Parkinson’s is a progressive condition that most people first notice as tremor, stiffness, or slower movement — but it can also affect sleep, balance, speech, and energy. Doctors treat it with medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery, all aimed at keeping people moving and feeling as well as possible.
Some people explore complementary therapies to help with symptoms that don’t fully respond to standard care. One option getting attention is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). It’s not a replacement for neurologic care, but it’s being studied as an adjunctive treatment that might support recovery processes in the brain. Always check with your neurologist before trying anything new.
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that delivers 100% oxygen to a person while they’re in a pressurized chamber. By increasing atmospheric pressure — commonly between 1.1 and 2.0 ATA for mild HBOT — more oxygen dissolves directly into the blood plasma. That extra dissolved oxygen increases the amount available to tissues, beyond what hemoglobin alone can carry, and creates the conditions for a range of physiological responses that support healing and recovery.
Mild hyperbaric chambers rated up to 2.0 ATA are widely used in wellness clinics, rehab centers, and some home settings under clinician guidance. At Hyperbaric Health, we offer custom OxyEdge chambers up to 2.0 ATA with extended warranties, comprehensive training, and installation support for both clinics and serious home users.
How HBOT affects the body — the main mechanisms
Research over decades has documented several consistent, biologically plausible effects of HBOT:
- Increased tissue oxygenation. Pressurized oxygen raises dissolved oxygen in plasma and tissue pO₂, helping hypoxic or stressed tissues get the oxygen they need.
- Reduced inflammation and edema. HBOT can reduce swelling and downregulate inflammatory markers in injured tissue.
- Improved microcirculation and angiogenesis. Repeated sessions stimulate the growth of small blood vessels and can improve regional blood flow.
- Mitochondrial support. Higher tissue oxygen helps energy production in mitochondria, which is essential for cell function and repair.
- Stem/progenitor cell mobilization. Some studies report that HBOT increases circulating progenitor cells, potentially aiding tissue regeneration.
- Neuroplasticity-promoting effects. In certain neurological conditions (stroke, TBI), HBOT has been associated with functional improvements that may reflect enhanced neuroplasticity.
These mechanisms are why HBOT is an established therapy for specific medical indications (e.g., decompression sickness, certain non-healing wounds, and radiation injuries) and why researchers are exploring its role in neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
What the science shows about HBOT for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease involves degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired neural networks. HBOT’s combined actions on oxygen delivery, inflammation, circulation, mitochondrial function, and cell signaling provide a scientific rationale for why it might offer symptomatic or supportive benefits in Parkinson’s.
A few important points to bear in mind:
- Preclinical evidence: Animal studies frequently show neuroprotective effects of HBOT in Parkinsonian models — less neuron loss, reduced inflammation, and improved motor behavior. These studies help explain mechanisms but cannot be directly translated into clinical practice without human trials.
- Human studies are preliminary: There are small clinical reports, pilot studies, and case series suggesting that some patients experience improvements in motor symptoms, gait, speech, or fatigue after specific HBOT courses.
- Individual responses vary: Some patients show measurable improvement; others have limited or no change. In several observational accounts, benefits appear to correlate with consistent treatment and can wane if sessions are missed.
- Evidence gaps remain: Larger, randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and objective outcome measures are still needed to define which patients benefit most, optimal dosing (pressure, session length, number), and how long effects last.
For clinicians and patients seeking authoritative guidance on HBOT practice and indications, the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is a respected resource: https://www.uhms.org/
A real-world account (anonymized)
One of the clearest ways to understand HBOT’s potential is through clinical experience. An individual we’ll call “Mark,” living with Parkinson’s, traveled regularly to a nearby clinic for HBOT. When Mark first began treatments he struggled with gait and needed help exiting his car. Under a supervised protocol of roughly five HBOT sessions per week, clinicians observed early, measurable improvements in his walking and some speech clarity within the first week of treatments. After several weeks, he reported better balance and greater confidence moving around.
When Mark missed a week of sessions for travel, his symptoms showed a noticeable—even if temporary—decline. On returning to the five-sessions-per-week schedule, his gains resumed and continued to progress. This kind of on/off response pattern has been seen anecdotally in other cases and underscores both the potential benefit of regular treatment and the importance of careful monitoring by clinicians. (Individual experiences vary; this account is observational and not a substitute for medical advice.)
Is HBOT right for someone with Parkinson’s?
HBOT is considered investigational or adjunctive for Parkinson’s disease. If you or a loved one is exploring HBOT:
- Coordinate with your neurologist. Any HBOT plan should be discussed with the treating specialist to consider medications, comorbidities, and safety.
- Ask for objective assessments. Baseline and follow-up measures—motor scales, gait tests, or standardized questionnaires—help determine whether a patient is improving.
- Choose reputable providers. Look for clinics that follow accepted safety protocols, have physician oversight, and provide clear documentation of treatment parameters.
- Expect variability. Some patients report meaningful symptom relief; others may not. Long-term outcomes are still under study.
How Hyperbaric Health supports clinics and home users
Hyperbaric Health designs and delivers OxyEdge chambers up to 2.0 ATA, built for safety, comfort, and clinical usability. For clinics and qualified home users we provide:
- Custom installation and site planning.
- The industry’s longest warranty and service support.
- Hands-on clinician and staff training, with safety and intake protocols.
- CPA/placement documentation and patient intake templates to help with operational readiness.
- Marketing resources to help clinics introduce the service responsibly.
Whether you’re a clinic evaluating HBOT services or a patient researching options, our team can provide technical details, protocol packages, and contact info for trained providers.
Final thoughts
HBOT increases tissue oxygenation and triggers biological processes that can support repair and recovery—mechanisms that make it a candidate for adjunctive approaches in neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s. Preclinical studies and small clinical reports are encouraging, but larger, controlled clinical trials are needed to define best-use protocols and long-term benefits.
If you’re considering HBOT for Parkinson’s or thinking about adding HBOT services to your practice, talk with your neurologist and a qualified HBOT provider. If you’d like more information about equipment, training, or clinic setups, contact Hyperbaric Health for a consultation and protocol packet.
This article is informational and does not provide medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting or changing treatment.