How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Work? Understanding the Science Behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

November 12, 2025

When you’re dealing with a wound that won’t heal or facing complications from diabetes, radiation, or infection, you may have heard about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) as a potential treatment option. This advanced medical therapy has gained recognition for its remarkable ability to accelerate healing and recovery, but you might wonder: how does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work? 

The answer lies in a powerful yet elegant scientific principle. Breathing 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment allows your body to deliver increased oxygen levels to damaged tissues, supporting healing in ways not possible under normal conditions.. This enhanced oxygen delivery triggers a cascade of healing mechanisms that can transform stubborn, non-healing tissue into successfully treated patients. 

At Healogics, our mission is to FIND. TREAT. HEAL.™ We’ve witnessed firsthand how HBO can make a difference for patients struggling with chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and radiation injuries. Understanding the science behind this therapy can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. 

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? 

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber. This differs significantly from standard oxygen therapy, where you might receive supplemental oxygen through a mask or nasal cannula at normal atmospheric pressure. 

In the hyperbaric medical environment, the atmospheric pressure is increased to levels 2-3 times higher than what you experience at sea level. This increased pressure, combined with the breathing of 100% pure oxygen, creates the fundamental environment that dramatically increases oxygen delivery to damaged tissue. 

This enhanced tissue oxygenation is particularly beneficial for treating diabetic foot ulcers, non-healing wounds, and various complications where poor circulation or infection have compromised your body’s natural healing processes. When your tissues receive this supercharged oxygen supply, they can begin the complex process of repair and regeneration more effectively. 

The Science Behind Hyperbaric Chambers 

The effectiveness of HBO lies in basic physics and physiology. Under normal conditions, oxygen travels through your bloodstream primarily attached to red blood cells. However, when you’re in a hyperbaric chamber, the increased atmospheric pressure allows your blood plasma to carry more dissolved oxygen directly to your tissues. 

This enhanced tissue oxygenation triggers several critical healing processes: 

Cell Repair and Regeneration: The extra oxygen provides the energy your cells need for repair work. Damaged cells can resume normal metabolic functions, while healthy cells can work more efficiently to replace damaged tissue. 

Angiogenesis: HBO stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. This is crucial for wound healing because new blood vessels bring nutrients and oxygen to previously poorly perfused areas. 

Infection Control: Many bacteria, particularly those that cause problems in conditions like osteomyelitis, gangrene, and soft tissue infections, struggle to survive in high-oxygen environments. HBO creates an atmosphere that’s hostile to these harmful microorganisms while supporting your immune system’s ability to fight infection. 

The increased pressure also helps reduce swelling and inflammation, creating better conditions for your body’s natural healing mechanisms to take hold. 

The Treatment Process 

If you’re considering HBO therapy, you’re probably wondering about the practical aspects of treatment. A typical HBO session lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours, during which you will lie in the pressurized chamber breathing pure oxygen. Treatments are typically repeated everyday Monday-Friday for a total of 20-60 treatments depending on your specific condition and overall health. 

We understand that committing to a treatment schedule of this magnitude can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with health challenges. Our team works closely with each patient to develop realistic expectations and provide support throughout the treatment process. 

How Your Body Responds to HBO 

The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy extend far beyond simply delivering more oxygen to your tissues. Your body undergoes several remarkable changes during and after treatment: 

Reduced Swelling: The pressure helps reduce edema and inflammation, which can significantly impede the healing process. As swelling decreases, blood flow improves, and nutrients can reach damaged areas more effectively. 

Boosted Immune Response: Your white blood cells become more effective at fighting infection when they have access to higher oxygen levels. This enhanced immune response is particularly important for diabetic patients, who often have compromised immune systems. 

Enhanced Collagen Production: HBO stimulates the production of collagen, a crucial protein for wound healing and tissue repair. This leads to stronger, more durable healing outcomes. 

Improved Circulation: The therapy promotes the development of new blood vessels and improves the function of existing ones, supporting long-term tissue health. 

For diabetic patients dealing with diabetic foot ulcers, these changes can be particularly transformative. The combination of improved circulation, enhanced infection-fighting capabilities, and accelerated tissue repair often leads to the successful healing of wounds that had previously shown little progress with standard treatments. 

Medical Conditions Treated with HBO 

HBO therapy has proven effective for a wide range of medical conditions. At Healogics, we commonly treat: 

  • Diabetic foot ulcers: Often the most common indication, especially for patients with compromised circulation 
  • Radiation injury: Soft tissue and/or bone damage from cancer treatments that can develop months or years after radiation therapy 
  • Decompression sickness: Also known as “the bends,” affecting scuba divers and aviation personnel 
  • Gangrene: Tissue death that may be reversible with prompt HBO treatment 

The effectiveness of hyperbaric therapy for these conditions stems from addressing the underlying problem: inadequate oxygen delivery to damaged or compromised tissues. By flooding these areas with oxygen, we can restart stalled healing processes and give your body the tools it needs to recover. 

