What To Expect On Your First HBOT "Dive"

What to Expect During Your First Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Dive

Using a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber is often described using the word “diving.”

If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. A hyperbaric dive has nothing to do with water and everything to do with controlled pressure and oxygen delivery. Think of it like the balance that underwater divers use to balance the pressure of the water with the pressure inside their wetsuits. Understanding what happens during your first session can remove uncertainty and help you decide whether HBOT fits into your broader health or recovery plan.

This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, how HBOT works inside the body, and answers the most common questions patients ask before their first treatment.

What Does A “Hyperbaric Dive” Mean?

In hyperbaric therapy, a dive refers to the process of gradually increasing pressure inside the chamber, similar to what happens when descending underwater as a diver.

Inside the chamber, two things change at the same time:

• You breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen
• The chamber pressure is increased above normal atmospheric pressure

This combination allows oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma, not just bind to hemoglobin. Under normal conditions, hemoglobin becomes fully saturated quickly. Pressure is what allows oxygen levels in the blood to rise beyond that limit, delivering oxygen to tissues that typically receive very little blood flow, such as tendons, cartilage, and injured tissue.

This is why at Clinic 5C Functional Medicine, we use HBOT to assist patients in faster recovery in everything from cosmetic surgery to sports injuries.

Step-by-Step: Your First HBOT Session

Before Your Dive

During your first HBOT session, you may change into cotton clothing approved for the chamber and remove things like watches, skincare products, or electronics. A provider will review safety protocols and confirm pressure and oxygen settings tailored to you.

Often, And especially if it's your first time, our medical team will start with gentle pressure, allowing you and your body to adjust to this new sensation.

Pressurization (The “Descent”)

As the chamber pressurizes, you may feel fullness in your ears similar to flying in an airplane. Swallowing or gently equalizing relieves this sensation. Pressurization is slow and controlled to ensure comfort and safety. It's also important to note that the same thing will have to happen when de-pressurizing the chamber.

Breathing 100% Oxygen

Once pressurized, you simply relax and breathe normally. Many patients read, listen to music, or nap. This is when oxygen delivery to the brain, connective tissue, and stem-cell–rich environments increases significantly.

Decompression (The “Ascent”)

At the end of the session, pressure gradually returns to normal. This is typically smooth and comfortable.

Most sessions last 60–90 minutes total depending on your protocol.

What Does HBOT Feel Like?

Patients commonly report:

• A sense of calm or mental clarity
• Mild fatigue afterward (though, often followed by improved sleep)
• Temporary ear pressure during pressurization
• No pain or invasive sensation

Because oxygen is a powerful neurological stimulant, protocols are intentionally designed to increase oxygen and pressure gradually to avoid oxidative stress or oxygen toxicity.

How HBOT Supports Healing and Performance

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been studied for decades. Research shows it may support:

• Tissue repair and angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
• Cognitive performance and neuroplasticity
• Stem cell mobilization and regenerative signaling
• Recovery in low-blood-flow tissues like tendons and joint cartilage
• Immune system modulation and inflammation control

These mechanisms are why HBOT is used not only for medical indications like wound healing and carbon monoxide poisoning, but also as an adjunct therapy in regenerative medicine and surgical recovery protocols here at Clinic 5C.

Frequently Asked Questions About HBOT

How much does hyperbaric oxygen therapy cost?

The cost of HBOT varies based on session length, pressure level, and whether it’s used for medical recovery, surgical optimization, or wellness. In most private clinics, sessions are priced individually or as part of a treatment series. Your provider will outline recommendations during consultation.

What is the downside of hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

HBOT is generally well tolerated when administered properly. Potential downsides include temporary ear discomfort, sinus pressure, and rare oxygen sensitivity. This is why treatments are supervised and carefully calibrated. It's also important to be aware of your tolerance for closed spaces. HBOT chambers require time to pressurize and de-pressurize safely, and while there is a rapid-release feature for faster exit, it's strongly advised to use it in emergency situations only.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe for children?

In medical settings, HBOT has been used safely in pediatric patients for specific indications. Any treatment involving children should be evaluated individually and guided by experienced providers.

Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe during pregnancy?

HBOT may be used in certain medical emergencies during pregnancy, but elective or wellness-based HBOT should always be discussed with a qualified physician. Safety depends on timing, pressure levels, and clinical indication.

What conditions can HBOT help with?

HBOT is an established therapy for a variety of medical conditions, including decompression sickness (like in divers), chronic or non-healing wounds, certain bone infections, reduced blood flow to tissues, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

It is also increasingly used for overall health support, including immune function, cognitive performance, athletic recovery, and general wellness. Some patients pursue HBOT not only for treatment, but also for health optimization and prevention.

In Conclusion

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy allows your body to receive the highest amount of oxygen safely possible by combining pure oxygen with gentle pressure. This enhanced oxygen delivery supports healing, recovery, and overall cellular health throughout the body.

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