Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive way to increase the oxygen available to your cells, supporting your body’s natural healing. During each session, you rest in a pressurised chamber and breathe high-purity oxygen through a mask. It’s provided by our specialist service, Hyperbaric Health and Recovery.
How it works
Every cell in your body uses oxygen to make energy, and healing takes a lot of energy. When injury, swelling, surgery or illness restricts blood flow to an area, less oxygen reaches the cells there, and healing can slow or stall.
In the chamber, the added pressure lets up to 10 times more oxygen dissolve into your blood plasma. Plasma can flow past restrictions that red blood cells struggle to get through, carrying that extra oxygen to the tissues that need it. This can help your body calm inflammation, grow new blood vessels and rebuild damaged tissue.
Because every cell relies on oxygen, the effects aren’t limited to injured tissue. Your brain uses around 20% of your body’s oxygen, and HBOT has been studied for ongoing symptoms after concussion, such as headaches, fatigue and poor concentration. Studies have also linked HBOT to better sleep, which is when much of your body’s repair happens.
First developed to treat divers, HBOT has been used in hospitals for decades to help heal wounds, burns and damaged tissue. Today, the same principle supports everyday recovery and wellbeing.
Alongside osteopathy
Osteopathy works at a structural level and HBOT at a cellular level, so the two can complement each other. If you’re seeing one of our osteopaths, ask them whether HBOT could support your recovery. You don’t need a referral, and you don’t need to be an osteopathy patient.
Our chamber
Ours is Northland’s only hard-shell, walk-in chamber, reaching up to twice normal atmospheric pressure (2.0 ATA). Inside, it’s calm and open, with large windows, a reclining seat and a screen for films or music. A trained technician monitors every session.
What we help with
Because every cell relies on oxygen, HBOT is used to support a wide range of health needs.
- Recovery and rehabilitation: injuries, post-surgical healing, tissue repair
- Brain health: concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI), after medical assessment, cognitive health
- Sports performance: recovery from training and competition
- Chronic health: long-term and complex conditions
- Longevity and wellness: healthy ageing, energy, preventative health
What to expect
Everyone starts with an initial consultation. A trained practitioner reviews your health history and goals, checks HBOT is safe for you and plans your sessions. If you’re cleared, you’ll finish with a shorter first session in the chamber. Regular sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, and HBOT works best as a course.
Charges
| Initial consultation | $100 |
| Casual session | $180 |
| Concession cards | Save up to 20% |