The Role of HBO in Wound Healing 

Wound healing is a complex process that requires adequate oxygen, nutrients, and cellular energy. When you have a chronic wound, this process often becomes stalled due to poor circulation, infection, or metabolic problems. 

HBO therapy addresses each of these issues. The enhanced oxygen delivery provides the energy needed for cellular repair work. The improved circulation ensures that nutrients and immune cells can reach the wound site. The hostile environment for bacteria helps clear infections that may be preventing healing. 

You may notice initial improvements in wound appearance within the first few treatments, including reduced inflammation, improved color, and decreased drainage. More substantial healing, including new tissue growth and wound closure, typically becomes evident after 20-40 sessions. 

How long do the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy last? The benefits of HBO can be long-lasting, especially when combined with proper wound care and management of underlying conditions. The new blood vessels formed during treatment continue to supply the area with improved circulation. However, ongoing management of conditions like diabetes remains crucial for maintaining healing progress. 

Safety and Side Effects 

 Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks and contraindications to consider: 

Common side effects include temporary changes in vision, ear discomfort during pressure changes, and mild fatigue after treatment. These effects are usually temporary and resolve quickly. 

More serious but rare complications can include barotrauma (injury from pressure changes), oxygen toxicity, and, in extremely rare cases, fire hazards if safety protocols aren’t followed. 

Contraindications include certain types of pneumothorax (collapsed lung), some medications, and specific medical devices. We thoroughly evaluate each patient before beginning treatment to ensure HBO is safe and appropriate. 

Our commitment to safety means we follow strict protocols and maintain the highest standards of care. We want you to feel confident and comfortable throughout your treatment experience. 

What to Expect During Treatment 

Understanding what happens during HBO treatment can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for the experience. You’ll lie comfortably in the hyperbaric chamber, which is typically a clear acrylic tube that allows you to see outside and communicate with our staff. 

As the chamber pressurizes, you’ll feel pressure in your ears similar to what you might experience during airplane takeoff. We’ll teach you techniques to equalize this pressure comfortably. Once at treatment pressure, you’ll breathe normally. Many patients find the treatment relaxing and use the time to rest, listen to music, or watch television. 

Preparation requirements are minimal – we’ll ask you to avoid certain products and wear comfortable, cotton clothing. After treatment, you can usually resume your normal activities; however, we recommend staying well-hydrated and monitoring your symptoms closely. 

Treatment Duration and Results 

The question “how long does it take for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to work?” doesn’t have a simple answer because results depend on several factors: 

Type and severity of condition: Acute conditions often respond faster than chronic ones. A newly developed diabetic foot ulcer may show improvement sooner than one that has been present for months. 

Overall health status: Patients with well-controlled diabetes tend to achieve better results than those with poor glucose control. Other factors, such as circulation, nutrition, and immune function, all play roles. 

Presence of infection: Active infections may require additional treatments and can slow initial progress, but often respond dramatically once the infection is controlled. 

Most patients begin to see some improvement within 5-10 treatments, with more significant progress occurring after 15 to 20 sessions. Complete healing or maximum benefit typically occurs after 20 to 40 treatments, depending on the condition being treated. 

For chronic wounds, the timeline for wound closure varies widely. Some ulcers may close completely within 4-6 weeks of treatment, while others may require longer courses or additional interventions. 

The Future of Hyperbaric Medicine 

 Ongoing research into HBO’s effects on tissue regeneration and systemic inflammation suggests that we may discover additional benefits in areas such as neurological recovery, post-surgical healing, and age-related conditions. Scientists are investigating the potential for treating neuroinflammation, long COVID symptoms, and even supporting cancer treatment protocols.  

These expanding uses beyond wound care represent the growing recognition of oxygen’s fundamental role in healing and recovery. 

Finding HBO Treatment 

We understand that accessing specialized care can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with serious health issues.  Our network of wound care and hyperbaric centers ensures you receive consistent, high-quality care no matter where you’re located. 

 If you’re considering HBO therapy, the first step is to undergo a proper evaluation, at the Center nearest you, to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Our specialists will review your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals to develop a personalized treatment plan. Our team works with you to understand your benefits and explore payment options when needed. Insurance coverage varies among payers, but many healthcare plans cover hyperbaric treatments.   

HBO therapy represents a powerful tool in modern medicine’s ability to promote healing and recovery. By understanding how it works – the science of enhanced oxygen delivery, the body’s response to treatment, and the realistic timeline for results – you can make informed decisions about your care and approach treatment with confidence. 

For more detailed information, we invite you to read our overview of hyperbaric treatment or to learn more about the specific benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing. We encourage you to explore these resources and consult with our specialists to discuss your individual situation. 

Your journey to healing is unique, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are here to help you understand your options, navigate treatment, and work toward the best possible outcomes for your health and quality of life. To begin your healing journey, we invite you to find a Wound Care Center® near you.