Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Decompression Sickness
The classic diving injury ("the bends"). Recompression with hyperbaric oxygen is the definitive UHMS-approved treatment.
Typical Protocol
How HBOT Helps
Recompression shrinks nitrogen bubbles in tissue and blood while high-pressure oxygen accelerates inert-gas washout and re-oxygenates ischemic tissue.
What to Know
An emergency. Treated at recompression facilities on established US Navy tables. Surface-level soft-shell chambers are NOT appropriate for this.
Review the primary literature on PubMed →Centers Treating Decompression Sickness
90 centers in our directory report treating this condition. 25 are UHMS-accredited (shown first).
Showing 60 of 90. Browse all by location.
Before You Book — What to Verify
- Chamber type: approved indications need a clinical hard-shell chamber (2.0–3.0 ATA), not a mild soft-shell unit.
- Whether a hyperbaric-trained physician supervises treatment.
- Insurance coverage and pre-authorization for this indication.
- UHMS accreditation status of the facility.
- That the recommended pressure and session count match the protocol above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HBOT FDA/UHMS-approved for Decompression sickness?
Yes. Decompression Sickness is one of the indications approved by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy for it is generally eligible for insurance coverage when criteria are met.
What pressure and how many sessions does Decompression sickness typically need?
Standard-of-care protocols typically run at 2.8 ATA (US Navy Treatment Table 6) for about 1+ (per protocol). Your physician sets the exact protocol based on your case.
How does hyperbaric oxygen help with Decompression sickness?
Recompression shrinks nitrogen bubbles in tissue and blood while high-pressure oxygen accelerates inert-gas washout and re-oxygenates ischemic tissue.
How many directory centers list Decompression sickness?
90 centers in our directory report treating Decompression sickness, of which 25 are UHMS-accredited. Always confirm directly with the center.
Other Conditions
Educational information, not medical advice. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy decisions — especially for emergencies and the conditions above — must be made with a qualified physician. Approved-indication status follows the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society Committee Report; protocols are typical ranges, not prescriptions.