What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

How It Works

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a way to help people heal. In this treatment, patients breathe pure oxygen while they are in a special pressurized room called a "chamber."
The higher pressure helps the oxygen move quickly through the blood to parts of the body that are hurt or not working well. This can help those areas heal faster. Other treatments such as antibiotics or surgery are often used at the same time.
Your doctor will personalize your treatment plan. Healing takes time, and most conditions need treatment every day. Some conditions might require fewer than 10 treatments, while others could have up to 60 treatments. Each treatment lasts about 2 to 3 hours.

Our state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers allow us to safely and effectively deliver 100 percent oxygen at increased pressures.

Multiplace chamber: Penn has one of the few "multiplace" chambers in the country. This type of chamber allows us to treat multiple patients with a staff member inside. Patients can relax in recliner chairs or on a stretcher. Masks or hoods are used to deliver oxygen. Patients can watch a movie, read, or sleep during treatment.
Monoplace chambers: We have two "monoplace" chambers in which one patient is treated at a time. Patients lie within a clear acrylic chamber and have access to a fully integrated entertainment system during treatment. A nurse or paramedic trained in hyperbaric medicine is present at all times next to the chamber to assist.