HBOT Before and After: How to Track Your Progress

Last updated: April 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

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Quick Answer

Before your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) session, you should eat a snack or meal within an hour to ensure your body has enough protein and blood sugar for the healing process.
During your intake, David Roberts, our Senior Hyperbaric Technician, who has 20 years of experience, or Laura Jean, our RN, will review your medical history and discuss your treatment plan.
The term "hyperbaric dive" describes the gradual increase of pressure inside the HBOT chamber, similar to descending underwater.
You should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your first HBOT treatment session for your intake to ensure you have plenty of time and do not feel rushed.

When preparing for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, understanding the steps before, during, and after your sessions can help you track your progress effectively. Before your first treatment, it is important to eat a snack or meal within an hour to provide your body with the necessary protein and to raise your blood sugar, which fuels the healing process inside the chamber. During your intake, a Senior Hyperbaric Technician like David Roberts, who brings 20 years of experience to the role, or a registered nurse such as Laura Jean, will discuss your medical history and answer any questions you have about the process. The treatment itself involves a "hyperbaric dive," where the chamber pressure gradually increases, allowing you to breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen. This unique environment helps oxygen dissolve directly into your blood plasma, delivering it to areas that normally receive less blood flow, such as injured tissues, tendons, and cartilage.

What Happens Before Your First HBOT Session?

Before your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, several important steps ensure you are fully prepared and comfortable with the process. This preparation begins with an initial phone conversation and continues through your arrival at the clinic for intake. These steps are designed to gather necessary medical information, address your concerns, and set you up for a successful treatment experience.

Initial Consultation and Medical History Review

Your journey begins with a brief phone conversation with a healthcare professional, such as Laura Jean, our registered nurse, or David Roberts, our Senior Hyperbaric Technician. During this call, they will ask you questions about your medical history. This is a crucial step to understand your health background and to determine if hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a suitable option for you. They will also take the time to answer any questions you might have about the therapy. "Laura and David ask you questions about your medical history, and take the time to answer your questions. They discuss our process and whether hyperbarics is a good option for you. They also talk about how hyperbarics works, and help address any difficulties or concerns you might have," according to information available on our site. This initial discussion helps to demystify the process and build your confidence before your first visit.

The Importance of Fueling Your Body

One critical instruction before your first treatment is to eat a snack or meal within an hour or so before you arrive. This is not just a recommendation; it is important for your body's healing capacity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses a significant amount of the fuel available in your bloodstream to heal you once you are inside the chamber. Providing your body with plenty of protein and raising your blood sugar high enough ensures you have the necessary energy reserves. This preparation is particularly vital when you are healing injuries, as the body requires ample resources to repair damaged tissues effectively. Without adequate fuel, your body may not be able to maximize the benefits of the oxygen delivered during the session.

Gathering Necessary Information

As you prepare for your intake and first hyperbaric session, you will need to remember to bring specific documents. This includes your identification and, if applicable, your insurance cards. Additionally, any paperwork from your prescribing physician is essential. This information helps our team ensure all administrative and medical requirements are met. Having these documents ready streamlines your intake process, allowing more time to focus on understanding your treatment and less on paperwork. Our team aims to make your first visit as smooth and stress-free as possible, and having your relevant information readily available contributes significantly to this goal.

Arriving for Your Intake

To ensure a relaxed and unhurried experience, we ask patients to arrive 30-45 minutes before their first hyperbaric treatment session for their intake. This allows ample time for discussion, paperwork, and any last-minute questions without feeling rushed. We believe that your environment and comfort are important to your healing process. Our clinics are designed to feel inviting, with comfortable sofas and friendly staff who will greet you and offer coffee, tea, water, or a snack. We built our clinics specifically to make them feel comfortable and to avoid the typical cold, sterile medical clinic atmosphere. This welcoming approach aims to ease any nervousness you might feel before your first treatment, which is a normal reaction for many patients. Taking the time for a thorough intake ensures you are fully prepared and at ease before you begin your session. Preparing for your first HBOT treatment is a comprehensive process designed to maximize your comfort and the effectiveness of your therapy.

