Neuropathy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is used in a range of medical and recovery settings and is sometimes explored by people living with neuropathy who are looking for additional support alongside their existing treatment plan.
At our Hertfordshire-based therapy centre, we provide access to oxygen therapy in a safe, controlled environment. Many people attend alongside the care they receive from their GP, consultant, or specialist healthcare team.
Potential benefits of Oxygen Therapy for Neuropathy may include:
- Support for nerve health and function
- Improved oxygen delivery to tissues
- Reduced discomfort associated with nerve damage
- Support for circulation
- Improved wellbeing
- Increased energy levels
What is Neuropathy?
Neuropathy is a term used to describe damage or dysfunction affecting the peripheral nerves. These nerves carry messages between the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the body.
There are many different causes of neuropathy, including diabetes, injury, infection, certain medical conditions, and some treatments such as chemotherapy.
Depending on which nerves are affected, neuropathy can impact sensation, movement, and even automatic bodily functions such as digestion or blood pressure regulation.
Symptoms of Neuropathy
Important: If you are experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, you should speak to your GP or healthcare professional. Neuropathy can have many underlying causes and should be properly assessed and diagnosed.
Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person and depend on the type and location of the nerve damage.
Common symptoms include:
- Numbness or reduced sensation
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Sharp, stabbing, or burning pain
- Muscle weakness
- Balance and coordination difficulties
- Increased sensitivity to touch
- Reduced ability to feel temperature changes
Some people may also experience symptoms linked to autonomic nerve damage, including:
- Dizziness when standing
- Blood pressure changes
- Digestive issues
- Bladder problems
- Changes in sweating
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Support Neuropathy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing oxygen in a pressurised chamber. This allows oxygen to dissolve more effectively into the bloodstream and reach tissues throughout the body.
As explained by University of Michigan Health, HBOT increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, helping to support tissue repair and overall function.
For people with neuropathy, oxygen therapy is often discussed in relation to circulation, inflammation, and nerve health.
While research continues, several mechanisms have been proposed that may explain how HBOT could support people living with neuropathy:
- Improved oxygen delivery: Supporting tissues and nerves that may be receiving reduced oxygen supply
- Support for circulation: Increasing oxygen availability throughout the body
- Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is often associated with nerve damage and discomfort
- Support for tissue repair: Oxygen plays an important role in the body’s natural healing processes
- Support for nerve function: Some research has explored the role of HBOT in promoting nerve recovery and regeneration
Together, these effects may help support comfort, function, and overall wellbeing in some individuals living with neuropathy.
Potential Benefits for Neuropathy
Some people choose to explore Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy alongside their existing neuropathy management. Potential benefits that are sometimes discussed in relation to oxygen therapy include:
- Reduced Nerve Discomfort: Some individuals report improvements in symptoms such as burning sensations, tingling, or nerve-related discomfort while attending regular oxygen therapy sessions.
- Support for Circulation: Improved oxygen delivery may help support tissues and nerves throughout the body, particularly in areas where circulation may be reduced.
- Support for Nerve Health: Research has explored whether increased oxygen availability may support nerve function and recovery processes.
- Improved Mobility and Daily Function: For some people, improvements in comfort and wellbeing may make everyday activities easier to manage.
- Increased Energy and Wellbeing: Many people describe feeling more energised and generally better after consistent oxygen therapy sessions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a treatment for neuropathy itself, and outcomes can vary from person to person.
Try Oxygen Therapy for Neuropathy
If you are living with neuropathy and would like to learn more about Oxygen Therapy, we would be happy to help.
As a registered charity based in Hertfordshire, we provide access to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in a safe, welcoming environment. We support people from across the local area who are looking to explore additional wellbeing and recovery options alongside their existing healthcare.
We’re always happy to answer your questions and discuss whether HBOT may be right for you.
Research into Neuropathy & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Research into Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and neuropathy is ongoing.
Studies have investigated the role of HBOT in supporting people with various forms of nerve damage, including diabetic neuropathy and other conditions affecting the peripheral nerves.
Researchers are particularly interested in how increased oxygen delivery may support circulation, reduce inflammation, and assist the body’s natural repair processes.
While some studies and patient experiences have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand the role HBOT may play in supporting people living with neuropathy.
HBOT is generally considered a complementary therapy that may be used alongside conventional medical care rather than as a replacement for it.
References
Neuropathy & Oxygen Therapy FAQs
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a treatment for neuropathy itself, but some people explore it as a complementary therapy alongside their existing care and symptom management.
Research has explored the role of oxygen therapy in supporting circulation, tissue repair, and nerve health. More research is needed to fully understand its long-term benefits for nerve damage.
Some studies have investigated the use of HBOT in people with diabetic neuropathy, particularly where circulation and nerve function may be affected. Experiences can vary from person to person.
Some individuals report improvements in comfort and wellbeing while attending regular oxygen therapy sessions, although outcomes differ between individuals.
There is no fixed number. Some people attend for a short period, while others choose to continue longer term. Benefits, if experienced, are often linked to consistency.
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to discuss oxygen therapy and whether it may be suitable for you.