Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a painless and non-invasive oxygen therapy where you will sit and relax, breathing in oxygen, in a pressurized chamber.
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What are the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
The increased pressure in the chamber allows blood plasma to absorb more oxygen at pressures greater than sea level. This, in turn, encourages the release of more energy, which enhances the body’s defence mechanism and promotes wellbeing and vitality naturally.
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What happens during a HBOT session?
You simply lie down in the chamber and relax. The chamber has a large window so you can see out and is large inside for comfort.
The chamber supplies higher levels of oxygen so that the air you breathe whilst inside is more oxygen enriched than normal and you are also breathing it at pressure so that the body will absorb more oxygen anyway.
The treatment usually lasts for 60-90 minutes, depending upon your treatment plan.
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What does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy feel like?
Many people say that the beginning and end of a HBOT session feels like the take-off or landing of an aeroplane. As the pressure builds in the chamber, the pressure builds within your ears, which may leave you with an ear-popping or fullness sensation. This sensation usually only lasts for a couple of minites and if this causes any discomfort, our therapists will guide you to relieve any ear pressure.
Once the desired pressure is reached you may feel sleepy, and you can relax and breathe normally for the duration of your session.
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Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy safe?
Yes! Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an extremely safe, non-invasive therapy. There are very few potential side effects – and they are extremely rare.
Your HBOT therapist will talk you through the safety procedures at your first appointment.
However, let us reassure you that your safety and wellbeing is at the forefront of everything we do. Our HBOT chambers have built-in safety devices to minimise any potential risk and our therapists have all been full trained in the use of our HBOT chamber.
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Are there any side effects?
The pressure used in our HBOT Chambers is mild, and therefore any side effects are extremely rare.
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Can I overdose on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chambers offer a mild level of hyperbaric oxygen, so overdosing is virtually impossible. However, our skilled HBOT therapists will develop a programme to ensure the correct levels are used for your requirements.
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Will I feel claustrophobic?
In our experience, most people do not. However, if you suffer from claustrophobia, then our chamber has a large window which will help prevent this and allow as much light into the chamber as possible.
You will never be locked into the chamber so if your claustrophobia becomes overwhelming, we will can open the chamber within 30 seconds and your HBOT therapist will guide you with your breathing to help you relax again.
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Is HBOT painful?
No. Most people who use HBOT find their sessions relaxing and peaceful.
You may experience some mild ear fullness which is like the sensation you experience during flight take-off or landing. However, HBOT should not be painful.
If you do have any earaches during your therapy, our HBOT therapist will adjust the pressure of the chamber to relieve the ear pressure.
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Is HBOT right for you?
We offer a consultant-led service with one of our HBOT therapists for all new patients to ensure that HBOT is safe and suitable for you and your needs. You can trust that your programme will be personalised for you.
The process allows our therapist to fully understand your individual need to determine the appropriate HBOT programme for you.
At any point, our therapists are there to answer any questions or help with any concerns you may have about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
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Why do I need an initial assessment?
The initial assessment is essential for us to ensure that we can offer you a safe and effective tailored therapy programme. This can take place either in the clinic or via an online screening form which is then reviewed by us.
This assessment allows us to understand you and your needs, so we are them able to determine the appropriate HBOT programme, based on medical history and latest clinical research.
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Is HBOT just for divers?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is widely recognised for decompression sickness in divers since 1937, however technology and research has demonstrated an impeccable safety record to support the use of HBOT across a wide range of other health, wellbeing and beauty concerns.
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Can anyone have Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Most people are suitable for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy but we do assess your suitability for the therapy before we proceed, which we can do via an initiail assessment in the clinic or an online screenig form.
To schedule an initial assessment or access the online screening form, please call us on 01743 361430 or email info@sterlingclinics.co.uk.
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Is HBOT safe for children?
Yes, as long as they have had their initial assessment and they are suitable, there is no age restriction for HBOT. Our HBOT chamber is also large enough for a parent and child to be in at the same time.
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Who isn’t suitable to have HBOT?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy may not be suitable for you if any of the following apply to you:
- A collapsed lung
- Upper respiratory infections
- Chronic sinusitis or sinus problems
- High fever
- Severe emphysema or other breathing problems
- Pregnancy
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What are the benefits to a healthy individual?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is used around the world, helping bodies to repair, recover and rejuvenate. HBOT can support overall health and wellbeing.
