The Complete Patient Guide to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Edina
- Gary M. Rudashevsky, NP
- Jan 1
- 5 min read
If you have been searching for a way to accelerate your recovery, clear your mind, or optimize your health, you have likely come across Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). While it was once a therapy reserved for deep-sea divers or specialized hospital wings, HBOT has emerged in 2026 as a cornerstone of regenerative medicine in the Twin Cities.
At Medical Specialists, we have invested in the 32-inch 1.4 ATA Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber because we believe in providing our patients with tools that offer real, measurable biological benefits. In this guide, we will break down exactly how this technology works, what it feels like, and why it is becoming a must-have for people throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The Simple Concept of Pressurized Oxygen
To understand HBOT, we first have to understand how we normally breathe. In Edina, we live at "sea level" pressure (1.0 ATA). The air we breathe is approximately 21% oxygen. Our bodies are designed to function well under these conditions, but when we are injured, aging, or metabolically stressed, "normal" oxygen levels aren't always enough to spark rapid repair.
The Garden Hose vs. The Pressure Washer
Think of your blood vessels like a garden hose. Normally, that hose provides enough water (oxygen) to keep the grass green. But if there is a fire (inflammation) or a drought (injury), a simple hose isn't enough.
An oxygen chamber acts like a pressure washer. By increasing the pressure inside the chamber, we aren't just giving you more oxygen to breathe; we are physically "pushing" that oxygen into your body. This allows oxygen to reach areas where the "hose" might be blocked by swelling or poor circulation.
The Detailed Science of 1.4 ATA Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
In our clinic, we use a 1.4 ATA chamber. To a patient, this feels like a gentle increase in pressure.
To your cells, this is a significant event.
Understanding Henry’s Law of Gases
The fundamental principle of HBOT is Henry’s Law. It states that the amount of a gas that dissolves into a liquid is proportional to the pressure of that gas.
Normally, your oxygen is carried almost entirely by your red blood cells (hemoglobin). These cells are like tiny trucks driving through your veins. The problem is that these "trucks" can only carry so much cargo, and they are too big to fit into tiny, swollen areas of your tissue.
Inside our 1.4 ATA chamber, the pressure allows oxygen to dissolve directly into your blood plasma (the liquid part of your blood). Plasma is like the water in a river; it can flow into the smallest cracks and crevices. By saturating your plasma with oxygen, we can deliver life-giving fuel to tissues that have been "starved" of oxygen due to injury or chronic inflammation.
The Role of Mitochondrial Function
Inside every cell in your body are mitochondria—the "power plants" of your cells. These power plants require oxygen to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency your body uses to repair DNA, build muscle, and fight disease.
By providing a surplus of oxygen through the 1.4 ATA environment, we are essentially giving your cellular power plants an unlimited supply of fuel. This is why many patients report feeling a significant "energy lift" after their sessions; their cells are finally producing energy at peak efficiency.
What Can HBOT Help With?
Because oxygen is required for almost every biological process, the list of benefits is extensive. In our Twin Cities clinic, we focus on several key areas of care:
1. Surgical and Wound Recovery
If you have recently had a procedure—whether it was a necessary surgery or an aesthetic treatment like InMode Body Contouring—your body is working overtime to build new tissue. Oxygen is the primary requirement for collagen synthesis. HBOT helps knit those tissues back together faster, reducing scarring and shortening your downtime.
2. Athletic Performance and Recovery
Professional athletes have used HBOT for years to recover from the "micro-trauma" of intense training. 1.4 ATA pressure helps flush out lactic acid and reduces muscle edema (swelling) much faster than rest alone. Whether you are training for the Twin Cities Marathon or just staying active at the local YMCA, HBOT can help you get back to your routine sooner.
3. Cognitive Clarity and "Brain Fog"
Your brain uses about 20% of your body’s total oxygen supply. When we are stressed or aging, cerebral blood flow can decrease. Patients often use the chamber to clear "brain fog," noting improvements in memory, focus, and overall mental sharpness.
4. Support for Weight Loss
During medical weight loss (such as our Semaglutide or Tirzepatide programs), the body is undergoing a major metabolic shift. HBOT supports this by helping the liver process the byproducts of fat breakdown and ensuring that your metabolism has the oxygen it needs to burn fuel cleanly.
Your Experience in the 32-Inch Chamber
One of the most common reasons people avoid HBOT is a fear of small spaces. This is why we chose the 32-inch wide model.
The Comfort Factor
Most "hospital" chambers are narrow and can feel restrictive. Our 32-inch chamber is significantly wider, allowing you to:
Sit up comfortably or lie down.
Bring a tablet or phone to watch your favorite shows.
Clearly see through the transparent windows so you never feel "trapped."
The "Dive" Process
A session is often called a "Dive" because the pressure change is similar to being 13 feet underwater. Here is the step-by-step timeline:
Compression (10-15 mins): The chamber slowly fills with air. You will feel your ears "pop" just like on a flight.
The Session (60 mins): Once the pressure reaches 1.4 ATA, you simply relax. You can nap, read, or meditate.
Decompression (10-15 mins): The pressure is slowly released. Your ears will pop again as you return to normal room pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Is it safe for everyone?
A: HBOT is an extremely safe, non-invasive therapy. However, we do a full screening before your first session. It is generally not recommended for people with certain types of untreated lung conditions or active ear infections.
Q: How many sessions do I need to see a difference?
A: For general wellness and "brain fog," many people feel a difference after 3 to 5 sessions. For more significant healing (like surgery recovery), a series of 10 to 20 sessions is often recommended.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We recommend 100% cotton clothing. Avoid wearing heavy perfumes, hairsprays, or jewelry. We want you to be as comfortable as possible—think of it as an "oxygen nap."
Q: Will it help with my allergies or seasonal Minnesota issues?
A: While not a "cure" for allergies, HBOT is excellent at reducing inflammation in the sinuses and supporting the immune system, which can provide relief during the high-pollen or dry-winter seasons in the Twin Cities.
Integrating HBOT into a Total Wellness Plan
At Medical Specialists, we don't believe in "one-size-fits-all" medicine. The oxygen chamber is most effective when it is part of a larger plan.
Pair it with Glutathione: Use the extra oxygen to help your Glutathione injections detoxify your liver more effectively.
Pair it with Peptides: Use the chamber to provide the "fuel" while Sermorelin provides the instructions for muscle repair.
Take the First Step Toward Peak Performance
You don't have to be a professional athlete or a medical expert to benefit from the power of pressurized oxygen. Whether you are looking to heal, to focus, or simply to feel more like yourself again, our Edina team is here to guide you through the process.
Ready to see what 1.4 ATA can do for you?
Schedule Your Consultation & First Session Today
Conveniently located in Edina, serving the entire Twin Cities area. Call (952) 225-5400.
Reputable Sources:
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Mechanics.
Mayo Clinic: Clinical Applications of HBOT.
Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS): 2025 Safety and Dosing Guidelines.
Journal of Applied Physiology: Oxygen Saturation and Tissue Repair.
