What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy? How HBOT Works
Updated October 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Oxygen is the most basic thing your body needs. Every cell uses it to make energy and repair itself.
So what happens when you give your body more of it, more efficiently? That's the idea behind hyperbaric oxygen therapy at iCRYO Grosse Pointe.
Here's what HBOT is, how it works, what a session feels like and who it's for.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
"Hyperbaric" means higher-than-normal pressure. During HBOT, you rest inside a chamber where the air pressure is increased while you breathe concentrated oxygen.
Normally, oxygen travels through your body attached to red blood cells. Under pressure, extra oxygen also dissolves directly into your plasma, the liquid part of your blood. That lets more oxygen reach your tissues.
Medical HBOT vs. Wellness HBOT
Hospitals use high-pressure hyperbaric chambers for specific FDA-approved conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and certain non-healing wounds.
Wellness centers like iCRYO offer hyperbaric sessions for general wellness and recovery goals. iCRYO Grosse Pointe uses the OxyHealth Fortius 420, a hard-shell chamber rated for up to 3.0 ATA rather than an inflatable soft-shell one. See Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Shell Hyperbaric Chambers.
How HBOT Works
- Pressure increases inside the chamber
- You breathe concentrated oxygen
- More oxygen dissolves into your plasma
- Oxygen reaches tissues throughout the body, supporting energy and repair
Curious why that's different from wearing an oxygen mask? Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen.
What a Session Feels Like
- Screening. We review your health history before your first session.
- Settle in. Sit in the round doorway of our Fortius 420 chamber, then lie back on the cushioned bed inside.
- Pressurization. As pressure rises, your ears may feel full, like on a plane. Swallowing or yawning helps.
- Relax. Rest, listen to music or nap.
- Depressurization. Pressure slowly returns to normal.
Most people find sessions peaceful, a rare hour to unplug.
Who Uses Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
- Athletes supporting recovery from training
- Active adults recovering from hard efforts
- People recovering from procedures (with their doctor's approval)
- Wellness-focused adults looking for energy and overall support
See the full list in Hyperbaric Oxygen Benefits.
Who Should Talk to a Provider First?
HBOT isn't right for everyone. Tell us if you have a recent ear or sinus problem, a cold or congestion, lung conditions, are pregnant, are claustrophobic or have certain medical devices or conditions. We'll screen you before your first session.
Our Hard-Shell Chamber
iCRYO Grosse Pointe uses the OxyHealth Fortius 420, a steel hard-shell chamber rated by the manufacturer for up to 3.0 ATA (29 psi), compared with about 1.3 ATA for typical soft-shell chambers. Your provider sets the pressure for each session based on your screening and goals. Learn more in Hard-Shell vs. Soft-Shell Hyperbaric Chambers.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Myths vs. Facts
Myth: "It's the same as breathing from an oxygen tank." Fact: The added pressure is what makes hyperbaric therapy different. It helps more oxygen dissolve into your blood plasma. Read Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen.
Myth: "Hyperbaric chambers are only for divers." Fact: Hospitals use them for several approved medical conditions, and wellness centers offer sessions for recovery and overall wellness.
Myth: "It feels claustrophobic and uncomfortable." Fact: Most people find sessions calm and restful. Ear pressure is the most common sensation, and it's usually relieved by swallowing or yawning. Let us know if you're claustrophobic, and we'll talk it through.
Myth: "One session is all you need." Fact: Many of the benefits people look for are associated with a series of sessions.
Ready to take a deep breath?
Hyperbaric Oxygen in Grosse Pointe, MI
iCRYO Grosse Pointe is at 96 Kercheval Ave, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, on Kercheval Avenue with street parking nearby. We welcome clients from Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Shores, St. Clair Shores and Harper Woods.
Questions? Call (313) 499-8182.
Hyperbaric Oxygen FAQs
What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing concentrated oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure helps more oxygen dissolve into your blood and reach your tissues.
What does a hyperbaric session feel like?
You'll relax inside the chamber while it pressurizes. Your ears may feel full, like on an airplane, and you can relieve it by swallowing or yawning. Most people find it calm and restful.
How long is a hyperbaric session?
Sessions commonly last about 60 minutes, depending on your plan.
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe?
HBOT is generally well tolerated when screened and supervised. Ear pressure is the most common side effect. Our team screens every client before their first session.
iCRYO Grosse Pointe Team
The iCRYO Grosse Pointe team helps clients across the Pointes look and feel their best.
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Benefits for Recovery and Wellness
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Hyperbaric Chamber vs. Supplemental Oxygen: What's the Difference?
Why not just use an oxygen mask or oxygen bar? Learn how a hyperbaric chamber delivers oxygen differently and when each option makes sense.
How Many Hyperbaric Sessions Do You Need?
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Learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen in Grosse Pointe, MI
View the Hyperbaric Oxygen service page →