Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a painless procedure in which a person is exposed to increased pressure that helps the body absorb more oxygen. The oxygen penetrates cells deep within the body, contributing to many healing and therapeutic benefits.

The concept of hyperbaric oxygenation has been in existence as early as 1662 but has only gained recognition in conventional medicine over the past 40 years.

How does hyperbaric oxygen work?

The pressurized environment allows a greater amount of gas (oxygen) to be dissolved into a liquid (plasma). This is known as Henry's Law of Physics. For instance, when a carbonated beverage is canned at the factory, a great amount of pressure is applied so that more carbon dioxide can be dissolved into the beverage, which causes carbonation. When the beverage is opened, the pressure is released, and the amount of carbonation decreases over time resulting in a "flat" beverage. It is this same law that applies to hyperbaric therapy. Greater amounts of oxygen are absorbed into the plasma, synovial fluid and cerebral fluid when the body is pressurized using a hyperbaric chamber. In addition to the greater absorption, the oxygen is also allowed to reach areas in the body that are difficult to reach without the increased pressure.