Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

When wounds or certain medical conditions don’t heal with standard treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may be recommended. At Olmsted Medical Center (OMC), HBOT is delivered in advanced chambers by a skilled, compassionate team—helping you heal faster and more comfortably.

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Booking a Consultation

HBOT at OMC is offered on an outpatient basis. A referral from your primary care provider or specialist is required.

📞 Call 507.529.6960 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
You can also connect through your MyOMC patient portal or our Contact Us form.

What is HBOT?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe, noninvasive treatment that delivers 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal air pressure inside a specialized chamber. This process increases the amount of oxygen in your blood, which:

stimulates growth of new blood vessels and tissue
boosts circulation and immune function
reduces swelling and inflammation
helps fight infection and support healing.

Conditions Treated with HBOT

Your doctor may recommend HBOT as part of your treatment plan if you have:

chronic, non-healing wounds (such as diabetic foot ulcers or pressure ulcers)
radiation injuries to tissue or bone
compromised skin grafts or flaps
certain types of infections, including osteomyelitis (bone infection) or gas gangrene
crush injuries or compartment syndrome
other wounds not responding to conventional care.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover HBOT for many approved conditions.

Safety & Side Effects

HBOT is a safe procedure when supervised by trained professionals. Common, temporary side effects include:

ear pressure or discomfort
mild fatigue
temporary vision changes.

To maximize healing, avoid smoking or using tobacco products during your treatment program, as they reduce oxygen delivery to tissues.

What to Expect During HBOT

Preparing for Your Session

For safety, certain items cannot be brought into the chamber, including:

alcohol- or petroleum-based products
hair spray, oils, makeup, nail polish, perfumes, or aftershave
jewelry, watches, coins, or other metallic items
wigs or hairpieces
hearing aids.

You’ll be provided with a 100% cotton garment to wear during treatment.

If you’re feeling ill (cold, flu, sore throat, cough, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), notify your doctor before your session.

Patients with diabetes will have blood sugar checked before therapy.

During Your Session

Treatment takes place in one of OMC’s two advanced hyperbaric chambers—affectionately nicknamed “Yogi” and “Boo-Boo.”

The chamber gradually fills with 100% oxygen at increased pressure.
You may feel pressure in your ears, similar to flying in an airplane. Our technicians will teach you how to relieve it.
Sessions last about two hours. During that time, you can watch a movie, listen to music, or simply rest.
Temperature inside the chamber can be adjusted for your comfort.

After Your Session

The chamber will slowly return to normal pressure.
You may feel slightly tired afterward, which is normal.
Some patients experience temporary vision changes, which return to normal a few weeks after completing therapy. You won’t need to change your eyewear prescription.