Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safe?

When traditional medical treatments haven't provided the healing benefits you're looking for, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) might appear on your radar, along with a mix of encouraging success stories scattered with an occasional concerning headline. You're not alone in feeling hesitant. While research shows HBOT is effective for various medical conditions and injury recovery, patient anxiety about the procedure remains one of the most common barriers to treatment. 

Whether you're wrestling with questions about pressure effects, wondering about negative stories in the press, or simply trying to separate fact from fiction, this guide will walk you through the safety and any potential risks associated with hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

Read to explore what you need to know before stepping into the chamber and where to find the most trusted best hyperbaric oxygen therapy practice in Metro Atlanta.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and How Does It Work?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) enhances the body's natural healing abilities through the power of oxygen under pressure. During treatment, you recline in a specialized chamber while breathing 100% pure, medical-grade oxygen at pressure levels up to three times higher than normal atmospheric pressure — similar to what you'd experience diving to around 60 feet underwater. 

Under these pressurized conditions, your lungs can absorb significantly more oxygen than usual. This supercharged oxygen-rich blood then travels throughout your body, reaching injured tissues that may not be getting enough oxygen otherwise. This oxygen boost helps your immune system fight certain infections, heal stubborn wounds or tissue damage, and treat conditions like sports injuries, chronic disease, or decompression sickness. 

What Are the Potential Risks and Side Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? 

When performed at an accredited facility by certified professionals, HBOT has an excellent safety record, with many successful treatments performed worldwide each year. While some patients may experience mild side effects, these are typically no more uncomfortable than what you'd feel during an airplane flight, like temporary ear pressure that can be easily managed with simple equalization techniques your technician will teach you. 

At a reputable hyperbaric oxygen treatment clinic, your safety during HBOT is protected by multiple precautions, including: 

• State-of-the-art equipment
• Continuous monitoring by trained professionals
• Proven safety protocols developed through decades of medical experience

At accredited HBOT clinics, every aspect of your treatment is carefully controlled and monitored, ensuring you can focus on healing while the experienced medical team ensures your safety.

What to Look for When Finding a Safe HBOT Treatment Clinic

When choosing a hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic, safety should be your top priority:

• Start by confirming the facility is accredited by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). This is like a seal of approval that shows they meet the highest safety and care standards. 
• Look for a clinic with a proven track record and plenty of experience, ideally several years in operation with thousands of successful treatments. 
• The facility should have certified medical professionals, not just technicians, who monitor every treatment session. 
• Ask about their safety protocols and emergency procedures and a reputable clinic will gladly explain these. 
• The treatment chambers should be well-maintained and regularly inspected.

Finally, a reputable HBOT clinic should require a thorough medical evaluation before starting treatment. It should also be upfront about which conditions it treats and adhere to FDA-approved uses rather than making unrealistic promises. Remember, a quality HBOT clinic will prioritize your long-term safety over quick profits.

Who Should Avoid Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Not everyone is a good candidate for HBOT, and certain medical conditions make the treatment more risky:

• People with an untreated collapsed lung, also called a pneumothorax, should absolutely avoid HBOT, as the pressure changes could worsen their condition. 
• Those with certain types of lung diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), where air gets trapped in the lungs, may face increased risks. 
• If you've recently had ear surgery or suffered an ear injury, you'll likely need to wait until you're fully healed before considering HBOT, as the pressure changes could damage your healing tissues. 
• Even temporary conditions like a fever or cold can make treatment unsafe since they can interfere with your body's ability to handle pressure changes, similar to why you might avoid flying with a bad cold. 

This is why it’s important to have a comprehensive medical evaluation before starting hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A healthcare provider knowledgeable in hyperbaric oxygen therapy can carefully review your medical history and current health status to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Finding the Best Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Clinic in Atlanta

Regenerative and Hyperbaric Medicine is the region's most trusted leader, with an impeccable 30-year track record of safe and successful treatments. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in their prestigious Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) accreditation — earned with distinction — and a perfect 100% safety record across more than 125,000 procedures. 

Under Dr. David Schwegman's leadership, our team combines advanced medical expertise with genuine, compassionate care. We ensure that each patient receives a customized treatment plan in state-of-the-art facilities. 

With three convenient locations serving Cumming, Marietta, and Sandy Springs, we’ve made premier hyperbaric oxygen therapy accessible throughout Metro Atlanta. Our patient-first philosophy, combined with our unmatched experience and pristine safety record, makes us the ideal choice if you’re seeking hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the region.

Ready to accelerate your healing journey with safe and effective HBOT treatments from the best hyperbaric oxygen therapy clinic in Metro Atlanta?