Benefits and applications
Oxygen that opens
possibilities for care.
Learn how hyperbaric therapy works, its clinical benefits and the areas you can discuss in an individual assessment.
Your care starts with getting to know you.
An individual assessment before starting
Understand its potential contribution
Six benefits of
medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
In selected patients using the indicated protocol, these mechanisms may contribute to treatment. Responses and goals are assessed individually. [1] [2]
oxygenation
More oxygen available
Increases the oxygen that can be carried dissolved in plasma to reach tissues with reduced oxygen availability.
repair
Support for wound healing
In selected wounds, it supports repair processes and collagen formation alongside wound care.
microcirculation
New blood vessel formation
May stimulate the formation of small blood vessels that contribute to the recovery of compromised tissues.
tissues
Reduced edema
In certain injuries, it helps reduce swelling while maintaining oxygen delivery to the affected tissue.
local defense
Support against infection
Supports defense mechanisms and may act against certain bacteria, together with antibiotics and the indicated treatment.
preservation
Tissue protection
In specific situations, it helps limit damage from a lack of oxygen and preserve compromised grafts or flaps.
Your reason for visiting
What would you like
support with today?
Information to begin a conversation about your recovery, activity and tissue care. Find a guide for each area.
General, dental and cosmetic surgery
Recovery after surgery
Find out whether there is a specific indication to support your recovery. Clinical use for compromised grafts or flaps requires specialist assessment; uncomplicated surgery does not mean that hyperbaric therapy is needed.
We review your reason for visiting, medical history and the appropriate scope of the service.
Learn about its role after surgery →
A conversation about your recovery
Sport and active living
Effects on performance and recovery are being studied. One trial in middle-aged athletes found improvements after 40 sessions at 2 ATA with 100% oxygen; that result does not demonstrate the same effect with every chamber or plan.
Discuss your training, goals and the limitations of the evidence.
Explore the sports evidence →
The cause of the wound matters
Wounds and tissue care
For certain ischemic diabetic foot ulcers, hyperbaric oxygen may be considered as an adjunct when standard care does not achieve healing. This is a conditional recommendation requiring clinical selection.
We assess the scope of the consultation and when specialist wound care is appropriate.
Read about hyperbaric therapy and healing →Sources for these areas: wounds and diabetic foot [3], clinical indications [4] and research in athletes [5].
Specialist hyperbaric medicine
An overview of
its clinical applications.
These 16 applications bring together established uses in hyperbaric medicine. Each requires specific selection criteria, equipment and protocols. [1] [4] [6]
This list is for information: it does not mean our chamber treats all these conditions. When a different level of care is required, the appropriate specialist service should be consulted.
The emergencies on this list require immediate hospital care.
Wounds and tissues5 applications
- Selected hard-to-heal wounds
Includes certain diabetic foot ulcers that meet specific clinical criteria.
- Compromised grafts and flaps
Transplanted or repositioned tissue whose survival is at risk.
- Late radiation tissue injury
Damage to soft tissue or bone, including osteoradionecrosis.
- Selected thermal burns
As an adjunct within specialist burn care.
- Acute traumatic ischemia
Includes crush injuries and certain compartment syndromes.
Complex infections4 applications
- Gas gangrene
Severe infection caused by Clostridium bacteria.
- Necrotizing soft tissue infections
As an adjunct to urgent surgical and antimicrobial treatment.
- Refractory osteomyelitis
Bone infection that persists despite appropriate conventional treatment.
- Intracranial abscess
In selected cases, alongside neurosurgical and infection care.
Emergencies and oxygenation4 applications
- Air or gas embolism
Bubbles that obstruct circulation.
- Decompression sickness
For example, complications related to diving.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
With or without associated cyanide exposure, depending on the case.
- Exceptional severe anemia
When a blood transfusion is not possible.
Hearing, vision and bone3 applications
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Of unknown cause and within specific treatment windows.
- Central retinal artery occlusion
Sudden loss of vision due to interrupted blood flow to the retina.
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
An indication recognized by UHMS; disease stage and patient selection are essential.
Wellness, aesthetics and recovery
Good questions.
Clear answers.
You can also discuss wellness and recovery after cosmetic procedures. We review what is known, what remains under investigation and which expectations are reasonable.
Prepare for your first visit →Does it help with rejuvenation or anti-aging?
Research examines biological changes associated with aging, such as markers in blood cells. [7] This does not allow us to promise rejuvenation, a longer life or cosmetic results with our equipment. We can review your goals and explain which evidence applies to the proposed protocol.
Does it strengthen the immune system or reduce inflammation?
In certain clinical protocols, oxygen supports the activity of defense cells and modifies inflammatory responses. This does not mean a general immune boost or a treatment for every inflammatory disease. The diagnosis and context matter. [2]
Will I recover faster from surgery or sport?
It depends on the reason for treatment and the protocol. A specific reduction in recovery days cannot be assured. During your assessment, we discuss concrete goals, follow-up and the possible role of the service. [4] [5]
How many sessions will I need?
The number and frequency are determined individually. We offer individual sessions and plans of 5 or 10 sessions; the choice follows an assessment of whether starting is appropriate. Learn how to organize your visits.
Is the therapy suitable for everyone?
A prior assessment is required. We review your medical history, medications and tolerance of pressure changes. Ear discomfort and other adverse effects can occur; preparation and team instructions are part of the process. [1]
Hiperbárica Costa Rica
Find the next step
in your care.
We are in Curridabat, at the same location as OG Center. Check availability and arrange your assessment.
Sources and scope of this information
Sources consulted on October 15, 2026. The cited evidence applies to its own populations and protocols; it does not certify our facility or equipment.
- Mayo Clinic: hyperbaric oxygen therapy, uses and considerations.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: mechanisms of hyperbaric therapy.
- IWGDF 2023: wound healing guideline, recommendation 12.
- UHMS: indications and scope of hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
- Hadanny and colleagues, 2022: randomized trial in middle-aged athletes.
- ACEP, 2024: avascular necrosis as a UHMS indication.
- Hachmo and colleagues, 2020: prospective study of aging markers in blood cells.