Slow Healing? Why a Hyperbaric Chamber Works & Medically Approved Next Steps

If you or a loved one has a wound that just won't heal, it can be frustrating—and concerning. Slow healing is not something to ignore. In many cases, it's a sign that the body isn't getting enough oxygen, blood flow, or nutrients to repair tissue properly.

One medically approved treatment that has gained strong clinical support is the hyperbaric chamber, also known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). When used appropriately, it can significantly improve healing in certain conditions.

Let's break down why slow healing happens, how a hyperbaric chamber works, and what next steps are supported by credible medical research.

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Why Some Wounds Heal Slowly

Normal wound healing depends on:

• Healthy blood flow
• Adequate oxygen delivery
• Good nutrition
• Controlled blood sugar
• No ongoing infection

When one or more of these factors is impaired, healing slows down.

Common causes of delayed healing include:

• Diabetes
• Pressure ulcers (decubitus ulcers)
• Poor circulation (peripheral artery disease)
• Radiation tissue damage
• Chronic infections
• Smoking
• Immobility
• Advanced age

Oxygen plays a central role in healing. Your body uses oxygen to:

• Kill bacteria
• Build new blood vessels
• Produce collagen (essential for skin repair)
• Reduce swelling

When oxygen delivery is compromised, healing may stall.

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How a Hyperbaric Chamber Works

A hyperbaric chamber is a pressurized medical device that allows you to breathe 100% oxygen at higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure.

Under these conditions:

• The lungs absorb significantly more oxygen.
• Oxygen dissolves directly into the bloodstream.
• Oxygen penetrates tissues that may not be getting enough blood flow.

This process increases oxygen levels in damaged tissue—sometimes up to 10–20 times normal levels.

What Happens Inside the Body

When you undergo hyperbaric oxygen therapy:

• New blood vessels form (angiogenesis)
• White blood cells fight infection more effectively
• Swelling decreases
• Stem cells are stimulated
• Collagen production increases
• Tissue repair accelerates

This is not experimental therapy when used for approved conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared hyperbaric oxygen therapy for specific medical uses.

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Conditions Where a Hyperbaric Chamber Is Medically Approved

A hyperbaric chamber is not a cure-all. However, it is medically supported for certain serious conditions, including:

• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Severe pressure sores (decubitus ulcers)
• Chronic bone infections (osteomyelitis)
• Radiation tissue damage
• Crush injuries
• Compromised skin grafts
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Severe anemia in specific cases

For patients with diabetic wounds or pressure ulcers that are not improving after standard care, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may reduce the risk of amputation.

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What Are Decubitus Ulcers?

Also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, decubitus ulcers develop when prolonged pressure cuts off blood supply to the skin.

They often occur in people who:

• Are bedridden
• Use wheelchairs
• Have limited mobility
• Have spinal cord injuries

These wounds can range from mild skin breakdown to deep tissue damage involving muscle and bone.

If you're concerned about persistent pressure sores or bedsores that aren't healing, you can use a free Decubitus Ulcer symptom checker to help identify your symptoms and determine whether it's time to seek medical evaluation.

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What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Treatment in a hyperbaric chamber is typically:

• Outpatient
• Painless
• Lasts about 60–120 minutes per session
• Done 5 days per week for several weeks

During the session:

• You lie comfortably inside the chamber.
• Pressure gradually increases (similar to airplane cabin pressure changes).
• You breathe pure oxygen.
• You can usually watch TV or rest.

Some people feel mild ear pressure, similar to flying. Serious side effects are uncommon when therapy is properly supervised.

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Who Should Not Use a Hyperbaric Chamber?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is generally safe, but it is not appropriate for everyone.

It may not be recommended if you have:

• Untreated collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
• Certain lung diseases
• Recent ear surgery
• Severe claustrophobia
• Uncontrolled seizures

That's why medical screening is essential before starting treatment.

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Medically Approved Next Steps for Slow Healing

A hyperbaric chamber may be part of the solution—but it should not be the only step.

Here's what evidence-based wound care typically includes:

1. Proper Wound Cleaning and Debridement

Removing dead tissue helps prevent infection and allows healthy tissue to grow.

2. Infection Control

Antibiotics may be necessary if infection is present.

3. Blood Sugar Management

For people with diabetes, tight glucose control significantly improves healing.

4. Pressure Relief

For decubitus ulcers:

• Frequent repositioning
• Pressure-relieving mattresses
• Cushions for wheelchair users

5. Improved Circulation

In some cases:

• Vascular surgery
• Medication
• Smoking cessation

6. Nutrition Optimization

Healing requires:

• Adequate protein
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Iron (if deficient)

7. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

When standard wound care is not enough, a hyperbaric chamber may enhance healing by restoring oxygen to damaged tissue.

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What the Research Says

Clinical studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can:

• Improve healing rates in diabetic foot ulcers
• Reduce the need for major amputations
• Support recovery from radiation injury
• Improve outcomes in severe pressure ulcers

However, results vary depending on:

• The severity of the wound
• Underlying health conditions
• Consistency of treatment
• Overall medical management

Hyperbaric therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan—not as a stand-alone solution.

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When Slow Healing Is a Red Flag

While slow healing can be manageable, certain signs require urgent medical attention:

• Increasing redness or warmth
• Pus or foul odor
• Fever
• Black or dead tissue
• Rapid wound enlargement
• Severe pain
• Signs of sepsis (confusion, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure)

Do not delay care if you notice these symptoms.

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The Bottom Line

A hyperbaric chamber can be a powerful tool in modern wound care. By delivering concentrated oxygen under pressure, it helps the body do what it is designed to do—heal.

But it is not magic.

It works best when:

• The underlying cause is addressed
• Infection is controlled
• Pressure is relieved
• Blood sugar is managed
• Nutrition is optimized

If you're dealing with a wound that hasn't improved after weeks of care, it may be reasonable to ask your doctor whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy is appropriate for you.

If you suspect a pressure ulcer, consider starting with a free symptom check for Decubitus Ulcer to better understand what might be happening.

Most importantly, speak to a doctor promptly about any wound that is worsening, infected, or not healing properly. Some slow-healing wounds can become serious or even life-threatening if ignored.

With early intervention, proper medical guidance, and evidence-based treatments—including the potential use of a hyperbaric chamber—many patients experience meaningful improvement and avoid severe complications.

Healing may take time, but the right care can make a measurable difference.