HBOT may support biological processes involved in regeneration and healthy ageing. At NUMA, treatment is individually assessed, medically prescribed and supervised alongside preventive care.
Ageing reflects progressive change across interconnected systems: oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, reduced angiogenesis, cellular senescence and declining stem-cell activity. Several of these processes are governed by oxygen-dependent cellular signalling, which is where HBOT may exert an effect.
HBOT combines near-pure oxygen with raised pressure, substantially increasing oxygen dissolved in plasma. Repeated, controlled shifts between hyperoxia and relative hypoxia, known as the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox, may activate pathways involved in angiogenesis, inflammation control, mitochondrial function, antioxidant defence and stem-cell mobilisation.
In a randomised controlled trial in healthy older adults, HBOT improved cognitive performance and regional cerebral blood flow, most notably in attention, processing speed and executive function.
A single two-hour exposure at 2.0 ATA doubled circulating CD34-positive stem cells, rising approximately eight-fold across 20 treatments, suggesting repeated HBOT may stimulate the body’s own repair systems.
In a blinded randomised trial of middle-aged athletes, HBOT improved maximal oxygen uptake alongside mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial mass.
The role of HBOT in healthy individuals is not established. HBOT is an adjunct, not a replacement for standard medical and preventive care.
A clinical review of the biology of ageing and what current evidence shows for HBOT across cognition, cerebral circulation, cardiorespiratory performance, metabolic function, skin structure and sleep.
No single protocol suits every person or goal. Treatment is prescribed according to medical history, medications, baseline measures and your primary clinical goal.
Studies reviewed here used courses of roughly 10 to 60 sessions, varying with the outcome studied.
Number, pressure, duration and frequency should be set by a doctor trained in hyperbaric medicine and reviewed against defined goals.
Every treatment plan is personalised. The number, frequency and timing of HBOT sessions vary according to individual clinical circumstances and may change as treatment progresses.
HBOT is a medical treatment that requires specialist assessment and prescription to ensure it is safe, appropriate and tailored to your individual needs. Treatment is provided alongside, not in place of, your existing medical and preventive care. Your consultation with our specialist medical doctor includes:
Hear from our patients about their experience with our clinic
Understand the safety risks of non-medical hyperbaric treatment and why appropriate patient assessment, clinical-grade equipment and specialist medical supervision are essential for safe HBOT.
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How HBOT is used to support tissue repair, reduce oedema and aid recovery in athletes and active patients.
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A walk-through of a session at the clinic, from medical assessment and monitoring to time in the chamber.
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NUMA is a consultant-led specialist HBOT clinic focused exclusively on medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Our service combines medical oversight, personalised treatment planning and purpose-built facilities designed to support safe and high-standard care.
