How HBOT Heals: A Patient’s Day Inside the Chamber

Imagine struggling with a wound that just won’t heal. You’ve tried creams, antibiotics, and endless doctor visits, but nothing seems to work. For many patients in Riverside, this story feels all too familiar. Chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers, radiation injuries, or post-surgical complications can linger for months, sometimes threatening mobility—or even leading to amputation.

But then comes a therapy that sounds futuristic: lying in a pressurized chamber and breathing pure oxygen. This is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), and it’s changing lives every day.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how HBOT works, what an actual day in the chamber looks like, and share real patient experiences that show why this treatment is such a game-changer.

What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a medical treatment that delivers 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure. By doing so, HBOT allows your lungs to absorb more oxygen, which your blood carries to injured tissues. This “supercharged” oxygen supply accelerates healing in ways that standard wound care cannot.

It’s FDA-approved for several conditions, including:

Diabetic foot ulcers
Radiation tissue damage
Severe infections
Non-healing surgical wounds
Compromised skin grafts and flaps

For patients in Riverside, Mission Surgical provides HBOT in a safe, comfortable environment with specialists overseeing each session.

Why Oxygen Is So Important for Healing

Every cell in your body needs oxygen to survive, but when you’re injured, your tissues need even more oxygen to repair themselves. Unfortunately, conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or radiation damage limit oxygen delivery.

Here’s what HBOT does differently:

Boosts Tissue Oxygenation – HBOT saturates the blood with oxygen, even reaching tissues with poor circulation.
Promotes New Blood Vessel Growth – More oxygen means your body can form new capillaries to nourish the wound.
Fights Infection – White blood cells work more effectively in oxygen-rich environments.
Reduces Swelling – Lower swelling = better blood flow and faster repair.
Speeds Tissue Regeneration – Oxygen is essential for collagen formation and tissue rebuilding.

Think of HBOT as giving your body the “extra fuel” it needs to heal where it couldn’t before.

A Patient’s Day Inside the Oxygen Chamber

So, what’s it really like to undergo HBOT? Many patients are curious (and even nervous) about the experience. Let’s walk through a typical day inside the chamber at Mission Surgical in Riverside.

1. Check-In and Preparation

Patients arrive at the clinic and are greeted by the wound care team. Before each session, vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are checked. You’ll be asked to wear comfortable cotton clothing and remove items like watches, jewelry, or electronics (since the chamber is a pure oxygen environment).

2. Getting Into the Chamber

Mission Surgical uses state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers designed for comfort and safety. You’ll lie down on a padded stretcher that slides into the chamber, which is transparent, so you don’t feel closed in.

3. Pressurization

Once the chamber door is sealed, the pressure inside slowly increases—similar to the sensation you feel when flying or diving underwater. Some patients experience mild ear popping, but staff guide you through techniques to equalize pressure.

4. Breathing Pure Oxygen

Inside the chamber, you’ll breathe 100% oxygen for the duration of the session—usually 60 to 90 minutes. Many patients describe this as relaxing downtime. You can nap, listen to music, or even watch TV depending on the setup.

5. Decompression and Exit

At the end, the chamber pressure is gradually reduced back to normal. This takes about 10–15 minutes. Once complete, you’re free to leave and continue your day.

6. Treatment Schedule

Most patients require 20–40 sessions, depending on the severity of their wound or condition. The repetition helps your body build new tissue, restore circulation, and fight infection over time.

Real Stories: HBOT in Action

Nothing explains HBOT better than hearing from people who have lived it. Here are three patient stories (names changed for privacy) that show how life-changing this therapy can be.

Story 1: Maria’s Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Maria, a 62-year-old diabetic from Riverside, developed a stubborn ulcer on her foot. Despite months of dressings and antibiotics, her wound refused to close. Doctors warned her that amputation might be necessary.

After 30 sessions of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at Mission Surgical, her ulcer finally began to shrink. By the end of treatment, the wound had completely closed, and she avoided losing her foot. “I wish I’d known about this therapy sooner,” she said. “It gave me my life back.”

Story 2: James’ Post-Surgical Wound

James underwent surgery to repair a hernia, but his incision site became infected and wouldn’t heal. Traditional wound care wasn’t working, and he faced another surgery.

After beginning HBOT, his infection cleared quickly, and new tissue began to form. Within weeks, the wound had closed, saving him from another invasive procedure.

Story 3: Helen’s Radiation Damage

Helen received radiation therapy for pelvic cancer years ago. Recently, she developed painful sores and tissue breakdown caused by radiation damage.

Her oncologist referred her for HBOT. After multiple treatments, her pain decreased, and the sores began to heal. “I thought I’d have to live with this forever,” she said. “HBOT gave me relief I didn’t think was possible.”

Common Concerns About HBOT

Patients often have questions before starting therapy. Here are a few common ones:

Is it safe?
Yes. HBOT is FDA-approved for multiple conditions and monitored by trained professionals. Side effects are rare and usually mild.
Does it hurt?
No. The only discomfort may be ear pressure during pressurization, which feels similar to flying.
Will insurance cover it?
Many insurance providers cover HBOT for approved conditions, such as diabetic foot ulcers. Mission Surgical staff help patients navigate coverage.
How soon will I see results?
Some patients notice improvement after just a few sessions, but most require a full treatment plan for lasting results.

Why Choose Mission Surgical in Riverside for HBOT?

While HBOT is available at some hospitals and clinics, Mission Surgical offers specialized care that sets it apart:

Certified wound care specialists with years of expertise
Modern hyperbaric chambers designed for safety and comfort
Integrated care with surgery, wound care, and HBOT all under one roof
Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition
Local care in Riverside, close to home for convenience

The Bigger Picture: HBOT as Part of Comprehensive Healing

It’s important to remember that HBOT works best as part of a larger wound care strategy. At Mission Surgical, patients often combine HBOT with:

Debridement (removal of dead tissue)
Custom wound dressings
Infection management
Offloading devices for foot ulcers
Lifestyle support, like blood sugar control and smoking cessation

Together, these treatments create the best possible environment for healing.

Conclusion

For many patients in Riverside, wounds that once seemed impossible to heal finally begin to close after HBOT. By flooding the body with oxygen, this therapy accelerates tissue repair, fights infection, and reduces the risk of amputation.

A day inside the hyperbaric oxygen chamber isn’t scary—it’s often described as relaxing. And the results can be life-changing, as real patients like Maria, James, and Helen can attest.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a wound that refuses to heal, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with Mission Surgical’s wound care team today and find out if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.