hyperbaric oxygen HBO therapy is a medical treatment prescribed by a doctor to enhance the body's ability to heal during hyperbaric oxygen therapy you breathe 100 pure oxygen while inside a pressurized chamber the pressure inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber is about two and a half times greater than the pressure outside the chamber this high pressure environment helps your blood carry more oxygen to all parts of your body the increase in oxygen also helps your white blood cells fight infection before starting treatment your doctor will thoroughly review all possible side effects the good news is most patients experience no side effects from HBO therapy a specially trained HBO technician remains with you during the entire treatment and is available to answer any questions you may have once the doors to the hyperbaric chamber are closed you will hear the oxygen begin to circulate as the pressure gradually increases this is called compression you may feel a fullness or popping sensation in your ears just like flying in a plane or driving in the mountains this is due to the increasing pressure inside the chamber but don't worry the technician will let you know how to relieve this sensation your session will last around two hours during this time you may listen to music watch television or even sleep near the end of a session the technician will gradually start decreasing the pressure inside the chamber this is called decompression this allows your body to return to normal pressure outside the chamber HBO therapy is an outpatient procedure that is provided usually once daily for approximately six weeks for HBO therapy to be effective it must be provided five days a week hyperbaric oxygen therapy is much like antibiotic treatment because it only works when taken regularly for the time prescribed by your physician we understand that coming to the HBO unit every day is a commitment however to obtain the greatest benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy you should not skip a day unless your doctor tells you it is okay following your doctor's instructions is the most important thing you can do to help you heal