Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric chambers differ in their construction, pressure capabilities, oxygen delivery, and the types of protocols they can support. Soft-shell chambers generally operate at lower pressures, while medical-grade hard chambers are designed to achieve and maintain higher treatment pressures with more precise control of the hyperbaric environment.

At the Institute for Human Optimization, we use a medical-grade hard hyperbaric chamber that allows our team to control pressure, oxygen exposure, treatment duration, and other protocol variables within a structured clinical setting.

These variables matter because HBOT is not simply about breathing more oxygen. The physiologic response depends on the interaction between pressure, oxygen concentration, exposure time, and treatment frequency.

When appropriately screened and delivered within a controlled clinical environment, HBOT is generally well tolerated. Because treatment involves increased atmospheric pressure and high concentrations of oxygen, appropriate medical screening and chamber safety procedures are important.

Before beginning treatment, our team reviews relevant medical history, medications, pulmonary health, ear and sinus concerns, recent procedures, implanted devices, and other factors that may affect your ability to safely undergo hyperbaric treatment.

Potential risks can include pressure-related ear or sinus discomfort, temporary vision changes, oxygen-related effects, and other complications. Your individual risks and suitability for treatment are reviewed before an HBOT protocol is started.

During pressurization and decompression, the most noticeable sensation is typically pressure in the ears, similar to what you may experience during airplane takeoff or landing.

Our team will teach you simple techniques for equalizing your ears and will communicate with you throughout the process. Once treatment pressure is reached, the pressure sensation generally stabilizes and you can rest comfortably while the session continues.

At the end of treatment, chamber pressure is gradually returned to normal atmospheric pressure before you exit.

There is no universal number of hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. Treatment frequency and duration depend on the clinical objective, protocol, treatment pressure, individual response, and whether HBOT is being used independently or within a broader program at the Institute for Human Optimization.

Many studied medical HBOT protocols involve repeated sessions over a defined period rather than isolated treatments. For that reason, multi-session protocols may be recommended when the objective calls for repeated hyperbaric exposure.

Our goal is to select the frequency and duration intentionally rather than applying the same treatment schedule to every patient.

Candidacy begins with medical screening and review of your health history, medications, treatment goals, and factors that may affect your response to changes in pressure or oxygen exposure.

Particular attention may be given to pulmonary conditions, ear and sinus health, recent surgeries or procedures, implanted medical devices, and medications that may require additional consideration.

Untreated pneumothorax is a contraindication to HBOT, and other medical circumstances may require additional evaluation, modification of the protocol, or an alternative approach.

Hyperbaric environments require specific fire-safety precautions. Patients are asked to wear approved chamber-safe garments and remove items that have not been cleared for use within the chamber.

Depending on the chamber protocol, restricted items may include:

• × Phones, smart watches, earbuds, tablets, and other electronics
• × Batteries, chargers, and battery-powered devices
• × Lighters, vapes, or other ignition sources
• × Petroleum-based lotions, oils, or skin products
• × Hair sprays, aerosols, perfumes, and certain personal-care products
• × Non-approved clothing, blankets, or personal items

You will receive preparation instructions before your first session, and our team will review chamber requirements with you before treatment begins.

Yes, when clinically appropriate. HBOT may be incorporated into a broader physician-guided strategy that includes regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, performance medicine, or other services available through the Institute for Human Optimization.

The decision to combine therapies is based on the clinical objective, timing, safety considerations, and your overall treatment strategy. Rather than simply stacking modalities together, our goal is to determine where each intervention fits within an individualized plan.