What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? How HBOT Works

Oxygen is the most basic thing your body needs. Every cell uses it to make energy and repair itself.

So what happens when you give your body more of it, more efficiently? That's the idea behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy at iCRYO Westminster.

Here's what HBOT is, how it works, what a session feels like and who it's for.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

"Hyperbaric" means higher-than-normal pressure. During HBOT, you rest inside a chamber where the air pressure is increased while you breathe concentrated oxygen.

Normally, oxygen travels through your body attached to red blood cells. Under pressure, extra oxygen also dissolves directly into your plasma, the liquid part of your blood. That lets more oxygen reach your tissues.

Medical HBOT vs. Wellness HBOT

Hospitals use high-pressure hyperbaric chambers for specific FDA-approved conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and certain non-healing wounds.

Wellness centers like iCRYO typically offer hyperbaric sessions for general wellness and recovery goals. Ask our team about the chamber we use and what to expect.

How HBOT Works

1. Pressure increases inside the chamber
2. You breathe concentrated oxygen
3. More oxygen dissolves into your plasma
4. Oxygen reaches tissues throughout the body, supporting energy and repair

Curious why that's different from wearing an oxygen mask? Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen.

What a Session Feels Like

1. Screening. We review your health history before your first session.
2. Settle in. Get comfortable inside the chamber.
3. Pressurization. As pressure rises, your ears may feel full, like on a plane. Swallowing or yawning helps.
4. Relax. Rest, listen to music or nap.
5. Depressurization. Pressure slowly returns to normal.

Most people find sessions peaceful, a rare hour to unplug.

Who Uses Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

• Athletes supporting recovery from training
• Active adults recovering from hard efforts
• People recovering from procedures (with their doctor's approval)
• Wellness-focused adults looking for energy and overall support

See the full list in Hyperbaric Oxygen Benefits.

Who Should Talk to a Provider First?

HBOT isn't right for everyone. Tell us if you have a recent ear or sinus problem, a cold or congestion, lung conditions, are pregnant, are claustrophobic or have certain medical devices or conditions. We'll screen you before your first session.

Why HBOT Is Interesting at Altitude

At over 5,000 feet, Westminster has lower air pressure than sea level, which means less oxygen in every breath. That makes hyperbaric therapy a hot topic in Colorado. Learn more in Hyperbaric Oxygen at Altitude.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Myths vs. Facts

Myth: "It's the same as breathing from an oxygen tank." Fact: The added pressure is what makes hyperbaric therapy different. It helps more oxygen dissolve into your blood plasma. Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen.

Myth: "Hyperbaric chambers are only for divers." Fact: Hospitals use them for several approved medical conditions, and wellness centers offer sessions for recovery and overall wellness.

Myth: "It feels claustrophobic and uncomfortable." Fact: Most people find sessions calm and restful. Ear pressure is the most common sensation, and it's usually relieved by swallowing or yawning. Let us know if you're claustrophobic, and we'll talk it through.

Myth: "One session is all you need." Fact: Many of the benefits people look for are associated with a series of sessions.

Ready to take a deep breath?

Hyperbaric Oxygen in Westminster, CO

iCRYO Westminster is at 14613 Orchard Pkwy #200, Westminster, CO 80023, just off I-25 with free parking. We welcome clients from Broomfield, Thornton, Northglenn, Arvada, Federal Heights and north Denver.

• See our current intro offers
• Book your intro visit
• Get your free personalized wellness plan

Questions? Call (720) 222-0224.