What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and is it right for you?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing oxygen inside a pressurised chamber, which lets your body take in more oxygen than it can at normal air pressure. That extra oxygen is carried through the blood to your tissues, which is why HBOT is used to support recovery. Whether it suits you depends on your health and goals — and on a proper screening first, because it isn't right for everyone.

How does HBOT work?

At normal air pressure, most of the oxygen you breathe is carried by red blood cells. Inside a hyperbaric chamber, the increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma — so it can reach tissues more readily.

Raising the oxygen your tissues receive is thought to support the body's own recovery processes, including:

• Supplying oxygen to tissues where circulation is reduced

• Supporting the body's natural repair and recovery pathways

• Assisting the systems involved in reducing swelling and inflammation

The strength of the evidence varies by use, which is why the next section separates what's well established from what's still being studied.

What is HBOT used for?

HBOT has a set of well-established, clinically recognised medical uses, and a broader set of recovery and wellbeing uses where research is still developing. It's an important distinction to be clear about.

Well-established medical usesRecovery & wellbeing uses (evidence developing)Recognised conditions treated in clinical/hospital settings under specialist supervisionSupporting general recovery, training load, and wellbeingBacked by long-standing clinical evidenceResearch is ongoing and results vary between individualsDelivered as a prescribed medical treatmentUsed as a supportive tool alongside other care

At VIP Health's Recovery Lab, HBOT sits in the second column — a supportive recovery tool, not a treatment for specific medical conditions. If you have a diagnosed condition, HBOT for it should be discussed with your doctor.

Is HBOT right for you?

HBOT may be worth exploring if you're focused on recovery and general wellbeing and you're cleared to use it. It isn't suitable for everyone — some health conditions and situations mean it's not recommended, which is exactly why a screening comes first.

Before any session, we check your health history to confirm HBOT is appropriate and safe for you. That conversation matters more than any general article, because "is it right for you?" is an individual question.

What does a session actually feel like?

You rest comfortably inside the chamber while the pressure gradually increases — most people notice a feeling in their ears similar to descending in a plane, which settles by swallowing or yawning. From there you simply relax, breathe normally, and many people read or listen to music. Sessions are calm and low-effort; the gradual return to normal pressure at the end is equally gentle.

What this looks like at VIP Health

Our Recovery Lab offers HBOT as part of a broader recovery approach alongside chiropractic and movement care. We start with a short screening and consultation to confirm it's appropriate for you and to set realistic expectations about what it can and can't do.

Book a Recovery Lab consultation to find out whether HBOT suits your goals. Book online or call 0800 847 069.

Frequently asked questions

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe? For suitable candidates it's generally well tolerated, which is why screening comes first — some conditions mean it isn't recommended. We check your health history before your first session.

How many sessions will I need? It depends on your goals and how you respond. We'll talk through a realistic plan at your consultation rather than committing you to a fixed number up front.

Does HBOT treat specific medical conditions? HBOT has recognised medical uses delivered in clinical settings under specialist care. At Recovery Lab we offer it as a supportive recovery and wellbeing tool. If you have a diagnosed condition, discuss it with your doctor.

What does HBOT feel like? Mostly restful. You may feel gentle pressure in your ears as the chamber pressurises, similar to a plane descending; otherwise you relax and breathe normally.