The University of Cebu Medical Center (UCMed) introduced its new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), a noninvasive and medically supervised therapy said to offer a science-backed approach to supporting recovery and health.
Available at the hospital’s Skin & Wellness Center, HBOT delivers oxygen in a pressurized environment to aid one’s healing and recovery.
“HBOT helps the body heal more effectively by delivering a higher concentration of oxygen in a pressurized environment,” UCMed Skin and Wellness Center chairman and doctor Jennifer Tan said.
“When tissues receive more oxygen, the body can repair itself faster, strengthen its immune response against bacteria, and support tissue regeneration… It enhances the body’s ability to recover from certain injuries and conditions while supporting overall wellness,” she added.
The doctor explained that the increased oxygen supply stimulates cell repair, promotes the formation of new blood vessels, and reduces inflammation, which are all key processes in recovery.
According to UCMed, this makes HBOT beneficial for individuals healing from surgery or injury, as well as those managing conditions such as infections, diabetes, and respiratory or circulatory concerns.
These sessions can also enhance healing in muscular tissue rehabilitation, ulcer, dementia and neurosis, migraine, hypertension, angina, and renal failure.
Moreover, the therapy can prove beneficial in beauty care, anti-aging, and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, gangrene, and burns.
The therapy involves patients sitting comfortably inside the hyperbaric chamber as air pressure is gradually raised to up to twice normal atmospheric pressure.
In the process, the body absorbs more oxygen than usual, helping tissues recover faster and function more efficiently.
Each session typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, during which patients may simply relax, read, or rest while oxygen circulates through their system.
The facility can accommodate two people, allowing the option of a companion for added comfort. It also includes a two-way communication system and clear viewing panels to help patients feel at ease throughout the session.
Patients are advised to consult with a physician at the UCMed Skin & Wellness Center to determine if HBOT, located on the second floor of the hospital building, is appropriate for their needs.
