A proven medical treatment that harnesses the healing power of pure oxygen under pressure
Last Updated: January 7, 2026 | Reviewed by Dr. David Greene, MD, Board-Certified Hyperbaric Medicine Specialist
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment where you breathe 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The atmospheric pressure in the chamber is increased to 1.5-3 times normal sea-level pressure, allowing your lungs to gather significantly more oxygen than would be possible at normal air pressure.
Under normal conditions, oxygen is transported throughout the body by red blood cells. With HBOT, the increased pressure dissolves extra oxygen directly into your blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. This oxygen-rich environment:
Oxygen can reach tissues where blood flow is limited or damaged
High oxygen levels kill anaerobic bacteria and enhance white blood cell function
Triggers release of growth factors and stem cells that promote tissue repair
Decreases inflammatory markers throughout the body
Stimulates angiogenesis for improved long-term circulation
HBOT is FDA-cleared for treating 14 specific medical conditions
Many physicians use HBOT for additional conditions based on clinical evidence and research. Consult with our medical team to discuss your specific case.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Stroke Recovery
• Concussion & Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson's Disease
• Alzheimer's & Dementia
• Cerebral Palsy
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Chronic Inflammation
• Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Lyme Disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Long COVID / Post-COVID Syndrome
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Sports Injury Recovery
• Post-Surgical Healing
• Muscle Recovery & Performance
• Anti-Aging & Longevity
• Cognitive Enhancement
• Immune System Support
Yes, HBOT is very safe when administered by trained professionals using FDA-cleared equipment. Our experienced physicians and certified hyperbaric technicians follow strict safety protocols. Serious side effects are extremely rare.
The most common side effect is ear pressure during compression and decompression (similar to flying). We teach you techniques to equalize pressure. Temporary vision changes may occur but resolve after treatment ends. Our team monitors you continuously throughout each session.
Typical treatments last 60-90 minutes at pressure. Including compression and decompression time, the total session takes about 2 hours. Most conditions require 20-40 sessions scheduled 5 days per week.
You lie comfortably in a clear acrylic chamber while it gradually pressurizes. You breathe pure oxygen for the treatment duration. You can relax, sleep, listen to music, or watch entertainment. The chamber is spacious and well-lit, and you can communicate with technicians via intercom.
Most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medi-Cal, cover HBOT for FDA-cleared conditions when medically necessary. Coverage for off-label uses varies by plan. Our billing specialists will verify your coverage and assist with prior authorization.
Results vary by condition and individual. Some patients notice improvements within the first 10-20 treatments, while others require more sessions. Wound healing often shows early progress. Neurological conditions may take longer. Your medical team will monitor your progress throughout treatment.
The primary contraindication is untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung). Relative contraindications include severe COPD, uncontrolled high fever, certain seizure disorders, and recent ear surgery. Our medical team will review your complete medical history to ensure HBOT is safe for you.
Board-Certified Hyperbaric Medicine Specialist
Dr. Greene is our Medical Director at Cypress Coast Hyperbarics in Salinas, CA, where he specializes in non-invasive treatments to increase oxygen delivery to tissues and accelerate healing. With extensive experience in hyperbaric medicine, he has helped thousands of patients recover from complex wounds, radiation injuries, and chronic conditions.
Our network of 800 Hyperbarics centers operates under strict medical protocols, using only FDA-cleared equipment and following evidence-based treatment guidelines established by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is supported by decades of peer-reviewed research and clinical studies. The treatment is FDA-cleared for 14 specific medical conditions and has been used safely since the 1940s. Major medical organizations including the American Medical Association (AMA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognize HBOT as an established medical therapy.
Key Research Areas: Over 5,000 published studies demonstrate HBOT's effectiveness in wound healing, neuroprotection, inflammation reduction, and tissue regeneration. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) maintains comprehensive treatment guidelines based on current evidence.
Schedule a consultation to discuss how HBOT can help with your specific condition.
Schedule Consultation →Or call us at 1-800-Hyperbarics