Concussion & post-concussion

Concussion symptoms that haven't lifted?

Many people expect concussion symptoms to improve within a few weeks. For some, headaches, brain fog, dizziness, fatigue and difficulty concentrating can continue long after the initial injury. Cocoon offers guided, at-home hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) that some people choose to explore as part of their recovery.

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A person relaxing inside a Cocoon at-home hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber

Does this sound familiar?

Why you still don't feel like yourself

Many people expect concussion symptoms to improve with time. Weeks or months later, the symptoms are still there. If some of these feel familiar, you're not alone — and you don't have to keep pushing through on your own. Common symptoms may include:

Brain fog Headaches Dizziness Light & noise sensitivity Fatigue Poor sleep Difficulty concentrating Balance problems Memory lapses Mood changes

These are common experiences after concussion, post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). If several of these symptoms sound familiar, it may be worth exploring additional support options as part of your recovery journey.

About the therapy

Why some people explore HBOT after concussion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy isn't a quick fix or a cure. But it's something a growing number of people look into when concussion symptoms are slow to settle. Here's what it actually involves.

01

Oxygen under gentle pressure

During a session you breathe oxygen-enriched air while the chamber is gently pressurised, allowing more oxygen than usual to dissolve into your bloodstream.

02

Dissolved oxygen circulates through the body

That dissolved oxygen circulates in the blood throughout the time you spend in the chamber, reaching tissues around the body.

03

Part of a wider recovery

People generally use HBOT as one part of a broader routine — alongside rest, rehabilitation and the advice of their own health professionals.

Whether HBOT is a sensible fit depends entirely on your situation, and it isn't right for everyone. Our team will talk it through with you honestly before you decide anything.

The Cocoon difference

Why at-home HBOT is different

Most hyperbaric therapy means travelling to a clinic for short, scheduled appointments. Cocoon brings the chamber to you — which changes how easily it fits into your life.

Traditional clinic-based HBOT

  • Travelling to and from each appointment
  • Fixed, limited session times
  • Fitting around the clinic's availability
  • Waiting rooms and parking

At home with Cocoon

  • Your chamber is installed in your own home
  • Unlimited sessions across your programme
  • Use it at the times that suit your day
  • No travel, no waiting rooms

Consistency is often one of the biggest challenges in any recovery programme. Having your chamber available at home can make it easier to build therapy into everyday life.

Dr Gary Dennis, founder of Cocoon Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Meet your guide

Guidance from Dr Gary Dennis

DC (USA) · MMC (AUS) · Dip HBOT (USA) · NZCA

Dr Gary Dennis has worked with patients for more than three decades and has a special interest in neurological recovery, dysautonomia and complex health conditions. His own experience recovering from a serious brain injury led him to explore hyperbaric oxygen therapy and the role that consistent access can play within a broader recovery programme.

Every Cocoon programme begins with a personal conversation with Gary to understand your situation, answer your questions and determine whether at-home HBOT may be appropriate for your goals. From installation through to ongoing support, you'll have direct access to guidance throughout your programme.

How it works

Your Cocoon programme

Recovery takes time, and everyone's path is different. Here's how a Cocoon programme works — from the first conversation through to ongoing support.

1

Consultation

We start with a conversation about your symptoms, history and goals, to understand whether HBOT is a sensible fit for you.

2

Personalised HBOT programme

If it's appropriate, we map out a programme — session length, frequency, and how it fits around your routine.

3

At-home therapy

Your chamber is installed in your home, giving you convenient access to HBOT without travelling to appointments or fitting sessions around clinic schedules.

4

Ongoing support

We stay in touch throughout your programme, checking in and adjusting your plan as you go.

What you can count on

Why people choose Cocoon

Guided by Dr Gary Dennis

Every programme is personally guided from your first conversation through to ongoing support.

Consistent access at home

Daily access makes it easier to stay consistent with your programme and fit sessions around your life.

Delivery & setup included

Your chamber is delivered, installed and explained by our team so you can get started with confidence.

Ongoing support

Regular check-ins throughout your programme mean you're never left to navigate the process alone.

Common questions

Concussion & HBOT, answered

What is post-concussion syndrome (PCS)?
Post-concussion syndrome is the term often used when concussion symptoms persist beyond the usual recovery window — typically more than a few weeks or months after the original injury.
Can concussion symptoms continue for months?
For some people, yes. Symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, fatigue and dizziness can carry on well after the initial injury has settled, even when scans look normal.
Why do some people recover more slowly than others?
Recovery varies a lot from person to person, and isn't always related to how serious the original injury seemed. Sleep, stress, previous concussions and overall health can all play a part.
Can HBOT help with post-concussion symptoms?
Some people explore HBOT as part of their recovery from concussion and post-concussion syndrome. Experiences vary between individuals, which is why every Cocoon programme begins with a discussion about your situation and goals.
What does a typical HBOT programme involve?
Programmes vary from person to person. If HBOT is appropriate, Dr Gary Dennis will provide guidance around session frequency, duration and how the therapy fits alongside your wider recovery plan.
Can HBOT be explored months or years after a concussion?
Many people look into HBOT well after their original injury, including those living with persistent post-concussion symptoms. Whether it's suitable depends on your situation, which is what the initial conversation is for.
Do you assess for dysautonomia?
We can talk through symptoms that are sometimes associated with dysautonomia and help you understand them, but we don't diagnose medical conditions — that's a conversation for your doctor. If it's relevant to you, we'll take it into account when shaping your programme.
Is it covered by ACC or insurance?
HBOT is generally not funded in New Zealand outside specific hospital indications. Our flat-rate 6-week programme is designed to keep the cost predictable and upfront.
Is HBOT safe after concussion?
HBOT has been used for many years in a range of settings. Before beginning a programme, we discuss your health history and circumstances to determine whether HBOT may be appropriate for you.

Related care

Looking for a broader recovery approach?

Some people are looking for support beyond at-home HBOT. Dr Gary Dennis also leads Concussion Care, a clinic-based service focused on neurological rehabilitation and recovery support for people experiencing persistent concussion symptoms. If an in-clinic approach feels like a better fit for your situation, it may be worth exploring.

Explore Concussion Care

Talk to us

Find out whether HBOT could support your recovery

Have a conversation with our team about your symptoms, and we'll help you work out whether an at-home HBOT programme is a sensible fit. No pressure, no obligation.

Talk to our team

Call 022 067 2277  ·  info@cocoon.net.nz