Oxygen Therapy is also called High Dose Oxygen Therapy (HDOT) or Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).
 

It involves breathing increased levels of oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. There is roughly 21% oxygen in the air that we normally breathe, with the remainder comprising 78% nitrogen and small amounts of other elements. When we inhale this air, the oxygen molecules attach to our red blood cells and are transported around the body.

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In HBOT, oxygen is increased to almost 100% and is breathed in through a mask while seated inside a pressurised chamber. The increased pressure allows the additional oxygen to saturate the blood. These extra oxygen molecules are not bound to red blood cells, so they are free to diffuse into the body tissue, which stimulates and accelerates healing.

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Oxygen therapy has many health benefits, such as cell growth and regeneration, detoxification, immune support, new capillary growth and improved neurological function. It reduces inflammation, which is the root cause of pain, discomfort and other symptoms. It also promotes the creation of new blood vessels, which enables continued healing after the treatment has finished, and stimulates the production of stem cells from bone marrow and neurologic tissue.

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Oxygen therapy can help people living with a range of neurological and other medical conditions. It can help to relieve symptoms associated with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson's, dementia, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, fibromyalgia and, increasingly, long Covid. It can also help to speed up recovery from infections, burns, wounds, broken bones and sports injuries.

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What happens during a session?

Start: Pressurisation

Individuals are settled into their seats and checks are made that the masks fit and are operating correctly. The door to the chamber is closed and the pressure is built up gradually by our trained operators over the course of 10-15 minutes. There will be a whooshing sound in the chamber increasing the pressure.

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Session: Treatment

When the pressure reaches the prescribed levels, our operators will speak through the intercom to advise that the pressure has been reached. Individuals can rest, read, or listen to music for the hour-long session. During this time the operator can be contacted via the intercom.

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End: De-pressurisation

The operator advises users when the session is complete and reduces the pressure gradually, until it is the same as the normal air. At this point, the chamber door will be opened and the session ends.

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How often do I need to come?

When you start oxygen therapy you need to come in quite often - we recommend 3-5 times a week for the first 4 weeks. This intense period allows your body to become saturated with the oxygen and also allows us to monitor how you are being affected, and to ensure we have the correct pressure for you. Once you have completed approximately 20 sessions in this way, we find that most people start to attend weekly or fortnightly for top-up sessions.

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How big is the chamber?

We have a large chamber that seats up to 7 people and can accommodate a wheelchair where capacity allows. Many wheelchair users transfer, with our help, to one of the static chairs for their session. We also have a small chamber that seats 2 people.

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Are there any side effects?

Some people may experience ear discomfort, similar to flying in a plane, however we will teach you some easy ways to rectify this.

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What if I’m claustrophobic?

We also run regular oxygen sessions at zero pressure, which simply means we leave the chamber door open and do not introduce pressure at all during the hour session. You will still wear an oxygen mask to receive the oxygen, but it is less claustrophobic for many people. The chambers have porthole windows in them so that you can view outside, and there is a two-way intercom with the operators if you have any concerns.

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What can I take into the chamber?

Only a few items are permitted to be taken into the chamber, and we ask that any bags are transparent. People often take in books, magazines, crosswords, puzzles, or knitting. You can also watch previously downloaded films or TV programmes on a phone or tablet, which must be in flight safe mode whilst inside the chamber.

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