HBOT by Condition
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is approved for a specific list of conditions and marketed for many more. We separate the two. Below are the 15 UHMS-approved indications — backed by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society and generally insurance-covered — from the off-label and wellness uses that are not approved. Each page lists typical treatment pressure, session counts, and which centers in our directory are equipped.
FDA / UHMS-Approved Indications
The 15 conditions with established hyperbaric medicine evidence and society approval.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
An emergency UHMS-approved indication. Hyperbaric oxygen rapidly clears carbon monoxide from the blood and may reduce delayed neurological injury.
Decompression Sickness
The classic diving injury ("the bends"). Recompression with hyperbaric oxygen is the definitive UHMS-approved treatment.
Arterial Gas Embolism
Gas bubbles in the arterial circulation — from diving, surgery, or vascular procedures. A UHMS-approved hyperbaric emergency.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers & Problem Wounds
Under the UHMS "enhancement of healing in selected problem wounds" indication, HBOT is an adjunct for qualifying Wagner grade 3+ diabetic foot ulcers.
Delayed Radiation Injury
Soft-tissue and bony injury that surfaces months to years after cancer radiotherapy (e.g. osteoradionecrosis, radiation cystitis, proctitis). A UHMS-approved indication.
Refractory Osteomyelitis
Chronic bone infection that persists despite antibiotics and surgery. HBOT is a UHMS-approved adjunct.
Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections
Rapidly spreading, life-threatening infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and Fournier's gangrene. A UHMS-approved adjunct.
Clostridial Myonecrosis (Gas Gangrene)
A fulminant clostridial muscle infection. HBOT is a UHMS-approved adjunct that can be lifesaving when started early.
Crush Injury & Acute Traumatic Ischemia
Severe crush injuries, compartment syndrome, and other acute traumatic ischemias. A UHMS-approved adjunct in the first days after injury.
Compromised Grafts & Flaps
Skin grafts and surgical flaps at risk of failure from poor perfusion. A UHMS-approved indication to support tissue survival.
Acute Thermal Burn Injury
Serious thermal burns. HBOT is a UHMS-approved adjunct at specialized burn centers.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
A sudden, painless loss of vision from blockage of the retina's main artery. A time-critical UHMS-approved indication.
Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Abrupt, unexplained hearing loss in one ear. The newest UHMS-approved indication, used with or after steroid therapy.
Intracranial Abscess
Pus-filled infection within the skull. HBOT is a UHMS-approved adjunct, particularly for multiple or deep abscesses.
Exceptional Blood-Loss Anemia
Severe anemia when transfusion is impossible (e.g. patient refusal or incompatibility). A UHMS-approved bridge therapy.
Off-Label & Wellness Uses
Commonly marketed, but not FDA/UHMS-approved. Evidence ranges from preliminary to mixed, and these are rarely insurance-covered.
Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion
A popular off-label use. NOT a UHMS-approved indication — evidence is mixed and it is generally not insurance-covered.
Stroke Recovery
Used off-label for chronic post-stroke deficits. NOT UHMS-approved for stroke rehabilitation; evidence is preliminary.
Athletic & Sports Recovery
Marketed for faster recovery and performance, often using mild (soft-shell) chambers. A wellness use, NOT a UHMS-approved medical indication.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
Promoted for telomere and senescent-cell effects. A wellness use, NOT FDA/UHMS-approved, based on small early studies.
This information is educational and not medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy decisions should be made with a qualified physician. Approved-indication status follows the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society Committee Report.