Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy ?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is the use of prescribed high pressure oxygen to treat a variety of health conditions and diseases. Breathing pure oxygen under pressures greater than sea level increases the amount of oxygen carried by the blood, enabling the oxygen to be dissolved into the hard-to-reach plasma, lymph, and cerebrospinal fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. These fluids more easily carry the increased oxygen to affected and damaged areas at up to 1,200% the normal concentration, thus providing a greater opportunity for healing.

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment right for you?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions either as a primary or adjunctive treatment. It is non-invasive with very few (and rare) potential side effects and has very few contraindications. Dr Gary Dennis personally evaluates each patient to determine whether Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is appropriate. If he determines that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is appropriate, he will customise a patient’s individual treatment protocol.

What does Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment feel like?

At the start of the treatment session, oxygen immediately begins to circulate and the pressure gradually increases. You will generally start to feel a fullness sensation in your ears, similar to ascending or descending in an airplane. This fullness should only last about 10-15 minutes and Dr Gary Dennis will guide you to relieve any ear pressure. Once treatment pressure is reached, you relax and just breathe normally. Near the end of the treatment session, the pressure will gradually decrease in the healing pod chamber, a process that lasts about 10 minutes. During this decompression stage, it is common for you to experience a slight popping sensation in the ears as a result of the change in pressure.

Are there any side effects associated with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

HBOT is an all natural therapy with generally no, or temporary, side effects. However, mild irritation to the ear drum may occur in about 10% of patients. Dr Gary Dennis will provide personal guidance to prevent this from occurring. Other side effects may include temporary vision changes, dizziness or lightheadedness.

Is there any preparation required prior to the therapy?

We recommend that patients avoid eating or drinking (specifically carbonated beverages) directly prior to treatment, unless medically required, to avoid the need to use the restroom or cause an upset stomach during the session. Some medications are incompatible with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy; a complete list of medications and supplements taken should be provided during the initial consult, and updates should always be provided. To maximise the benefit of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, smoking of any kind should be avoided during the course of a patient’s complete treatment protocol. Smoking causes vasoconstriction and accumulation of carbon monoxide and other wastes, all which are counterproductive to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Lastly, alcohol consumption should be avoided at least 8 hours prior to treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Every patient is unique and evaluated according to their condition and their response to therapy, which determines the number of treatments needed. Our minimum lease is six weeks to allow healing, though this could be more depending on the patient’s specific condition or circumstance. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works cumulatively in the body and the greatest benefit is seen when treatments are regular (like going to the gym).

Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment covered by medical insurance or ACC?

It’s best to consult your insurance provider or ACC case manager to find out.