6 fascinating facts about HBOT therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s actually been used in medicine for over a century. Originally developed to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness, HBOT has evolved into a powerful therapy for a wide range of health conditions - and it’s gaining serious popularity here in Australia. Whether you’ve heard the term in wellness circles or seen it on a clinic menu and wondered what it actually involves, here are six fascinating facts about HBOT — plus how ancient yogic breathwork (pranayama) can enhance its effects.
1. It’s not just for divers
When most people think of HBOT, they still refer to the idea that it’s only suitable for divers who need help recovering from decompression sickness. While it’s true that HBOT was first widely used for this purpose, it has since grown in popularity for more applications suitable for the wider public. Today, HBOT is an approved treatment for over a dozen conditions worldwide, including:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Radiation injuries
- Thermal burns
- Chronic wounds
It’s also currently being used in clinical studies for its potential role in brain injury recovery, stroke rehabilitation, and even long COVID symptoms. Many athletes also use it as part of their muscle recovery routine.
2. It supercharges the body with oxygen
During an HBOT session, you’ll be placed inside a specialised chamber where the air pressure increases to around 1.5 to 3 times higher than normal atmospheric pressure. Inside the chamber, you breathe in pure oxygen - which is where the magic truly happens. At sea level, your red blood cells carry most of your body’s oxygen. In a hyperbaric chamber, however, the amount of oxygen dissolved directly into your plasma, tissues, and other fluids increases dramatically. This hyper-oxygenation boosts cellular repair, reduces inflammation, fights infection, and stimulates the growth of new blood vessels in damaged tissue.
This principle of oxygen saturation aligns beautifully with what yogis have practiced for millennia through pranayama — the conscious control of breath to boost energy, clarity, and vitality.
3. It’s Surprisingly Relaxing — Just Like Yogic Breathwork
Worried about claustrophobia? You’re not alone. But most modern HBOT chambers are spacious, light-filled, and designed for comfort. Some are even built like luxe spa pods. Patients can often watch a movie, listen to music, or simply rest.
Much like the deep, rhythmic breathing used in yoga, HBOT invites your body into a parasympathetic “rest and digest” state. This is where real healing begins.
If you’ve ever practiced slow breathing, alternate nostril breathing (nadi shodhana), or box breathing during yoga, you already understand how breath calms the nervous system. That’s exactly why we teach these breathwork techniques as part of our Yoga Teacher Training — because when paired with any wellness modality, they supercharge results.
4. HBOT can help speed up recovery after injury or surgery
Many athletes and high-performance recovery clinics now use HBOT as a post-injury or post-surgical recovery tool, thanks to the benefits increased oxygen can offer the body. It enhances the body’s natural healing processes and can reduce swelling, improve circulation, and more.
Studies have shown that HBOT can be particularly effective in treating non-healing wounds, muscle strains, ligament injuries, and even post-surgical complications like infection and poor tissue healing. It’s like giving your body an extra boost to bounce back faster and stronger.
5. It’s a clinically approved medical treatment
In Australia, HBOT is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for several specific medical indications. These include decompression illness, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas embolism, certain infections like necrotising fasciitis, and chronic wounds associated with diabetes. It's important to note, however, that while HBOT is offered at wellness clinics for general health and recovery benefits, off-label uses should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare professional.
6. Studies may indicate that HBOT can support brain health and neuroprotection
One of the most exciting areas of HBOT research in recent years is its potential effect on brain health. Some studies have suggested that hyperbaric oxygen can promote neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to form new connections, to reduce inflammation and therefore neurological tissues. This has shown promising results in mild traumatic brain injuries, stroke recovery, and cognitive decline when related to age. While studies are preliminary and need more research to back their findings up, the idea that HBOT can potentially support brain health is promising enough that some neuro-rehab centres have started integrating it alongside traditional therapies.
Learn more about HBOT therapy today!
There’s plenty of promising research being published about HBOT currently, making it one of the most exciting developments in the health and wellness market in quite some time. If you're looking to learn more about this treatment and what it can do for you, why not check out HBOT therapy in Brisbane? Here you’ll find out exactly what it is, the benefits you can expect to see, frequently asked questions, and so much more. Enjoy the journey!
