Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a specialized, painless treatment that involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized hyperbaric chamber. The elevated pressure increases the amount of oxygen in your blood and other bodily fluids, allowing for healing and therapeutic effects.

 HBOT works through several mechanisms that enhance the body’s ability to heal:

• Hyperoxygenation: Breathing oxygen-rich air under pressure can increase oxygen levels in your bloodstream, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluid by up to 1200%, compared to normal air.
• Anti-inflammatory: HBOT reduces inflammation by influencing immune-modulatory cytokines, lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines (like IL-10).
• Reduction of Swelling: Increased oxygen levels cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing swelling without impairing oxygen delivery.
• Stem Cell Mobilization: HBOT increases the concentration of circulating stem cells, which help repair damaged tissues.
• Angiogenesis: HBOT stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, supporting tissue repair and healing.
• Antimicrobial Effects: HBOT boosts white blood cell performance, enhances antibiotic penetration through bacterial membranes, and restricts toxin release during infections.
• Regeneration: It accelerates the healing of bones, collagen, ligaments, and tendons.

At UMA, we offer a consultant-led service, where each new patient undergoes a face-to-face assessment to determine if HBOT is appropriate. This allows our physician to assess your medical history and current condition to design a personalized treatment plan based on the latest clinical research.

 Patients visit UMA for a variety of conditions, including:

• General Health & Wellness: Healthy individuals seeking therapeutic benefits.
• Sports Performance & Injury Recovery
• Post-Surgical Recovery & Wound Healing
• Concussions & Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Sensorineural Hearing Loss
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
• Fibromyalgia, ME, & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Lyme Disease
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
• Delayed Radiation Injuries (Soft Tissue and Bone Necrosis)

A typical HBOT session involves several stages:

1. Compression: The chamber is pressurized to the prescribed level (commonly 2.0 ATA, the equivalent of 33 feet underwater).
2. Oxygen Breathing: Patients breathe near 100% oxygen through a BIBS mask while the chamber is maintained at pressure.
3. Breaks: Patients receive breaks for air during the session, allowing them to breathe medical-grade air and remove the mask.
4. Decompression: The pressure is gradually reduced at the end of the session, and the treatment concludes.

 At the start of the session, you may feel a mild fullness in your ears, similar to what you experience during a flight’s takeoff or landing. This sensation lasts for about 5-10 minutes. Once the target pressure is reached, you can relax and breathe naturally through the mask.

During decompression, you may feel a slight popping sensation in your ears as the pressure is reduced. Many patients find the sessions to be calming and often use the time to relax or nap.

Most patients find HBOT sessions relaxing and calming. The only discomfort typically felt is a mild ear pressure sensation, which can be easily managed with the help of our experienced technicians. If you feel discomfort during the session, please let the operator know, and they will assist you in equalizing the pressure in your ears.

The initial consultation is an essential step in determining if HBOT is suitable for you. During this face-to-face assessment, our physician will review your medical history, understand your health condition, and design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

A typical HBOT treatment lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

The number and frequency of treatments will vary based on the condition being treated. Some conditions may require just five sessions, while others might need 20-30 treatments over several weeks. For many conditions, treatments are typically scheduled once a day, Monday to Friday, for about four to six weeks.

UMA uses Medical Grade Monoplace Hyperbaric Chambers, designed to accommodate a single patient at a time. These chambers are pressurized with medical-grade air, and oxygen is delivered via a special BIBS mask. The chambers have a clear acrylic window for easy monitoring, and patients can communicate with the chamber operator through an intercom system.

When administered properly, HBOT is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved. It is important that HBOT is performed by trained healthcare providers under the supervision of an experienced doctor who understands the treatment’s benefits, limitations, and potential side effects.

During your initial consultation, the physician will discuss any specific risks relevant to your health and treatment plan.

While HBOT is typically very safe, there are a few rare side effects, including:

• Middle ear injury (Barotrauma)
• Sinus congestion and pressure
• Temporary near-sightedness
• Claustrophobia
• Oxygen toxicity
• Seizures (rare)

Our team takes all precautions to minimize risks, and the potential side effects will be discussed with you prior to treatment.

• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing (avoid cosmetics, perfumes, hair sprays, deodorants, and jewelry).
• Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks for at least 4 hours prior to treatment.
• No smoking during treatment and between sessions, as nicotine constricts blood vessels and can reduce HBOT’s effectiveness.
• Have a light, nutritious meal 1-2 hours before treatment.
• If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels will be checked before and after each treatment.

Patients can refer themselves or be referred by their physician. All patients undergo an evaluation by our physician, who will create a customized treatment protocol. To schedule an evaluation, you can call us at +44 020 3823 1212 or email info@UMAoxygen.com.

Insurance coverage for HBOT varies depending on your insurer. We recommend you discuss this with your insurance provider. All treatments are paid for upfront, and we can provide a receipt for reimbursement if covered by your insurer.

Yes, our facility is wheelchair accessible. However, some patients with limited mobility may find it challenging to enter the monoplace chambers. Please refer to our ‘What to Expect’ video for a visual demonstration of accessibility features and potential challenges.