Most people think of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as something reserved for scuba divers or severe wound care. And while those are important medical uses, they barely scratch the surface of what this therapy can do.
At Extension Health, we’re seeing a different side of HBOT—one that is quietly transforming how high performers, wellness seekers, and patients with chronic conditions recover, repair, and thrive. Beneath the clinical label lies a therapy with wide-reaching potential, working at the cellular level to support cognition, immunity, metabolic function, and more.
If you’re only thinking about oxygen in terms of your lungs, it’s time to consider what targeted oxygen saturation can do for your entire system.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
HBOT involves breathing 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increase in atmospheric pressure allows your lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen than they can under normal conditions. That oxygen is then delivered throughout the body, reaching plasma, lymphatic fluid, and even cerebrospinal fluid to fuel healing and reduce inflammation.
The chambers used at Extension Health are full-body, hard-shell chambers designed to achieve true clinical-grade pressures. Each session lasts about 90 minutes, with 60 minutes spent at full pressure. Our chambers are also equipped with a TV, and patients are welcome to bring their own device such as a phone or laptop. The space is large enough to accommodate two people comfortably, making it one of the most spacious and advanced options available in New York City.
Why HBOT Is Gaining Momentum Beyond the Hospital
Historically, HBOT has been approved for conditions like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and non-healing wounds. But today, its applications are expanding rapidly. From neurocognitive support to immune modulation and anti-inflammatory effects, HBOT is increasingly being used as part of comprehensive health and longevity programs.
Recent studies have linked HBOT to neuroplasticity, telomere repair, insulin sensitivity improvements, and enhanced stem cell activity. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy benefits are not limited to acute care—they are now part of proactive health strategies used by elite athletes, executives, and individuals navigating post-viral recovery or chronic fatigue.
1. Improved Mental Clarity and Cognitive Performance
The brain is one of the most oxygen-dependent organs in the body. Even mild decreases in oxygen availability can impair focus, memory, and emotional regulation. HBOT addresses this head-on by increasing oxygen delivery to the brain and improving neurovascular circulation.
Studies suggest that HBOT may enhance neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new connections. Patients recovering from concussion, stroke, burnout, or long COVID have reported clearer thinking, improved memory, and better executive function. For many, it provides a noticeable lift in mental sharpness and overall mood.
2. Inflammation Reduction Where It Matters Most
Chronic inflammation contributes to many long-term conditions, including arthritis, autoimmune disease, metabolic dysfunction, and neurodegeneration. HBOT helps suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and improves the function of immune cells responsible for healing and regulation.
It also improves circulation and lymphatic drainage, helping the body eliminate toxins more efficiently. For those dealing with pain, swelling, or systemic inflammation, HBOT offers a way to reduce underlying dysfunction rather than just masking symptoms.
3. Enhanced Immune Modulation and Defense
Oxygen is critical to many of the body’s immune responses. Under pressure, HBOT saturates tissues with oxygen, helping immune cells function more effectively. This can improve the body’s ability to recognize and fight off infections, especially in those with weakened or dysregulated immunity.
HBOT also supports immune balance by modulating excessive inflammatory responses. This makes it a promising tool in managing autoimmune flares, post-viral fatigue, and long-term immune recovery.
4. Energy Recovery and Mitochondrial Health
Cellular energy is generated in the mitochondria, and oxygen is a necessary input for this process. When oxygen delivery is compromised, energy production slows, and fatigue sets in.
HBOT helps increase the efficiency of oxygen utilization at the mitochondrial level. This leads to improved energy, greater stamina, and better recovery from exertion. Many patients dealing with chronic fatigue, burnout, or overtraining report a noticeable return of energy after consistent HBOT sessions.
5. Faster Healing From Surgery, Injury, and Overuse
Whether you’re recovering from orthopedic surgery, dental work, or a sports injury, HBOT may significantly speed the healing process. It increases collagen production, enhances new blood vessel formation, and reduces swelling. This supports faster tissue repair and helps lower the risk of post-surgical complications.
Athletes and surgical patients alike are increasingly adding HBOT to their recovery protocols. At Extension Health, we design custom treatment plans to support healing timelines and reduce downtime.
6. Support for Long COVID and Post-Viral Syndromes
Long COVID continues to impact millions of people with lingering symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and dysregulated stress responses. HBOT has emerged as one of the few therapies showing promise in this area.
By increasing oxygen to damaged tissues and calming inflammation in the brain and lungs, HBOT may help accelerate recovery and restore function. Patients with long COVID or similar post-viral conditions often report improved mental clarity, energy, and respiratory function following treatment.
7. Metabolic and Hormonal Optimization
HBOT’s effects go beyond healing. Oxygen saturation influences hormone production, blood sugar regulation, and cellular metabolism. Increased oxygen availability has been shown to support insulin sensitivity, reduce oxidative stress, and improve nutrient delivery to endocrine glands.
For patients focused on longevity, weight loss, or hormone balance, HBOT can be a powerful complement to other protocols such as peptide therapy, IV treatments, or functional medicine diagnostics.
Is HBOT Right for You?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is non-invasive, well-tolerated, and safe for most individuals. It is used not only to treat complex conditions but also to support people who simply want to feel better, think more clearly, and recover faster.
At Extension Health, every treatment plan is physician-designed and customized to your health goals. Whether you’re working through post-surgical recovery or optimizing for performance, our clinical team will guide you through a protocol that fits into your broader health strategy.
What to Expect From a Session at Extension Health
- Consultation
Begin with a clinical intake to determine your goals and any contraindications. - Customized Plan
Your treatment schedule and session frequency are designed to align with your symptoms and desired outcomes. - Full-Body Chamber Experience
Each session lasts approximately 90 minutes, including 60 minutes at full therapeutic pressure. The chamber includes a TV for entertainment, and patients may bring in a phone or laptop. The space is large enough for two people, offering both comfort and flexibility. - Ongoing Support
Your results are tracked and monitored over time. We often combine HBOT with additional diagnostics and recovery therapies for an integrated approach.
Experience HBOT at Extension Health
Our full-body, hard-shell HBOT chambers deliver real therapeutic pressure and measurable outcomes. Unlike soft chambers used in some wellness centers, our technology is clinically validated and overseen by licensed professionals.
Whether you are managing long-term symptoms or simply want to invest in your future performance, HBOT may be the key to unlocking faster healing and deeper restoration.
Book your first Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy session today and experience the benefits that most people overlook.