What Does a 'Hyperbaric Dive' Mean?

The term "hyperbaric dive" is often used to describe the experience of undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and while it might sound intimidating, it has no connection to water. Instead, it refers to a carefully controlled process involving pressure and oxygen delivery inside a specialized chamber. Understanding this concept is key to grasping how HBOT works within your body.

Understanding the "Descent" in HBOT

In hyperbaric therapy, a "dive" specifically refers to the process of gradually increasing the pressure inside the chamber. This sensation is similar to what a person might feel when descending underwater as a diver, where external pressure increases. However, in an HBOT chamber, this pressure increase is managed in a dry, controlled environment. The purpose of this controlled pressure is to enhance the body's ability to absorb oxygen, a fundamental aspect of the therapy. This carefully managed pressurization is a core component of how hyperbaric oxygen therapy works to promote healing and recovery.

The Dual Action of Oxygen and Pressure

Inside the hyperbaric chamber, two critical changes happen simultaneously to create the therapeutic environment. First, you breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen. This is a much higher concentration than the approximately 21% oxygen found in normal atmospheric air. Second, the chamber pressure is increased above normal atmospheric pressure. This combination is what makes HBOT so effective. Under these conditions, oxygen does not just bind to hemoglobin in your red blood cells, which quickly becomes saturated under normal conditions. Instead, the increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma. This means that your blood can carry significantly more oxygen than it normally would, reaching levels beyond the usual limits.

Oxygen Delivery to Hard-to-Reach Tissues

The ability of oxygen to dissolve directly into blood plasma under increased pressure is a game-changer for tissue healing. This process allows oxygen levels in the blood to rise substantially, delivering oxygen to tissues that typically receive very little blood flow. These areas include tendons, cartilage, and various types of injured tissue. These tissues often struggle to heal because they lack a robust blood supply, meaning they don't get enough oxygen and nutrients under normal conditions. By saturating the plasma with oxygen, HBOT can bypass the limitations of hemoglobin saturation and deliver this vital element directly to the cells that need it most for repair and regeneration. This enhanced oxygen delivery supports faster recovery across a range of conditions, from cosmetic surgery to sports injuries. Understanding your first HBOT 'dive' highlights how this controlled environment facilitates superior oxygen absorption for healing.

How Pressure Mimics Underwater Environments

While the "dive" in HBOT does not involve water, the physics behind it are comparable to what underwater divers experience. Underwater divers must balance the pressure of the water around them with the pressure inside their wetsuits or diving gear. Similarly, in an HBOT chamber, the system works to balance the external pressure with the internal environment of your body. This controlled pressure environment is what allows the therapeutic effects to take place. The sensation of pressure increasing might be noticeable, particularly in your ears, much like the feeling you get when flying in an airplane or driving up a mountain. Our medical team often starts with gentle pressure, especially for first-time patients, to allow your body to adjust to this new sensation gradually. This careful approach ensures your comfort and safety throughout the pressurization phase, or "descent." The goal is to maximize oxygen absorption while keeping you at ease.

What Should You Expect During Your First Session?

Your first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session is designed to be a comfortable and informative experience, easing any initial anxieties and preparing you for the full course of your treatment. From the moment you arrive, the focus is on your well-being and ensuring you understand every step.

Preparing for Your "Dive"

Before you enter the hyperbaric chamber, there are a few important steps to prepare. You may be asked to change into cotton clothing that is specifically approved for use inside the chamber. This is a safety measure, as certain synthetic materials can pose risks in an oxygen-rich environment. Additionally, you will need to remove items such as watches, jewelry, certain skincare products, and electronics. These items are typically not allowed inside the chamber due to safety protocols related to the high-oxygen, high-pressure environment. A provider will carefully review all safety protocols with you, ensuring you understand why these measures are in place and how they contribute to a safe and effective treatment. They will also confirm the specific pressure and oxygen settings that have been tailored to your individual needs and condition. This personalized approach ensures the therapy is optimized for your specific healing goals.

