How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?
Oxygen is our most essential nutrient, crucial to every cell in our body. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, delivers concentrated oxygen under pressure higher than in the atmosphere to the tissues and organs within your body. Higher oxygen concentrations will support your body’s ability to heal naturally, especially in areas affected by the disease. This means your body is getting the extra energy it needs to repair and function optimally. The medical literature showing the positive benefits of low-pressure HBOT is continually increasing. It has recently gained popularity due to its reported anti-ageing benefits but its true benefits go far beyond that, including for long Covid, injuries and a range of medical conditions.
Our m-HBOT chamber delivers higher oxygen concentrations at pressure up to 1.5 ATA – This makes it safe, with minimal risk, yet still highly effective.
Oxygen under pressure can improve cognitive function (concentration and memory), accelerate the formation of blood vessels, and new nerve cells and increase the connections between nerve cells. Brain oedema decreases and inflammation is reduced, all thanks to the vasoconstriction effects. See our case study of a patient following a stroke below. We have had real success at The Health Suite Leicester with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy after COVID-19 infection and for those suffering from long-term symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness. See our testimonials to the right.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT improves brain function, memory and mood leaving you feeling sharp and focused, increasing your productivity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy also helps with Insomnia and other sleep-related disorders, leaving you feeling energised and refreshed. HBOT can help restore your vitality.
HBOT oxygenates all the cells, effectively reducing inflammation markers: CRP protein, cytokine and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) shortening recovery time from flare-ups affecting the joints. It is an extremely effective therapeutic means of regenerating injured tissue as well as for pain relief and rapid regeneration. Autoimmune Disease, neurological disease, cardiovascular disease, rheumatic disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal disease and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are all highly associated with inflammation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates the healing process making it up to three times faster, aiding advanced recovery. HBOT has been used to assist in healing from diabetic foot conditions, chemotherapy and radiotherapy ulcers, skin transplants, pressure sores and burns.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves blood flow to the brain as well as increased oxygenation of the brain helping to relieve the effects of Migraines. This gives instant relief of pain and pressure, with a more relaxed, positive feeling of well-being after therapy.
Oxygen is the natural antibiotic of the body, it reduces inflammatory biochemicals and increases levels of key antioxidant enzymes to decrease stress. Detoxing helps to clear the mind and improve the body’s functionality.
Many people with MS report benefits from hyperbaric oxygen therapy, particularly with managing MS bladder symptoms and fatigue.
Acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea can all be helped by HBOT. It can also promote healthy hair growth.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be effective in treating a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, arterial blood gas abnormalities, embolisms, radiation injury, sickle cell disease, and gas gangrene.
HBOT can also be used to help with wound healing — the high concentrations of oxygen help wounds heal faster, can repair some types of scars and can help with infections related to diabetes
The production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is stimulated by increased vascularization and blood supply to the affected area following HBOT. The development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), accelerates the healing process. Intensified oxygenation has antibacterial and antiviral effects too, reducing the risk of infection.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy saturates the lymphatic system, blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid which improves the metabolism of nerve cells and the supply of neurons carrying nutrients. Positivity in mood can be noticed from the first session. With more oxygen, the entire nervous system is improved, reducing stress, and fatigue and providing a person with a more relaxed mindset. Lack of energy, irritability and resignation become lessened yet memory through hyperbaric oxygen therapy is enriched.
Enhance sports performance (by 10% on average). Individuals can achieve better results, boosted immunity and accelerated recovery after heavy training or during a break due to injury. Bone and tissue heal better naturally, this includes fractures and muscular tears. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is used by many elite athletes, sports clubs and organisations worldwide for post-training/match recovery, combating infections, injury recovery and accelerated healing
Used by FIFA, NBA, NHL, NFL and many top athletes such as Ronaldo, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, Mo Salah, Sergio Ramos, Lebron James, Manny Pacquiao and many more worldwide, for post-training/match recovery, combating infections, injury recovery and accelerated healing.
Hepatitis, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and many more are supported by HBOT as higher than normal pressure combined with the extra oxygenation improves the intestinal cell walls and restores correct motility of the intestine.
All neurological disorders where the problem is malfunctioning, damaged or degenerated nerve cells in the brain will benefit from HBOT.
Studies have shown that HBOT decreases the severity of symptoms and increases the quality of life.
Skin rejuvenation for wrinkles and fine lines is supported through the increased production of collagen encouraged by HBOT. Oxygen is an effective anti-ageing treatment that can improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and rejuvenate skin.
HBOT encourages increased production of collagen, improves skin elasticity, eliminates toxins and can help repair damaged skin.
HBOT has been clinically shown to improve mental function, helping with depression, anxiety, stress and concentration. It can be a helpful cure for jet lag and hangovers with its restorative, relaxing and rejuvenating effect.
Oxygen promotes general health and wellness, increases energy, boosts the immune system, helps with pain relief (such as swollen joins and muscle pain), stress and regulating sleep patterns.
Treatments, options and pricing
Browse and click below to book any of our available Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy packages.
You can trial HBOT sessions without a prescribed treatment plan. A screening questionnaire will be sent to you upon booking.
If you are booking HBOT for the first time, please start with a taster session so we can take time to go through the process with you and ensure you are comfortable.
