Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT) — benefits, evidence and what to expect

At Breathe 2 Heal we offer clinician-led mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) — a gentle, non-invasive treatment that increases oxygen availability to tissues and the brain to support healing, reduce inflammation and enhance recovery. This page summarises the benefits, evidence and what to expect in an approachable, evidence-informed way.

What is mHBOT?

mHBOT is administered in a pressurised chamber at a mild pressure (commonly ~1.2–1.5 ATA) while you breathe medical-grade oxygen or oxygen-enriched air. The higher pressure dissolves more oxygen into blood plasma, enabling oxygen to reach tissues with reduced blood flow — promoting cell energy, repair and recovery.

Interior of mild hyperbaric chamber

Photo: comfortable mild hyperbaric chamber used at Breathe 2 Heal.

How increased oxygen helps — quick visual

Infographic: oxygen inhaled in the chamber enters the bloodstream and supports tissue repair
Infographic: oxygen inhaled inside the chamber → oxygen-rich blood plasma → oxygen supports tissue repair and neuroregeneration.
  • Improves oxygen delivery to under-perfused areas and supports cellular energy production.
  • Supports tissue repair and angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) needed for wound healing.
  • Encourages neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to rewire and recover after injury.
  • Reduces inflammation and helps modulate harmful inflammatory markers.

Key evidence-based benefits

Brain & cognitive support

Clinical research indicates HBOT can improve cognitive domains — memory, attention and processing speed — in people after stroke and in some other neurological conditions when added to rehabilitation. Improvements can be durable and accompany better cerebral blood flow and metabolism.

Enhanced healing & wound support

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses show HBOT improves healing rates and can reduce major amputations for selected hard-to-heal wounds (for example, some diabetic foot ulcers) when used alongside standard care.

Immune & anti-inflammatory effects

Controlled studies of mild HBOT report increases in circulating natural killer (NK) cells and favourable shifts in autonomic balance (parasympathetic increase), consistent with improved immune surveillance without harmful oxidative stress.

Neuroprotection & long-term recovery

Mechanistic and clinical evidence suggests HBOT triggers neuroplasticity and increases growth factors (e.g., VEGF, BDNF) that support neuron survival, synaptic repair and improved perfusion to injured regions.

Call us at 083 227 4892 or email info@breathe2heal.co.za to arrange an assessment. We'll review your medical history and discuss whether mHBOT fits your care plan.

Who might benefit

Common applications

  • Stroke recovery & rehabilitation
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) & persistent concussion symptoms
  • Post-operative recovery & difficult-to-heal wounds
  • Early cognitive decline / mild cognitive impairment
  • Chronic fatigue & selected neuroinflammatory syndromes (as an adjunct)

Note: mHBOT is an adjunct therapy. Individual suitability and expected outcomes should be determined during a clinical assessment with your healthcare team.

What to expect during a program

  1. Medical screening: review of medical history, medications and goals.
  2. Custom plan: session length & course tailored to your needs (typical plans vary by indication).
  3. Comfortable sessions: 60–90 minutes in a mild-pressure chamber — you can read, relax or nap.
  4. Progress reviews: periodic assessments to measure benefit and adjust the plan.

Most people tolerate mHBOT well. Common minor side-effects include transient ear pressure (similar to on a flight). We perform careful screening and monitoring to keep treatment safe.

Frequently asked questions

Is mHBOT painful?
Most clients find it comfortable. Mild ear pressure is common and staff will guide you in equalising.
How many sessions will I need?
Depends on your condition and goals — many therapeutic plans start with an initial block (for example 20–40 sessions) and are reviewed for progress.
Is there strong scientific evidence?
There is a growing body of peer-reviewed research supporting HBOT for specific conditions (stroke, TBI, certain wound types). Evidence strength varies by indication — we’ll discuss the most relevant studies during assessment.
Will insurance cover treatment?
Coverage varies by provider and plan. We can provide documentation to support claims where applicable.

References & further reading

  1. Hadanny A., et al. — Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions in post-stroke patients. (PMC)
  2. Efrati S., et al. — Hyperbaric Oxygen Induces Late Neuroplasticity in Post Stroke Patients. (PLOS ONE)
  3. Chen Y., et al. — Review: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and traumatic brain injury (Frontiers in Neurology, 2022).
  4. Zhang Z., et al. — Systematic review/meta-analysis on HBOT for diabetic foot ulcers (PubMed).
  5. Nisa B.U., et al. — Mild hyperbaric oxygen exposure enhances peripheral circulatory natural killer cells (randomized crossover trial, PMC).

083 227 4892
info@breathe2heal.co.za

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Evidence-informed care — clinician-led and personalised

To book a medical assessment or explore whether mHBOT could complement your recovery plan, contact us or call 083 227 4892.