The Pressurization Phase: Gentle Adjustment

Once you are inside the chamber and ready, the pressurization phase, often called the "descent," will begin. During this time, the pressure inside the chamber will gradually increase. If it's your first time, our medical team often starts with gentle pressure. This allows you and your body ample time to adjust to this new sensation. You might feel a fullness or pressure in your ears, similar to what you experience during air travel or when diving to the bottom of a swimming pool. Our staff will guide you on how to equalize the pressure in your ears, often by swallowing, yawning, or performing specific maneuvers. This gentle introduction to the pressurized environment helps to minimize discomfort and ensures a smooth transition into the therapeutic state. The goal is for you to feel as relaxed as possible as the chamber reaches its prescribed pressure.

The Therapeutic Environment

During your hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, you will be in a comfortable and controlled environment. Many clinics, including ours, are designed to make you feel at ease. We believe that your environment is also important to your healing process, as are our staff and your treatment. Our clinics are built specifically to feel inviting, moving away from the typical cold, sterile medical clinic feel. While inside the chamber, you will be breathing 100% medical-grade oxygen through a mask or hood. This increased oxygen delivery, combined with the elevated pressure, allows oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma, reaching tissues throughout your body more effectively. The duration of your session will be determined by your treatment plan, but typically, patients can relax, read, watch a movie, or simply rest during this time. The focus is on allowing your body to absorb the maximum amount of oxygen for healing. Sensations during hyperbaric oxygen therapy can vary, but comfort is a priority.

Post-Session Experience

After your session, the pressure in the chamber will slowly decrease back to normal atmospheric levels. This process is called depressurization, or "ascent." You might experience a popping sensation in your ears as the pressure normalizes, which is completely normal. Once the chamber door is opened, you can exit and return to your regular activities. Most patients report feeling refreshed and relaxed after a session. Our staff will be available to answer any questions you have about your experience and to schedule your next appointment. From the time you arrive until you leave, you will be treated with care and respect, and you will have a relaxing time as you heal. This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your first HBOT session, from preparation to post-treatment, is managed with your comfort and healing in mind.

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Feel?

Understanding the physical sensations and mental experience of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can help ease any concerns and set realistic expectations for your treatment journey. While the science behind HBOT is complex, the actual experience inside the chamber is often described as peaceful and straightforward.

Initial Sensations and Adjustments

When you first enter the hyperbaric chamber, you might feel a bit nervous, especially if it's your first time. This is a very normal reaction, and there is nothing to worry about. Our team is there to support you and ensure you feel comfortable. As the chamber begins to pressurize, or "descend," the most noticeable sensation will likely be in your ears. This feeling is similar to the pressure changes experienced during air travel, like when you fly in an airplane, or when you drive through mountains. You might feel fullness, popping, or a slight pressure in your ears as the chamber's internal pressure increases. Our staff will teach you simple techniques to equalize this pressure, such as swallowing, yawning, or performing a Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing out with your mouth and nose closed). These techniques help prevent discomfort and ensure your ears adjust properly to the changing pressure. The pressurization is gradual, allowing your body time to adapt comfortably.

Breathing Pure Oxygen in a Pressurized Environment

At its core, hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This unique environment allows your body to absorb oxygen at levels far beyond what is possible under normal atmospheric conditions. While you are breathing the 100% medical-grade oxygen, the sensation itself is typically imperceptible; you simply breathe normally through a mask or hood. The increased oxygen availability is what drives the therapeutic benefits. Many patients find the experience to be quite relaxing. The chamber environment is often quiet, providing an opportunity for rest, meditation, or quiet activities. Some chambers are equipped with entertainment systems, allowing you to watch movies or listen to music. The goal is to make the session as comfortable and beneficial as possible, allowing your body to focus on absorbing the oxygen.