Before booking a package, all first-time users are required to book a taster session which includes an assessment with the GP
45 Minutes: Taster Session of HBOT
Taster session of HBOT – the appointment is up to 45 Minutes with 30 Minutes in the chamber
60 minutes
HBOT Session (Only bookable after your taster session of HBOT)
90 Minutes
HBOT Session (Only bookable after your taster session of HBOT)
Before booking a package, all first-time users are required to book a taster session which includes an assessment with the GP
Vitality VIP
Monthly subscription package up to ten sessions a month 12 months minimum contract, flexible appointment
Initial consultation to plan treatment (Optional)
You will spend time with one of our doctors exploring your past medical history and your reasons for pursuing HBOT.
A bespoke treatment plan will be generated, allowing you to benefit from HBOT.
This session should be booked with Dr Greenyer.
Follow-up consultation
To review your response to oxygen therapy and make adjustments to the treatment plan.
This session should be booked with Dr Greenyer.
Common Q&A about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
HBOT is a medical treatment that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues and promote healing.
HBOT is used for a variety of conditions, including decompression sickness, chronic wounds, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and certain infections such as clostridial myositis.
The increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in the blood plasma and reach tissues, which can stimulate healing processes and enhance recovery.
While generally safe, HBOT may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax, certain respiratory disorders, or active chemotherapy; a medical evaluation is essential.
Patients typically lie down in a hyperbaric chamber and breathe oxygen while the pressure increases; they may feel pressure in their ears, similar to ascending in an aeroplane.
Sessions usually last from 30 to 90 minutes, and the total number of sessions needed can range significantly based on the condition being treated.
Common side effects include ear pain, fatigue, and potential vision changes; serious complications are rare but can include oxygen toxicity or barotrauma.
The number of sessions varies by condition; some patients may require 5-10 sessions, while others might need upwards of 40 sessions for chronic conditions.
Coverage depends on the specific condition being treated and individual insurance plans; it's important to check with your provider regarding eligibility.
HBOT is primarily a therapeutic treatment and is not generally used for prevention; consult a healthcare professional for appropriate preventive measures for specific conditions.
Dr. Greenyer talks through what to expect:
One of our clients describe her first experience in the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber:
HBOT After Covid Infection
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been used in the management of a variety of conditions:
Hyperbaric Oxygen & Cancer
During your cancer treatment, HBOT may be able to support and enhance your recovery journey. Some of the benefits include
- Reduces side effects and improves recovery from radiation, including bladder and bowel issues and osteoradionecrosis (bone damage)
- Reduces damage to healthy tissues and helps to regrow damaged blood vessels
- Reduces swelling, pressure or pain around surgical wounds, skin grafts and flaps
- Increases the ability of white blood cells to kill bacteria and prevent infection – Improves immune system function
- Increases the release of stem cells from the bone marrow
All of our practitioners are fully trained to safely operate our hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, completing a course in Commercial m-HBOT Operations and training with certification with the International Hyperbaric Association.
Approved by the British Board of Anti-Ageing and Integrated Medicine
Testimonials about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Zoe tells us about the improvement in her debilitating long-term symptoms with 10 sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at The Health Suite.
Above Hassan shares his journey with long covid and his emotional path to recovery
Ian had Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy after spending nine days in hospital with Covid infection. He describes the impact for him
I have Long Covid after contracting Covid on the 1st Nov 2020, my pains started off with really bad back pains and not being able to move my arms and hands.
This has completely changed my life and I find it very difficult to do the things that used to come naturally/easily to me which makes me feel quite down.
I had my first session in the HBOT as I have many days and weeks where I tend to be bedridden and struggle with my breathing so thought it would be best to try it during this period.
Lying after 40 mins and being able to close my fist, brought a smile to my face and felt unreal. Dr Greenyer was getting worried thinking I was putting my hand up as something was wrong.
After 1 session, I have been very impressed at how I was able to move my arms and hands and will be liaising as to how I can proceed into working out a personalised plan to help with my recovery.
39-year-old suffering from symptoms of Long Covid
I had my first session of hyperbaric oxygen therapy at the Health Suite in Leicester as I'm dealing with long-covid symptoms. Even after just one session, I can already feel some positive effects, and I’m excited to see the results after more treatments. The team is incredibly friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!
Pre B: 5-Star Review on Google
I had a great experience in The Health Suite. I came in with a swollen and painful foot and was advised to do the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy which was amazing! I also had a few lymphatic drainage massages along with the therapy which also helped in the recovery of my foot. By the end of all my sessions the pain and the swelling reduced drastically.
Nicole Udoh: 5-Star Review on Google
I suffered from an ischemic stroke recently, this came as a huge shock as I am in my 30s. I started having sessions in the HBOT one day after the stroke.
I have had 7 sessions so far and I am amazed at how quickly my symptoms have subsided. I was told the weakness in my arm could be permanent. However, after only 1 session in the HBOT, my fingers felt normal and the numb patch on my face went away.
I am looking forward to seeing how I feel after the 20 prescribed sessions.
38-year-old Asian male
I had first experience of the hyperbaric oxygen chamber at The Health Suite, where I was made to feel very comfortable and relaxed. The whole process was explained to me before hand so I knew what to expect, and I was checked on though out to make sure I was 100% happy. I am now looking forward to my block of sessions and hope to see improvements in my condition.
Claire Cassell: 5-Star Review
The Health Suite has ample services for everyone. I had various queries about my health. The directors were great and referred me to the relevant professionals with urgency. They care about the whole person.
I also tried the hyperbaric oxygen treatment due to many years of football and bodybuilding injuries. After one session, I could feel the benefits. My knee and back pain had vanished for the next couple of weeks. I would not normally leave reviews but the Health Suite provide an outstanding service - no other Health business like it in Leicester. A must try, there’s something for everyone!
Zayd Bedford: 5-Star Review on Google
