Authored by Dr. Martin J. O’Malley and the team at MD Hyperbaric, this comprehensive guide is here to give you the best possible advice on the frequency of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions.
Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
The Basics of HBOT
At its core, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment method that involves the patient breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This process increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, promoting healing in the body. Conditions that may benefit from this therapy range from stubborn wounds and ulcers to more complex conditions like stroke, migraines, autism, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and Lyme disease.
The HBOT Chamber and Decompression Sickness
The pressurized chamber is a key part of the therapy. It’s designed to withstand the increased pressure needed for the treatment, similar to decompression in diving or the pressure changes in an airplane. This chamber simulates that pressure change in a controlled and safe way and can also be used to treat decompression sickness, a condition often suffered by divers.
The Frequency of HBOT Treatments
Factors Influencing the Frequency of Treatments
The frequency of your hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments can be influenced by many factors, including the condition being treated, its severity, and the patient’s overall health. The ultimate decision on the number of treatments will be made by your doctor, who will assess your specific situation.
Typical Treatment Sessions
Typically, treatment sessions occur 5 days a week and can continue for 2-8 weeks, depending on the patient’s condition. However, each person is unique, and the number of required sessions can vary.
Can You Do Too Much HBOT?
While HBOT is generally considered safe, too many treatments in a short period can cause side effects like ear pain due to pressure changes or temporary short-sightedness. The therapy should always be carried out under the supervision of trained professionals.
The Benefits of Regular HBOT
Improved Healing and Reduced Inflammation
Regular sessions of HBOT can help your body in numerous ways. Increased oxygen in the blood can accelerate wound healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and help tissues and bones recover faster. This makes it valuable for conditions like ulcers and painful inflammation.
Enhanced Brain Function
HBOT also shows promise in treating neurological conditions like stroke, migraines, autism, and cerebral palsy. By increasing the amount of oxygen reaching the brain, it may help improve brain function and reduce symptoms associated with these conditions.
Preparing for Your HBOT Appointment
Before your appointment, you’ll receive all the necessary information to prepare for the session. You may need to refrain from certain activities or medications prior to therapy, and it’s essential to follow all guidelines to ensure the best possible outcome.
Final Words on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Treatment Frequency
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a valuable tool in treating various health conditions. The frequency of treatment will depend on your individual condition and overall health. Always consult with professionals like our team at MDHyperbaricto determine the optimal treatment schedule for you.
If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your health and well-being are our primary concern at MD Hyperbaric.
Remember, every breath of oxygen you take in our chambers is a step towards healing.
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.