Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Frequently Asked Questions

Mild HBOT is widely promoted overseas and utilised as a preventative, recuperative, and restorative therapy for a wide variety of diseases and conditions. It is also used by athletes to enhance performance and speed healing time. Almost anyone will benefit from mild HBOT.

What conditions may be helped with MHBOT?

• Autism
• Cerebral Palsy
• Traumatic Ischemias
• Concussion
• Diabetic and other wounds - depending on the severity of the wound
• Lyme Disease
• Migraine
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Near drowning - depending on the severity of the damage to the brain
• Necrotizing soft tissue infection
• Recovery from plastic and other surgery
• Sports & other soft tissue injuries
• Stroke
• Thermal burns
• Traumatic Brain Injury

How could mHBOT benefit me?

• Significantly reduces oedema
• Significantly reduces the inflammatory process
• Improves range of motion
• Increases the production of collagen
• Increases the healing and recovery process
• Supports scar tissue rehabilitation
• Promotes greater tissue strength
• Enhances the growth of new blood vessels (Angiogenesis)
• Increase oxygen levels in tissues (Hyperoxia)
• Increases oxygen perfusion around wounds
• Stimulates new capillary growth
• Improves bone regeneration for faster recovery
• Stimulates stem cell and growth factors
• Destroys anaerobic bacteria
• Increases removal of toxic bio-waste
• Increases white blood cell production
• Increases effectiveness of antibiotics
• Strong anti-microbial effect
• Reduces surgery complications for smokers
• Improves physical training (strength, energy and endurance)
• Improves memory and concentration
• Increases production of natural killer T-cells

How will I feel during and after a treatment?

Generally, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a relaxing experience – in fact most people drift off to

sleep. Afterwards, you may feel more alert, awake and energised. Some people may

temporarily experience minor detox symptoms after a treatment; most commonly fatigue -

possibly for 10 minutes or so.

What does it feel like in the chamber?

You may feel a change of pressure in your ears similar to the sensation of descending in an

aircraft or diving deeply in water. During a treatment your heart rate and blood pressure will

lower as the chamber pressurises, helping you to relax.  The increased level of oxygen also

promotes a deep sense of relaxation. One hour in this oxygen rich environment may be

equivalent to three hours of quality sleep. A good time to relax, meditate, sleep or read.

Is mHBOT safe?

Yes, it is safe for the very young to the elderly. There have been no known side effects

reported from mHBOT. The chamber can be used without the danger of oxygen toxicity.

What are the contraindications to using mHBOT?

The only absolute contraindications to mild HBOT are pneumothorax and air-trapping

emphysema.

Other contraindications are:

• Acute asthma attack
• Cardiac disease: patients with an ejection fraction less than 35% are contraindicated for
• therapy
• Congenital spherocytosis (due to the fragility of the red blood cells)
• COPD or Emphysema with CO2 entrapment; in combination with HBOT this might lead to
• pneumothorax
• High Fever
• Retinal detachment repair with ‘oil bubble present
• Optic neuritis
• Uncontrolled seizure disorder
• Upper respiratory infections or ear infection
• Some medications:  
  • Cis-Platinum
  • Disulfiram (Antabuse)
  • Doxorubicin (Adriamycin)
  • Mafenide Acetate (Sulfamylon)

Pregnancy is a relative contraindication. If you think you may be pregnant please speak with

your health professional and your hyperbaric therapist.

Your mHBOT therapist will give you an assessment before you undergo a treatment.

How long is a session?

A usual session is 90 minutes, however you can safely use the chamber for much longer. We

accept bookings for both shorter and longer sessions.

What should I wear?

You will be fully clothed during treatment and it is important that you relax, so wear something

loose and comfortable.

Our state of the art chamber has a bed, pillows and blanket inside so you can make yourself

really comfortable and relax deeply.

What can I do in the mHBOT chamber?

Whilst in the chamber you can listen to your favourite music, meditate, read a book, or simply

relax and take a nap…and breathe in the benefits.

How can I communicate while in the chamber?

You will be given a 2 way radio to communicate with reception during your session.

How many sessions will I need?

Treatment length will depend on your individual situation and objectives. Most treatments

require an initial concentration period and then further assessment and treatment relevant to

the initial response to mHBOT. Your mHBOT technician will discuss your lifestyle and health

goals before any treatment is commenced.

After successful treatment, occasional mHBOT maybe recommended to ensure that oxygen

levels remain optimum.

Please contact us at The Retreat for further information or if you have any questions »

E:  relax@toryurbanretreat.co.nz

Ph:  (04) 384 4329

Location:   

80 Tory Street
Te Aro
Wellington 
New Zealand   Click here for Google Map»