The Therapeutic Impact on Your Body

The increased oxygen absorption facilitated by HBOT has profound effects on your body at a cellular level. This environment can support brain repair, reduce inflammation, and promote cellular recovery throughout your body. You may not feel these internal processes directly during the session, but they are actively working to heal and restore your tissues. The enhanced oxygen delivery helps to stimulate new blood vessel growth, fight infections, and reduce swelling. This can lead to improvements in various conditions, from chronic wounds to neurological issues. While the experience within the chamber is generally calm, the internal work your body is doing is highly active and restorative. The increased oxygen is reaching areas that are typically starved of it, initiating and accelerating healing processes that would otherwise be slow or impossible.

Post-Session Feelings

After the session concludes and the chamber gradually depressurizes, you might notice your ears popping again as they return to normal atmospheric pressure. Once you exit the chamber, many patients report feeling refreshed, energized, or simply relaxed. Some might feel a bit light-headed initially, but this usually passes quickly. It's common for patients to feel a sense of well-being after their treatment. The overall process, from entering to exiting, is designed to be as seamless and comfortable as possible. The staff will be present throughout your visit to address any concerns or answer questions you may have. Understanding these sensations and the overall process can help reduce any apprehension and allow you to fully benefit from the therapy.

How Do We Prepare You for Your Chamber Orientation?

Preparing you for your chamber orientation is a key part of your first visit, ensuring you are fully informed and comfortable before beginning your hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This process involves a detailed intake session where our experienced staff review your expectations, discuss the treatment specifics, and address any remaining questions.

The Intake Process

Your intake typically happens right before your first hyperbaric treatment. This crucial step is usually conducted by David Roberts, our Senior Hyperbaric Technician, who brings 20 years of experience to his role, or Laura Jean, our registered nurse. During this intake, we take the necessary time to review what you are expecting from the therapy. This discussion helps to align your personal goals with the potential benefits of HBOT. We also thoroughly explain your treatment plan, detailing what will happen during each session and how hyperbaric oxygen works to heal your specific condition. This personalized explanation ensures you understand the mechanisms behind the therapy and how it applies to your unique health needs. We want to tell you all about your upcoming treatments and answer any further questions you might have. This open communication is vital for building trust and ensuring you feel confident in your treatment journey.

Reviewing Your Medical History and Paperwork

Beyond discussing your expectations and treatment plan, the intake session also involves a comprehensive review of your medical history. This is a critical step to ensure that HBOT is safe and appropriate for you, and to identify any potential contraindications or necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Our team will go over your medical history again, even if some information was gathered during the initial phone consultation. This thorough review helps us to confirm all details and ensure nothing has been missed. Additionally, we will review all necessary paperwork with you. This includes ensuring that you fully understand your payment arrangements and insurance coverage. We believe in transparency and want you to be completely clear on all financial aspects of your therapy. The intake session is also an opportunity to reinforce how HBOT will heal your body and often help you get back to doing the things and spending time with the people you love. This holistic approach focuses not just on the medical treatment, but on your overall quality of life.

Orientation to Your Chamber and Environment

Following the detailed discussion of your medical history and treatment plan, you will receive an orientation to the hyperbaric chamber itself. This includes showing you the chamber you will be using and explaining how it operates. Our clinics are designed with your comfort in mind, aiming to provide an inviting and relaxed atmosphere rather than a cold, sterile medical setting. We believe that your environment is important to your healing process, as are our staff and your treatment. You will learn about the internal features of the chamber, safety protocols, and how to communicate with the staff while inside. For example, you will be shown where the emergency call button is, how to adjust your position, and what to expect during the pressurization and depressurization phases. This hands-on orientation helps to alleviate any apprehension you might have about being in an enclosed space. Our staff will walk you through the entire process, making sure you feel completely comfortable and informed before your first "dive." This comprehensive preparation ensures that by the time you enter the chamber, you are fully aware of what to expect and can focus entirely on the healing process.

What Are the Safety Protocols for HBOT?

Safety is the highest priority in hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and strict protocols are in place to ensure a secure and effective treatment environment. These measures cover everything from what you wear and bring into the chamber to the design of the clinic itself, all aimed at protecting your well-being.