The increased production of energy that occurs during HBOT can support the body’s coping mechanism with today’s hectic lifestyles.
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I am taking medication, can I still have HBOT?
Oxygen may change the effects of certain medications, so always speak with your Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Therapist (we have access to medical experts if we need further advice) and talk to your health care providers to discuss the implications of combining your medication with HBOT.
There are a few medications that cannot be taken in combination with HBOT, including some chemotherapies, topical ointments, and opioid antagonist drugs.
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Can I use HBOT if I have a cold or am feeling unwell?
We may need to delay your therapy if you have a cold, fever or flu-like systems. This is because a cold or illness may affect your ability to clear your ears when using a HBOT chamber.
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How are people referred for HBOT?
You may either self-refer or be referred by a physician or GP. All clients are evaluated by our HBOT therapist to determine their suitability and recommend a personalised therapy programme, based on their specific needs.
To schedule an initial assessment or access the online screening form, please call us on 01743 361430 or email info@sterlingclinics.co.uk.
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How should I prepare for my therapy session?
You should come to your therapy session in loose-fitting cotton clothing, and avoid wearing any cosmetics, perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants and jewellery on the day.
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose should be checked before and after each session, because Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can occasionally lower blood glucose levels.
If you take any medications, including non-prescription medication, please advise the HBOT therapist at your initial assessment or via the online screening form, and please make us aware of any changes which may occur between your initial assessment and an appointment.
Please do not smoke, drink alcohol or fizzy drinks for four hours before your session.
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How many HBOT sessions will I need to see any results?
The ’40-hour protocol’ is considered by experts as the gold standard for many of the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. However, everyone is different, so we will personalise your programme to you and your needs.
Likewise, results will vary depending on your programme, situation and needs. Some people see benefits straight away, whereas others may not see benefits until they complete their full therapy programme.
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How long is each session?
A typical session lasts around 60–90 minutes, but this may vary depending on your personal programme. This will be discussed with you at your initial assessment.
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Will there be other people in the chamber?
No, this is a private treatment for you alone. This helps to ensure your therapy is tailored specifically to your requirements.
Our chamber is large enough for a parent and child to be inside together.
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Are there different types of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy chambers?
There are a number of different types of HBOT chambers, the main differences are:
- The pressures they go to
- The number of people they accommodate
- Whether they have a hard or soft-shell
HBOT chambers range from small, single-person soft-shell chambers, right up to large, multi-person hard-shell chambers, which are more like a room than a chamber.
Each of these chambers are capable of delivering different pressures, and as a result, each is used for different applications.
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What type of chamber do you use?
We have a Henshaw XL Pro HBOT Chamber that is made using top-quality materials that are hygienic, safe and provide a luxurious experience.
Our chamber offers the following…
- Large hard shell chamber – more than enough space for a single adult to be very comfortable (or for one adult with their child)
- Internal and external monitoring gauges
- Automatic pressure control system, operating at 1.5-2 ATA and delivering concentrated oxygen
- The chamber has a wide viewing window to help prevent claustrophobia and make for a more pleasant experience
- The door is sealed by pressure
- Dehumidifer / cooler for a pleasent temperature and experience
Many HBOT chambers use toxic glues to seal joints, which can leave unpleasant smells for the user. Our HBOT chamber is heat-welded, which gives a really strong bond but is free of toxic glues and harsh smells.
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What is ATA?
In Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, ATA refers to the pressure of the chamber. One atmosphere absolute, or 1 ATA, is the average atmospheric pressure exerted at sea level.
This means that if you had a one-hour HBOT session at 1.5 ATA, then you would be breathing oxygen, for one hour, while at 1.5 times the atmospheric pressure at sea level.
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Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy the same as going to an oxygen bar?
No. Although oxygen bars deliver higher concentrations of oxygen to the body, they do not use pressurized oxygen and therefore cannot deliver the same benefits at HBOT.
Ready to take your next step?
For more information you can call us on 01743 361430, send an email to info@sterlingclinics.co.uk or send a message using our online contact form.
Or download our guide ‘Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Explained and Key Questions to Ask Before Your Therapy’.
Contact Us
If you’re ready to book or would like some more information, call us now on 01743 361430, email us on info@sterlingclinics.co.uk or get in touch through our online form.
