How does HBOT work?
In a hyperbaric chamber, you breathe pure oxygen at an air pressure higher than normal atmospheric pressure — typically 1.5 to 3 times higher. Under these conditions, your lungs can absorb significantly more oxygen than at normal pressure. This oxygen-rich blood is then carried throughout the body, reaching tissues and cells that may otherwise have restricted blood flow.
The increased oxygen concentration stimulates the body's natural healing processes. It promotes the growth of new blood vessels, reduces inflammation, supports stem cell production, and accelerates the repair of damaged tissue. At Team Breakthrough, our HBOT sessions are available in 30, 60 and 90-minute increments to suit different goals and schedules.
What are the benefits of HBOT?
HBOT has an impressive body of research behind it and is used across a wide range of conditions and performance goals. The most well-documented benefits include:
- Accelerated muscle and tissue recovery — ideal after intense training, injury or surgery
- Reduced inflammation — beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions, joint pain and post-exercise soreness
- Improved cognitive function and mental clarity — many clients report sharper focus and better sleep quality
- Support for neurological conditions — HBOT is used to support recovery from stroke, traumatic brain injury and long COVID
- Enhanced wound healing — particularly for diabetic wounds and slow-healing injuries
- Immune system support — increased oxygenation creates an environment hostile to certain bacteria and viruses
Who uses HBOT?
HBOT has a broad range of users. You don't need to be an elite athlete or managing a serious medical condition to benefit. At Team Breakthrough near Bath, our clients use HBOT for a wide variety of reasons:
Athletes and active people use HBOT to recover faster between training sessions, reduce injury downtime, and push their performance ceiling. It's become a standard recovery tool for professional sports teams and serious recreational athletes alike.
People managing chronic pain — particularly back, neck and joint pain — often find HBOT significantly reduces their symptoms over a course of sessions. The anti-inflammatory effect is a big part of this.
Those recovering from illness, surgery or long COVID are increasingly turning to HBOT as part of a structured recovery programme. The therapy supports tissue repair and helps address the persistent fatigue that often follows serious illness.
Busy professionals use HBOT for its cognitive benefits — improved concentration, mental stamina and recovery from the effects of chronic stress and sleep deficit.
What does an HBOT session feel like?
Most people find HBOT very comfortable. You lie or sit in a pressurised chamber, breathe normally, and relax. Some people read, listen to music, or simply rest. You may feel a slight pressure in your ears during the pressurisation phase — similar to what you feel descending in an aircraft — which settles quickly. Sessions at Team Breakthrough run for 30, 60 or 90 minutes depending on your protocol.
There are very few side effects. Ear discomfort during pressurisation is the most common, and this is easily managed by swallowing or yawning. HBOT is contraindicated for those with certain lung conditions, so we always recommend a brief consultation before your first session.
HBOT near Bath — try it at Team Breakthrough
Team Breakthrough in Box, near Bath, is one of the only facilities in the region to offer clinical-grade HBOT alongside a full gym, personal training, cryotherapy and red light therapy. Whether you're coming in as part of a wellness membership or booking pay-as-you-go, our team will guide you through the process and help you get the most from every session.