Millions of people have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19, yet many continue to experience lingering symptoms that last weeks, months, or even years. This condition, known as Long COVID or post-COVID syndrome, can include persistent fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, pain, sleep disturbances, and a significant drop in overall quality of life. Traditional treatments often focus on symptom management rather than the underlying causes.
For individuals seeking a more comprehensive approach, many are now exploring HBOT for Long COVID. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a noninvasive treatment that raises oxygen levels in the body and may support deeper healing processes. Early studies suggest promising results for energy, cognition, inflammation, and general well-being.
What Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is and Why It May Help
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen while resting inside a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows the body to absorb oxygen at levels far higher than normal. This oxygen reaches tissues affected by inflammation or reduced circulation, which is common in Long COVID.
Current research suggests the following potential benefits:
- Improved microvascular repair and circulation
- Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
- Enhanced mitochondrial function and cellular energy production
- Support for neuroplasticity and brain perfusion
- Increased tissue healing capacity, similar to the benefits seen in tissue repair applications
Learn more about How HBOT Works and how it may help address several core issues believed to contribute to Long COVID.
What Research Shows About HBOT for Long COVID
Although Long COVID is still being studied, the growing research around Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is encouraging in terms of using HBOT to help Long COVID patients recover.
A review of studies published between 2021 and 2024 found consistent improvements in fatigue, cognitive problems, sleep quality, pain levels, and overall day-to-day functioning. These studies also reported that HBOT is generally safe when supervised by trained medical staff.
A long-term, sham-controlled study published in 2024 showed sustained improvements up to one year after treatment. These findings add scientific support to the potential of HBOT as a recovery tool. You can read more in this peer-reviewed research on HBOT for Long COVID.
Additional trials continue to build momentum. A separate study highlighted meaningful gains in sleep, mental health, and daily functioning. These outcomes align with ongoing clinical trial findings on HBOT.
Smaller observational studies have also shown improvements in circulation, cognitive clarity, cardiopulmonary performance, energy, and endurance. While HBOT is not a cure and individual responses vary, the scientific foundation continues to strengthen.
Why Certain Symptoms Respond Well to HBOT
Long COVID appears to affect multiple systems throughout the body. Many researchers believe it stems from persistent inflammation, vascular injury, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and impaired tissue healing.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy supports several of these core mechanisms:
- Improved oxygenation and blood flow to damaged microvascular areas
- Enhanced mitochondrial function and metabolic efficiency
- Reduction in inflammation, helping individuals experiencing chronic pain and inflammation
- Increased oxygen delivery and neuroplastic support for cognitive symptoms
- Improved brain circulation and clarity, consistent with research on HBOT and cognitive recovery
- Support for cardiopulmonary healing and exercise tolerance
These combined effects help explain why HBOT may offer relief for several different Long COVID symptoms.
What To Know Before Beginning HBOT
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has an excellent safety profile when performed by qualified professionals. Temporary ear pressure, mild fatigue, or short-term vision changes are possible but usually resolve quickly.
Treatment protocols for Long COVID are not one-size-fits-all. Your care team should customize the number of sessions, pressure settings, and duration based on your health status and goals.
It is important to set realistic expectations. Many patients experience meaningful improvement, while others progress more gradually. HBOT works best as part of a comprehensive recovery plan, which may include nutrition, physical rehabilitation, sleep support, and stress management. Learn more on our page about immune system support.
Individuals with existing neurological conditions may also find added benefit through improved circulation and brain oxygenation. Learn more on our neurological recovery page.
Always consult a trained hyperbaric medicine provider to determine whether HBOT is appropriate for your health profile. Here’s what to expect at MD Hyperbaric when getting started with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Final Thoughts
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is emerging as one of the more promising approaches for Long COVID recovery. Current studies suggest that HBOT may improve cognitive clarity, energy, sleep quality, circulation, and general well-being. Although it is not a cure, it provides a valuable pathway for individuals seeking a deeper level of healing beyond symptom management.
With proper guidance and a personalized approach, many patients find that HBOT helps restore clarity, focus, physical ability, and overall quality of life.
To learn more or to see if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may be appropriate for your recovery, explore our full overview of HBOT for Long COVID.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal recommendations and check with your insurance company for current policy details.