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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Reviewed by our Healthcare Team Member
Nitin Mariwalla, MD

Nitin Mariwalla, MD

Nitin R. Mariwalla, MD, MPH, MS is the Founder of New York Brain, Spine & Joint. He originally opened his private practice in the Long Island, New York region. He has a broad clinical interest in all aspects of the surgical and nonsurgical treatment of diseases involving the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Comprehensive, Advanced Healing and Recovery

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a specialized medical treatment that harnesses the healing potential of oxygen. In hyperbaric therapy, patients breathe pure oxygen in a specially pressurized environment. This dramatically increases the oxygen delivered to tissues throughout the body, stimulating natural healing, reducing inflammation, fighting infection, and accelerating recovery.

At our multi-location, multi-disciplinary medical practice serving patients from the NYC metro area, throughout New York State, across the United States, and internationally, we integrate HBOT into comprehensive, individualized treatment plans, helping patients achieve optimal healing outcomes.

Understanding Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric therapy is conducted inside a specially designed chamber, allowing atmospheric pressure to be carefully increased. Under normal conditions, red blood cells transport oxygen throughout your body. However, HBOT dramatically boosts the oxygen dissolved directly into your bloodstream and tissues, reaching areas that normal blood flow might not adequately supply, such as damaged or inflamed tissues and compromised circulation areas. This enhanced oxygenation promotes accelerated tissue regeneration, increased immune function, and reduced inflammation.

Conditions Effectively Treated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Our expert multidisciplinary team utilizes HBOT to manage a variety of medical conditions, including but not limited to:

Wound Healing & Chronic Ulcers

  • Diabetic foot ulcers
  • Chronic, non-healing wounds
  • Venous and arterial ulcers
  • Compromised skin grafts or flaps

Radiation-Related Injuries

  • Radiation cystitis (bladder damage from radiation therapy)
  • Osteoradionecrosis (radiation-related bone damage)
  • Radiation-induced skin and soft-tissue injuries

Infections & Bone Damage

  • Osteomyelitis (deep bone infection)
  • Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (severe skin infections)
  • Complicated infections that respond poorly to conventional treatments

Traumatic & Surgical Recovery

  • Surgical incisions with delayed healing
  • Crush injuries and traumatic wounds
  • Compartment syndrome and severe muscle trauma

Neurological & Other Conditions (as supportive therapy)

  • Stroke rehabilitation (in select cases)
  • Concussion and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Sudden sensorineural hearing loss

Other Recognized Indications

  • Decompression sickness (the bends)
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning

What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Sessions

Before Therapy

Your care begins with a thorough medical evaluation by our specialists, including wound-care experts, infectious disease specialists, neurologists, or surgeons, depending on your condition. We carefully review your medical history, medications, and previous treatments to ensure HBOT is safe and beneficial.

During Treatment

  • You’ll relax inside the clear, comfortable hyperbaric chamber, breathing pure oxygen.
  • Sessions typically last about 90–120 minutes.
  • The air pressure inside the chamber gently increases—similar to the sensation of airplane takeoff or landing.
  • Many patients read, rest, or watch entertainment during treatments.

After Therapy
You may feel slightly tired or hungry afterward; these sensations are mild and temporary. Our staff carefully monitors your progress and healing throughout your therapy course. Most conditions require a series of sessions (20–40 or more), scheduled frequently, sometimes daily, over several weeks for optimal results.

Proven Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

HBOT is medically proven to

  • Accelerate Tissue Healing: Oxygen-rich blood rapidly stimulates tissue repair and formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis).
  • Reduce Swelling & Inflammation: Enhanced oxygenation minimizes edema and inflammation, reducing pain and enhancing mobility.
  • Enhance Immune Function: Oxygen-rich environments inhibit bacterial growth and bolster your body’s infection-fighting abilities.
  • Support Radiation Injury Recovery: Reduces fibrosis, tissue scarring, and promotes recovery of healthy tissues damaged by radiation therapy.

Why Choose Our Practice for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

  • Advanced, State-of-the-Art Equipment: We provide modern, comfortable hyperbaric chambers and advanced monitoring systems, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
  • Multidisciplinary Expertise: Our dedicated HBOT team collaborates closely with our wound-care experts, neurologists, surgeons, and other specialists to deliver integrated and comprehensive care.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a tailored approach to therapy, optimized for their specific medical condition and health status.
  • Proven Outcomes & Expertise: Our team brings extensive experience in hyperbaric medicine, ensuring the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and clinical excellence.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safety and Risks

HBOT is exceptionally safe when administered by qualified professionals. Minor side effects like ear pressure or temporary vision changes can occur. Serious complications are rare. Our highly trained staff monitors you closely throughout treatment sessions, minimizing risks and ensuring a comfortable experience.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and does not replace professional medical consultation. Consult our specialists for personalized guidance on HBOT.