Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy-A Brief History
Hyperbaric therapy is not new. The oldest known hyperbaric chamber dates back to the late 1600s and was redeveloped in the 1800s. In the early 1930s, the U.S. military began using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for divers and pilots suffering from cramps and altitude sickness. Today, the FDA recognizes HBOT as an effective therapy for several conditions, including severe anemia, osteomyelitis, arterial insufficiencies and more. Hyperbaric clients themselves have found relief for a range of conditions, including chronic migraines, PTSD, post-surgery recovery and post-sport healing.
Athletic associations like the NFL employ hyperbaric oxygen therapy as part of the recovery regime for athletes. Players like Brett Favre and Donovan McNabb are such fans that they own their own machines. Joe Namath experienced remarkable recovery from head injuries sustained during his career, leading him to be part of an FDA-approved study at the Joe Namath Neurological Center, of the Jupiter Medical Center, in Florida. Many NBA and MLB players have also touted the benefits of HBOT, along with professional boxers like Evander Holyfield.
The Purpose of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
When bodily tissue is injured, the body will respond by increasing the amount of oxygen sent to that tissue, helping with healing. While this is a natural and effective way for the body to heal itself, HBOT makes the process more efficient by supplying the body with temporary extra oxygen levels. Depending on the severity of the injured tissue, we may recommend repeat treatments to maximize the speed of recovery and encourage normal tissue oxygen levels to remain the same following therapy.
Comprehensive Care for a Variety of Ailments
We are proud to offer an effective cure to a host of maladies that people experience. Some of the ailments our hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps heal are:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Cyanide poisoning
- Crush injuries
- Gas gangrene
- Acute or traumatic reduced blood flow in the arteries
- Infection in bone (osteomyelitis)
- Delayed radiation injury
- Flesh-eating disease
- Air or gas bubbles that are trapped in a blood vessel (air or gas embolism)
- Diabetic wounds that are not healing adequately
- Decompression sickness
- Compromised skin grafts and flaps
- Chronic infection labeled actinomycosis
- Losing a large amount of blood
- Injuries from breathing in smoke, or other harmful chemicals
1.3 ATA vs 2.0 ATA — What’s the Difference?
Many hospitals and medical centers use hyperbaric chambers at 2.0 ATA (atmospheres absolute) because that is the pressure level most medical research has focused on and what is typically available in hospital settings.
At HBOT America, we offer mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 1.3 ATA, designed as a wellness and recovery support service.
What 1.3 ATA Provides:
Our 1.3 ATA sessions increase oxygen availability above normal room air and are commonly used to support:
- Circulation and tissue oxygenation
- The body’s natural recovery processes
- Post-procedure wellness support (when cleared by your provider)
- Athletic recovery and training cycles
- Ongoing longevity and performance routines
Sessions are comfortable, non-invasive, and designed for consistent use as part of a structured recovery plan.
How It Compares?
While 2.0 ATA delivers higher pressure in medical environments, 1.3 ATA still increases oxygen above normal room air levels and is commonly used by clients seeking consistent wellness support before and after procedures, during training cycles, or as part of ongoing recovery routines, especially when used consistently.
Our Philosophy
We do not replace medical hyperbaric therapy or your physician’s care. We work alongside your provider’s plan to support overall recovery in a comfortable, accessible setting.