Research into the next generation of applications for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is yielding promising results for restoring function and improving quality of life. New studies are underway to further explore its potential for treating serious conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many others.
Because extensive clinical research is ongoing, these newest treatment options have not yet been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a process that often takes years. With a rapidly growing body of evidence supporting hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a viable adjunct treatment, NexGen Hyperbaric can proudly offer medical-grade HBOT as an “off-label” treatment option for athletes and patients.*
Medical-Grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for PTSD
People tend to associate PTSD with experience in combat, but many other traumatic events can cause this disorder. That said, many veterans with PTSD also have a co-occurring TBI that worsens symptoms and makes a recovery doubly challenging.
The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for PTSD has demonstrated positive results, including increased capacity for healing and improved neurological functioning. Since HBOT mobilizes stem cells and neurological healing, many physical changes from PTSD respond well to this treatment.
Medical-Grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Injuries
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has shown promise in treating TBI, including post-concussive syndrome, with some evidence suggesting it can improve neurological function and reduce mortality in severe cases.
While research is ongoing, HBOT is believed to work by increasing oxygen delivery to the brain, reducing inflammation, and promoting new blood vessel growth. In addition, some studies suggest HBOT can improve cognitive function, particularly in patients with chronic TBI, and may help alleviate symptoms like headaches, pain, and emotional instability, improving overall quality of life.
Medical-Grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Other Conditions
The following medical conditions have shown promising improvement with off-label HBOT treatment. Click on a link where applicable to view the associated clinical research:
HBOT for Cardiovascular Conditions
- Atherosclerosis
- Heart Attack
- Peripheral Artery Disease
HBOT for Injuries
- Sports Injuries
- Crush Injuries
- Near-Drowning
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Illness and Infections
- AIDS/HIV (related chronic fatigue)
- Audiology
- Acute Sensorineural Hearing Loss
- Ménière’s Disease
- Cancer
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)
- Chronic Hepatitis
- Gastrointestinal Diseases
- Crohn’s Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Interstitial Cystitis
- Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Immune and Inflammatory Disorders
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatic Diseases
- Susac Syndrome (related vision loss)
Neurological Illness & Injury
- Addiction Rehabilitation (brain function recovery from cell death)
- Alzheimer’s Dementia
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS)
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Mental Health Conditions
- Migraine
- Peripheral Nerve Damage / Regeneration
- Post-Concussive Syndrome
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Stroke – Ischemic
- Stroke – Hemorrhagic
- Vascular Dementia
Ophthalmology
- Anterior Segment Ischemia
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
- Macular Degeneration
- Macular Edema
- Retinal Artery Occlusion
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Scleral Necrosis
- Sickle Cell Hyphema
Orthopedic
- Femoral Head Necrosis
- Fractures
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthrosis
Post Operative
- Hepatic Thrombosis (following pediatric liver transplantation)
- Liver Regeneration (in LDLT – Living Donor Liver Transplantation)
- Oral Surgery (keratinized oral mucosa)
- Reconstructive Surgery (traumatic injury)
* NexGen Hyperbaric uses only FDA-approved hyperbaric chambers for HBOT treatments. Off-label hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments, which are not considered standard of care until they receive FDA approval, may not be covered by insurance. A NexGen Hyperbaric insurance consultant evaluates each case and assists patients with this aspect of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FDA refers to many uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as “off-label.” What does that mean?
The off-label use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy simply means that the FDA has not explicitly approved a particular treatment protocol using HBOT for a given condition. This does not mean such treatments are unsafe or ineffective, however.
An approved indication means that the FDA has approved the use of medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the specific condition being treated. However, there are many off-label uses of medical-grade HBOT because it is effective in treating a wide range of conditions.
How long do the effects of HBOT last?
The benefits of medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last long after the treatment is completed. When you undergo medical-grade HBOT, your body experiences an increase in the production of new red blood cells. These new red blood cells are thicker and more robust than your typical red blood cells, and they live longer. The average lifespan of a red blood cell is around 120 days. However, after undergoing medical-grade HBOT, the lifespan of these new red blood cells is extended. This means that the benefits of medical-grade HBOT can last up to 8-12 months, depending on the patient’s health and history.
Can a treatment be stopped at any time?
Yes, medical-grade HBOT treatment can be stopped at any time, but it is recommended that you stop only under the guidance of a healthcare professional because there are possible side effects associated with HBOT therapy. Your healthcare professional can help you manage these side effects. Additionally, it is essential to remember that HBOT therapy should not be used as a replacement for other treatments or medications that your doctor has prescribed.
What are the FDA-approved uses of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
The FDA has cleared hyperbaric chambers as a safe and effective treatment for the following disorders:
- Air and gas bubbles in blood vessels
- Anemia (severe anemia when blood transfusions cannot be used)
- Burns (severe and large burns treated at a specialized burn center)
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Crush injury
- Decompression sickness (diving risk)
- Gas gangrene
- Hearing loss (complete hearing loss that occurs suddenly and without any known cause)
- Infection of the skin and bone (severe)
- Radiation injury
- Skin graft flap at risk of tissue death
- Vision loss (when sudden and painless in one eye due to blockage of blood flow)
- Wounds (non-healing, diabetic foot ulcers)
Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy be used as an anti-inflammatory?
Fighting inflammation is among the primary reasons that athletes use medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy. As shown in this 2023 study, increasing oxygen delivery to hypoxic tissues activates cellular and molecular pathways for bone repair, which can result in measurably improved healing outcomes. Researchers note the following as key benefits and mechanisms of medical-grade HBOT:
- Non-Union Fractures: By enhancing osteogenesis and vascularization, HBOT supports healing for fractures that fail to unite
- Bone Growth: HBOT stimulates bone-building cells for up to 30-40 percent more bone formation
- Blood Vessel Formation: Improves blood supply at injury sites by approximately 25-35 percent to aid tissue repair
- Graft Healing: Increases the success of bone grafts by 20-30 percent
- Inflammation Control: Reduces harmful inflammation markers by 30-50 percent, which accelerates healing
Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy ever cause injuries?
Hyperbaric expertise is required to safely and appropriately administer medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In mild hyperbaric chambers (hard or soft), which are not medical-grade or FDA-approved, there is an elevated risk, or in situations where protocols are not correctly followed. Overall, however, the risk of injury is low.
Because safety is our highest priority, NexGen Hyperbaric uses only FDA-approved hyperbaric chambers, with medical-grade treatments administered by certified hyperbaric professionals. NexGen Hyperbaric has achieved several rigorous UHMS accreditations, the gold standard of hyperbaric oxygen therapy safety, and our programs have oversight by board-certified Hyperbaric Medicine physicians.
Is medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy covered by insurance?
Off-label hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments may not be covered by insurance, as they are not yet considered standard of care until FDA approval is obtained. A NexGen Hyperbaric insurance consultant evaluates each case and assists patients with this aspect of treatment.
How Can Medical-Grade HBOT Treatments Help You?
Are you an athlete looking to recover from a sports injury quickly, or a professional who works with athletes? Perhaps you’re seeking natural methods to enhance specific aspects of sports performance – or maybe you’re not an athlete, but you have a condition that could benefit from off-label, medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments.
Whatever your needs, let’s talk about how NexGen Hyperbaric can support them for better health.