What it is
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing oxygen while inside a chamber where the air pressure is higher than normal. The setting is usually overseen by trained clinical staff in a hospital or specialized wound or hyperbaric center.
The idea behind it is that tissues need oxygen to repair themselves, and some wounds sit in areas where blood flow or oxygen delivery is limited. Higher-pressure oxygen is one way clinicians have approached that challenge.
HBOT is a medical treatment regulated by the FDA, which has cleared it for a specific list of indications. In general terms, these include certain diabetic foot ulcers, radiation-related tissue injury, and certain serious infections, among others. Whether it is appropriate for any person is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
In wound care, hyperbaric oxygen has traditionally been considered as an add-on to standard wound care, not a replacement for it. Wound assessment, cleaning, pressure relief, infection management and attention to circulation and blood sugar typically come first.
Specialists in hyperbaric medicine and wound care centers have generally reserved it for situations that meet recognized criteria, often when a wound has been difficult to heal or involves deeper or compromised tissue. Many centers review the wound's cause and stage before discussing it.
Coverage and eligibility often depend on the diagnosis, the wound's characteristics and the payer. Because of this, the conversation usually involves both clinical and practical questions, which is why asking a provider early can save confusion later.
How the right wound care specialist may help
The right wound care specialist may start by looking at the whole picture: how the wound began, how long it has been present, its size and stage, your circulation, other health conditions and the care you have already had. This evaluation helps determine whether HBOT is even a reasonable topic to consider.
If it is discussed, a specialist may explain what a session is generally like, what safety screening is involved, and how progress is typically monitored. They may also explain what other parts of wound care would continue alongside it.
Helpful questions to bring: What is causing my wound, and what stage is it? Am I a candidate for hyperbaric oxygen, and is my condition among the FDA-cleared indications? What are the possible risks and alternatives? What is the expected healing time? What would my insurance cover? A directory like this can help you find providers who offer hyperbaric services.
The whole-person view
A slow-healing wound is rarely just a physical issue. Pain, disrupted sleep, worry about infection, and the time commitment of repeated appointments can all add stress, and stress can in turn affect how the body feels and recovers. Body, mind and daily life influence one another.
Some people find that body-based support such as Somatic Experiences helps them feel more settled during a long healing process, and others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus to work through frustration or anxiety. These are complementary sources of support and not substitutes for medical wound care.
Somatic Experiences: trauma and emotional healing →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Only a licensed clinician can decide whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is appropriate for you, and it is not a promise of any particular result.
- Seek medical care promptly for signs of infection such as spreading redness, red streaking, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul odor, fever or chills, or a wound that is quickly getting worse.
- Call 911 or go to the ER for heavy bleeding, exposed bone or tendon, signs of sepsis, or a deep or severely contaminated wound. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988.
- Ask a licensed provider about your wound's cause, staging, treatment options, expected healing time and insurance coverage.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help wound healing?
It may help in certain situations, but only for specific conditions and only after a clinician's evaluation. The FDA has cleared HBOT for a defined set of indications, such as certain diabetic foot ulcers, and results are never guaranteed. A wound care specialist can explain whether it applies to your situation.
What wounds can hyperbaric oxygen therapy be used for?
It is generally considered for FDA-cleared indications, which in general terms include certain diabetic foot ulcers, radiation-related tissue injury and certain infections. It should not be assumed to help conditions outside those indications. A licensed provider can tell you whether your wound qualifies.
What happens during a hyperbaric oxygen session?
You typically rest inside a pressurized chamber while breathing oxygen, with trained staff monitoring you. Details such as how a session feels and how long it lasts vary by facility and are explained by the care team. Ask your provider what to expect and how to prepare.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
Like any medical treatment, it carries possible risks, and a clinician screens for them before recommending it. Safety depends on your health history and the setting where it is provided. Ask a licensed provider about risks, benefits and alternatives for you.
Does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wounds?
Coverage varies by diagnosis, wound characteristics and payer, and often depends on meeting specific criteria. The provider's office or your insurer can tell you what applies to you. Ask about coverage and any required documentation before starting.
How do I find a hyperbaric oxygen therapy wound care specialist?
Look for a licensed provider or accredited center that offers hyperbaric services and evaluates wounds as part of a broader care plan. A directory such as WoundKare can help you find independent specialists. Ask about their experience, the evaluation process and how they coordinate with your other clinicians.
Educational resource. WoundKare shares general information and connects people with independent wound care specialists. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.