up oxygen in the cells. Our Medical Director will recommend a specific treatment plan to address your goals and needs.
Prior to treatment, please try to avoid alcohol or carbonated drinks. It is best to avoid smoking and other tobacco products during your treatment period, as they may interfere with the body's ability to transport oxygen. Otherwise, there are no restrictions for food or activity before or after your treatment. We encourage you to have healthy meals and stay hydrated.
Most patients find HBOT sessions relaxing. You will rest comfortably in a 7.5-foot-long steel chamber, breathing 100% pure oxygen through a mask. During pressurization and depressurization, you may feel pressure changes similar to airplane travel. A trained technician will monitor you throughout the session.
The term "dive" is used because the process simulates the experience of a deep-sea dive in a pressurized environment. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has deep roots in diving as an important therapy for treating divers experiencing decompression sickness.
At MD Hyperbaric, we use the FDA-cleared OxyHealth Fortius420, a spacious hard-shell chamber delivering 100% medical-grade oxygen via mask. It operates up to 3.0 ATA, allows tailored pressures, supports air breaks, and includes three windows for comfort and safety.
At MD Hyperbaric, we use hard-shell chambers that deliver 100% medical-grade oxygen at higher pressures for superior therapeutic benefits. Soft-shell chambers operate at lower pressures without medical-grade oxygen, making them less effective for medical treatment.
Our team will assess your medical history and specific circumstances through an intake process. An initial evaluation with certified staff and the Medical Director will determine your eligibility for HBOT.
No referral is needed. Our Medical Director will review your intake forms and prescribe HBOT if appropriate. If you have a prescription from a provider, we will coordinate with them. For serious health conditions, we may recommend getting clearance from your physician.
Some MD Hyperbaric centers accept insurance for certain on-label conditions — the FDA-recognized indications for which HBOT is an established standard of care. Whether insurance applies depends on your diagnosis, your plan, and the center you visit, so please contact your local center to confirm. Where insurance does not apply, HBOT is a self-pay treatment: most FSA/HSA plans allow reimbursement, and we can provide a superbill and receipt to help you submit a claim.
It depends on how you pay. For insurance-covered treatment at participating centers, your cost depends on your plan's deductible, copay, and coinsurance — the center verifies your benefits and explains expected costs before treatment begins. For self-pay treatment, we offer a variety of pricing options designed to suit different medical and financial needs, including pay-as-you-go and package options at reduced rates when purchased upfront. Please contact us to discuss pricing and options. We accept cash, credit, or check.