Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (mHBOT): A gentle path to recovery – especially after concussion
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a method of breathing oxygen in a pressurized chamber to help the body heal itself. While many people associate this treatment with hospitals and high pressure, there is also a gentler and safer variant , called mild HBOT (mHBOT) . This is performed in soft, portable chambers with a pressure between 1.3 and 1.5 ATA .
Even with the lower pressure, studies show that mHBOT can have a number of health benefits – especially for those struggling with long-term sequelae after one or more concussions.
How does mHBOT help the brain?
After a concussion, many people experience headaches, brain fog, poor concentration, fatigue, and sleep problems. In some, these symptoms last for months or years. This is called post-concussion syndrome .
mHBOT can be a valuable tool for people struggling with sequelae or delayed effects after concussion because it:
1. Increases oxygen supply to the brain
After a concussion, certain areas of the brain may have reduced blood and oxygen supply. By increasing the pressure in the chamber, mHBOT helps more oxygen reach these areas – giving cells a better chance to heal themselves.
2. Supports neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections. This is crucial after an injury. Research shows that mHBOT can promote this ability, allowing the brain to more easily find "new pathways" around injured areas.
3. Reduces inflammation in the nervous system
Concussions often cause low-grade inflammation in the brain. This can be a cause of persistent symptoms. mHBOT appears to be able to reduce these inflammatory processes .
4. Stabilizes energy production in brain cells
Damaged nerve cells often have problems with energy production (ATP). Increased oxygen supply helps the cells "get going again" and improves function.
Other documented benefits of mHBOT
- Increased wound healing and tissue repair
- Less pain and better joint function
- Increased energy and less fatigue
- Faster recovery after physical and mental stress
Safe and accessible
Mild HBOT usually occurs in soft chambers that are:
- Safe and easy to use
- Comfortable (you lie or sit during the treatment)
- No need for pure oxygen gas
- Approved and used worldwide
The treatment usually lasts 60–90 minutes , and a series of treatments over several weeks is often needed for the best effect.
Not a miracle cure - but an important support
It's important to be honest: mHBOT is not a magic solution that works for everyone. But it is an increasingly well-documented tool – especially when it comes to post-concussion syndrome.
In summary
If you are struggling with persistent post-concussion symptoms – such as concentration problems, fatigue or brain fog – mild HBOT may be a safe and natural option that supports the body's own healing processes.
It is:
- Non-invasive
- Comfortable and relaxing
- Based on a growing body of research
- Used both clinically and at home worldwide
Consult a professional experienced in HBOT and concussions if you are considering trying this treatment.
Sources and references
- Harch PG, Andrews SR et al. (2012)
"Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for mild traumatic brain injury persistent postconcussion syndrome: a randomized controlled trial."
– PLoS ONE, 7(6):e39979.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0039979
→ Showed significant improvements in cognitive function in patients with PCS after HBOT at 1.5 ATA. - Boussi-Gross R, Golan H, Volkov O, et al. (2013)
"Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post concussion syndrome years after mild traumatic brain injury - randomized prospective trial."
- Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7:395.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00395
→ Documents the effect of HBOT on neuroplasticity and function after mTBI. - Hadanny A & Efrati S. (2016)
"Treatment of persistent post-concussion syndrome due to mild traumatic brain injury: current status and future directions."
- Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 16(8):875-887.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14737175.2016.1199275
→ Good review of the mechanisms behind HBOT's effect on PCS, including inflammation reduction and energy stabilization. - Efrati S, Ben-Jacob E. (2014)
“Reflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen.”
- Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 14(3):233–236.
https://doi.org/10.1586/14737175.2014.885383
→ Explains how oxygen pressure stimulates healing processes in the brain. - Des Moines Hyperbaric (2022)
"HBOT and inflammation: Low vs. high hyperbaric pressure."
https://desmoineshyperbarics.com/blog/hbot-and-inflammation-low-vs-high-hyperbaric-pressure
→ Explains how even low pressure (1.3–1.5 ATA) can reduce systemic inflammation. - Port City Chiropractic (2020)
“1.3 ATA HBOT: Just as effective as 2.4 ATA?”
https://portchiro.com/blog/article/2020/5/18/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy-1-3-atm-room-temperature-just-effective-100-oxygen-2-4-atm-evidenced-research
→ Compares pressure and power in soft shells. - HBOT USA – Patient Education Portal
https://hbotusa.com
→ Contains information and research collections on the clinical use of HBOT at various pressures.
