What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen under increased ambient pressure in a special pressure chamber. Thanks to the increased pressure, the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood can also be raised, which causes the haemoglobin to become maximally saturated with oxygen and a large amount of oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma. As a result, more oxygen reaches the tissue, which enhances regenerative processes and healing effects.
This therapy has been used for decades for various medical and regenerative purposes – from wound healing to neurological rehabilitation. It is also attracting increasing interest in the field of athletic performance enhancement and anti-aging.
How is HBOT used?
In many countries, as well as in Switzerland, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is offered both in clinics and in specialised health centres. In addition to classic medical application, more and more private individuals, athletes and biohackers are relying on HBOT as a method for recovery and performance enhancement.
How does HBOT work?
The treatment takes place in a pressure chamber designed either for a single person (monoplace chamber) or for several people at the same time (multiplace chamber). The process typically looks like this:
✅ Increased pressure: the chamber is brought to a pressure of between 1.5 and 3.0 ATA (atmospheric overpressure).
✅ Pure oxygen: 100 % oxygen is inhaled via a mask, hood or directly in the chamber.
✅ Duration of the session: a treatment usually lasts 60 to 120 minutes.
✅ Number of sessions: depending on the indication, 20 to 40 sessions are required.
During the therapy you can relax, listen to music or even sleep. The high oxygen content in the blood immediately begins to trigger positive effects in the body.
What does HBOT do in the body?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has a multitude of positive physiological effects, which are primarily due to the improved oxygen supply and cell regeneration:
🔹 Increased oxygen saturation → promotes healing processes in tissue and organs.
🔹 New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) → supports the formation of new capillaries, e.g. after injuries.
🔹 Reduction of inflammation → helps to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines.
🔹 Improvement of immune defences → increases the activity of white blood cells against infections.
🔹 Collagen production and wound healing → promotes skin regeneration and reduces scarring.
🔹 Oedema reduction → has a decongestant effect through vasoconstriction.
🔹 Neuroprotection → supports healing processes in the brain, for example after strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
Would you also like to turn your hobby into a career?
Discover the various training programmes of the update Akademie and qualify as a fitness trainer!
Main areas of application of hyperbaric oxygen therapy
HBOT is used for a multitude of medical indications. Here are some of the most important areas of application:
Medically recognised applications
✔ Chronic wound healing disorders (e.g. diabetic foot ulcers, radiation necrosis)
✔ Decompression sickness (e.g. diver's disease)
✔ Carbon monoxide poisoning
✔ Traumatic brain injury and stroke (off-label, but increasingly researched)
✔ Osteoradionecrosis (bone damage after radiation treatments)
✔ Severe infections (e.g. necrotising fasciitis)
✔ Burns and postoperative wound healing
Popular off-label applications
🔸 Anti-aging & longevity → stimulating cell regeneration and improving skin elasticity.
🔸 Athletic performance enhancement & recovery → faster recovery after intensive training or injuries.
🔸 Neurodegenerative diseases → potential effect on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.
🔸 Autism therapy → initial studies show possible positive effects, but the application is controversial.
Conclusion: HBOT as a versatile therapy with a future
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an established and promising method for supporting wound healing, reducing inflammation and promoting cell regeneration. While it was originally used mainly for medical purposes, interest in off-label applications in the areas of wellness, anti-aging and performance enhancement is growing.
Whether for health, rehabilitation or personal performance optimisation – hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers fascinating potential.
