What Conditions Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Treat?

FDA-approved indications

These are the conditions where clinical evidence is strong enough that regulators have approved hyperbaric oxygen as a treatment, and where Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurers will cover the cost when medical necessity is documented.

• Non-healing wounds — including surgical wounds, venous and arterial ulcers, and traumatic wounds that haven't closed after 30+ days of standard care
• Diabetic lower-extremity wounds — diabetic foot ulcers that have failed standard care, where HBOT supports limb salvage
• Radiation tissue damage — late-effect injuries including osteoradionecrosis, soft tissue radionecrosis, radiation cystitis, and proctitis
• Sudden sensorineural hearing loss — a medical emergency where HBOT started within two weeks of onset can support recovery
• Chronic refractory osteomyelitis — bone infection that keeps returning after antibiotics and surgery, used alongside surgical debridement
• Severe anemia (bridge therapy) — when transfusion is unavailable or declined, HBOT can temporarily oxygenate tissue through the plasma
• Several additional indications — including crush injuries, compromised skin grafts and flaps, necrotizing soft tissue infections, and others

Off-label uses we evaluate honestly

Off-label means the FDA has not formally approved HBOT for that indication — not that it's unsafe or ineffective, but that the evidence hasn't reached the threshold for formal approval. We see patients for these uses after an honest conversation about what the research does and doesn't support, and they are self-pay.

• Post-COVID recovery — fatigue, brain fog, and exercise intolerance after COVID-19; evidence is emerging and promising
• Chronic pain — complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and refractory post-surgical pain in selected patients
• Athletic recovery and performance — used by active people as a recovery tool between training sessions
• Healthy aging — an oxygen-focused addition to a wellness routine

Conditions HBOT does not treat

Equally important: there are conditions where HBOT is not indicated and where we'll tell you clearly that it won't help. We don't see patients for cancer treatment, general fatigue without an underlying cause, or conditions where better-evidenced treatments exist and haven't been tried. Our job is to tell you honestly whether HBOT fits your situation — not to find a reason to put everyone in a chamber.

How to find out if HBOT can help you

No list substitutes for a physician evaluation. The same diagnosis can be an excellent indication in one patient and not appropriate in another depending on prior treatment, vascular status, overall health, and how the condition is progressing. A free consultation with our team is the right starting point — we'll review your records, ask the right questions, and give you a direct answer.