Pre-Session Safety Checks

Before each hyperbaric oxygen therapy session, a provider will conduct a thorough review of safety protocols. This includes confirming that you meet all necessary health criteria for the treatment and addressing any new medical developments since your last session. One key aspect of safety involves what you wear and what items you bring into the chamber. You will typically be asked to change into cotton clothing approved for the chamber. This is because synthetic fabrics can generate static electricity, which poses a risk in an oxygen-rich environment. Additionally, certain items must be removed before entering. This includes watches, jewelry, hair products, skincare products, and electronics. Many of these items contain materials that could react negatively with the high-oxygen, high-pressure conditions inside the chamber, or they could pose a fire hazard. For example, oil-based skincare products can be flammable in pure oxygen. These precautions are standard across HBOT facilities to prevent any adverse events and ensure a safe treatment experience for all patients.

Operational Safety Within the Chamber

During your session, the medical team continuously monitors the chamber's pressure, oxygen levels, and your well-being. The chambers themselves are built with multiple safety features, including emergency shut-off valves and communication systems that allow you to speak with the outside staff at any time. This constant monitoring ensures that if any issue arises, it can be addressed immediately. The pressurization and depressurization phases are carefully controlled and gradual to minimize discomfort and prevent barotrauma, which is tissue damage caused by pressure changes. Our medical team often starts with gentle pressure, especially for first-time patients, to allow your body to adjust slowly and safely. This controlled approach is a testament to the rigorous safety standards maintained during every HBOT session. The staff are trained to recognize and respond to any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions, ensuring your safety throughout the entire "dive."

Clinic Environment and Staff Training

The safety protocols extend beyond the chamber itself to the entire clinic environment and the expertise of the staff. Our clinics are designed specifically to prioritize safety while also creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. We built them to make them feel inviting and to help you feel comfortable, moving away from the typical cold, sterile medical clinic feel. This comfortable environment contributes to patient relaxation, which in turn can positively impact treatment effectiveness. All staff members, including Senior Hyperbaric Technicians like David Roberts with his 20 years of experience, and registered nurses like Laura Jean, undergo extensive training in hyperbaric medicine and emergency procedures. This ensures they are highly competent in operating the equipment, monitoring patients, and responding to any situation that may arise. Regular maintenance and calibration of the hyperbaric chambers are also crucial safety measures, ensuring that all equipment functions optimally. These comprehensive safety measures, from personal item restrictions to expert staff, are fundamental to providing effective and secure hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information should I bring to my first HBOT appointment?

For your intake and first hyperbaric session, you should bring your identification, any applicable insurance cards, and any additional paperwork from your prescribing physician. This helps streamline the administrative process and ensures that our team has all the necessary medical and financial information to provide you with the best care.

Why do I need to eat before my HBOT session?

It is important to eat a snack or meal within an hour or so before your first HBOT treatment. This provides your body with plenty of protein and raises your blood sugar high enough for the treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy uses a lot of the fuel available in your bloodstream to heal you when you are in the chamber, especially when healing injuries.

What is the difference between normal oxygen intake and HBOT oxygen intake?

Under normal conditions, you breathe about 21% oxygen, and this oxygen primarily binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells, which quickly becomes saturated. In HBOT, you breathe 100% medical-grade oxygen in a chamber where the pressure is increased above normal atmospheric pressure. This combination allows oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma, significantly increasing oxygen levels and delivering it to tissues that typically receive very little blood flow.

How long before my first HBOT session should I arrive?

You should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before your first hyperbaric treatment session for your intake. This allows ample time for discussion with our staff, review of your medical history and paperwork, and ensures you are not rushed before your scheduled treatment. Our goal is for you to feel comfortable and prepared.

What sensations might I feel during the pressurization phase of HBOT?

During the pressurization phase, or "descent," you might feel sensations similar to those experienced during air travel or diving. This often includes a fullness, popping, or slight pressure in your ears as the chamber's internal pressure increases. Our medical team often starts with gentle pressure, especially for first-time patients, to allow your body to adjust gradually, and they will teach you techniques to equalize the pressure in your ears.