This article sets out what the research currently shows, what HBOT can and cannot offer, and how some families are including it as one layer in a broader, multimodal wellbeing approach.

Why Families Are Exploring HBOT for Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is complex and heterogeneous. There is no single cause, pathway, or universally effective intervention. Researchers have identified certain physiological patterns in some children with ASD that have informed interest in HBOT as a supportive option:

• Differences in cerebral blood flow
• Markers of neuroinflammation
• Oxidative stress imbalance

The underlying rationale is straightforward: by increasing oxygen availability and supporting the body's physiological balance, it may be possible to support certain aspects of brain function and behaviour. HBOT is explored within this framework as a supportive, non-invasive adjunct — not as a primary intervention or a substitute for established therapies.

What the Research Currently Shows

Positive Signals from Clinical Studies

The most cited research includes a randomised controlled trial in which children received mild HBOT (approximately 1.3 ATA with slightly enriched oxygen) over multiple sessions across several weeks. Improvements were reported across several domains:

• Social interaction
• Communication
• Eye contact
• Overall adaptive functioning

Additional smaller studies and clinical observations have reported:

• Reduced systemic inflammation markers
• Improved physiological balance
• Positive behavioural outcomes in a subset of participants

Across these studies, mild HBOT was generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effect was mild, temporary ear pressure during pressurisation — similar to the sensation experienced during air travel.

Variability in Outcomes

Not every child responds in the same way. Some families report meaningful improvements; others observe subtle changes; some see no discernible difference. This variability is consistent with the heterogeneous nature of autism itself. Results are individual and cannot be predicted in advance.

Why HBOT Is Not Part of Standard Clinical Guidelines

A reasonable question is: if positive studies exist, why is HBOT not recommended in UK clinical guidelines such as those published by NICE?

National healthcare guidelines require:

• Large-scale, consistent, and replicable high-quality evidence
• Predictable outcomes across broad patient populations
• Demonstrated cost-effectiveness within the healthcare system

The existing evidence base for HBOT in autism does not yet meet these thresholds. This does not mean the approach has no value — it means it has not yet reached the standard required for inclusion in publicly funded, standardised clinical protocols. Research in this area is ongoing.

Safety Profile

At mild pressures (1.3–1.5 ATA), HBOT has a well-established safety profile. It is considered low risk when sessions are delivered by trained practitioners following appropriate screening protocols.

Common experiences during or after sessions include:

• Ear pressure during pressurisation (similar to the sensation when flying)
• Temporary fatigue following sessions
• Occasional mild discomfort during initial sessions

Serious complications are rare. All prospective clients — including children — should undergo a thorough health assessment before beginning HBOT sessions. Parents and guardians should discuss suitability with both the HBOT provider and the child's existing medical team.

What HBOT Can and Cannot Offer

How Families Are Using HBOT Today

In private and wellness settings, HBOT is typically used as one component within a broader, integrated support approach rather than as a standalone therapy. Common complementary elements include:

• Nutritional assessment and targeted dietary support
• Behavioural therapies (e.g. ABA, EIBI)
• Speech and language therapy
• Sensory integration and developmental work
• Lifestyle and environmental adjustments

At Rebalance Wellbeing Hub CIC, mild HBOT protocols (1.4–1.5 ATA) are used with a focus on comfort, gradual exposure, and realistic expectations. HBOT is positioned as a supportive layer within a broader plan — never as the primary intervention.

Find out more about our Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy service, including how sessions work, what to expect, and how to register your interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HBOT safe for children with autism?

At mild pressures (1.3–1.5 ATA), HBOT is generally considered low risk and has been used in paediatric research studies. A thorough health assessment and discussion with the child's medical team is always recommended before starting.

How many sessions are typically used?

Research protocols have typically used 40 sessions over several weeks. However, session numbers vary by provider and individual circumstances. There is no universally agreed standard protocol for ASD at this time.

At what age can children start HBOT?

There is no fixed minimum age, but sessions require the child to remain calm in an enclosed space for a period of time. Suitability depends on the individual child's comfort level and temperament. This should be discussed with the provider before any session is booked.

Will my child feel uncomfortable during sessions?

The most commonly reported discomfort is mild ear pressure during pressurisation, which typically resolves quickly. Practitioners experienced in working with children take a gradual approach to acclimatisation.

Can HBOT replace speech therapy or behavioural support?

No. HBOT is positioned as a supportive adjunct — it is not a replacement for evidence-based approaches such as speech and language therapy or behavioural support programmes.

What is the key question to ask before starting?

The right question is not: "Will this fix everything?"

It is: "Could this safely support my child's wellbeing as part of a broader approach?"

For some families, the answer has been yes. For others, results have been modest or unclear. Any decision should be informed by realistic expectations, grounded in the available evidence, and always centred around the individual child's needs and existing support plan.

References

Granpeesheh, D. et al. (2010) 'Randomized controlled trial of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for children with autism', Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 4(2), pp. 268–275.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (2013) Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: support and management.

Rossignol, D.A. et al. (2007) 'Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in autism: oxidative stress, inflammation, and symptom changes', Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(10), pp. 1917–1927.

Rossignol, D.A. et al. (2009) 'Hyperbaric treatment for children with autism: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial', BMC Pediatrics, 9, p. 21.

Rossignol, D.A. and Frye, R.E. (2012) 'Hyperbaric oxygen treatment in autism spectrum disorders', Medical Gas Research, 2(1), p. 16.

Sampanthavivat, M. et al. (2008) 'Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in autism', Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand, 91(8), pp. 1232–1238.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or your child's specialist before starting any new therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) fits naturally into this model. Even at mild pressures (1.4–1.5 ATA), increased oxygen availability triggers measurable biological adaptations. This article explains what the research shows, how HBOT fits within a broader preparation strategy, and what realistic expectations look like.

Surgery as Controlled Stress: The Case for Prehabilitation

Prehabilitation targets four core physiological goals before surgery:

1. Improve oxygen delivery to tissues
2. Reduce baseline systemic inflammation
3. Optimise cellular energy production
4. Support immune response capacity

HBOT supports all four. At mild pressures, increased oxygen availability stimulates antioxidant systems, influences inflammatory signalling, and improves how cells handle oxidative stress. The result is a body better conditioned to withstand and recover from surgical demands.

What the Research Currently Shows

The strongest clinical evidence for HBOT in surgical contexts comes from higher-pressure settings (2.0–2.5 ATA), particularly in cardiac surgery. Key demonstrated outcomes include:

• Improved tissue oxygenation
• Reduced inflammatory response
• Shorter ICU stays in select patient populations

Evidence at Mild Pressure (1.4–1.5 ATA)

Large-scale clinical trials demonstrating reduced surgical complications at mild HBOT pressures are not yet available. However, the existing body of evidence does show:

• Human studies confirming anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses
• Oxygen-driven cellular adaptation mechanisms
• Small peri-operative reports suggesting tissue support benefits

Mild HBOT is therefore not positioned as a clinical surgical intervention, but its biological effects align with the goals of pre-operative preparation: lower inflammation, better oxygenation, and improved physiological resilience.

HBOT as Part of a Multimodal Preparation Approach

The most significant error when evaluating any single therapy is treating it in isolation. Surgical preparation research consistently demonstrates that combined, systemic strategies outperform individual interventions. HBOT is most meaningful when positioned as one layer within a broader protocol.

Complementary Approaches with Supporting Evidence

Nutritional Optimisation Targeted pre-operative nutrition — particularly omega-3 fatty acids and protein adequacy — has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers, support immune response, and aid post-surgical recovery.

Photobiomodulation (Red Light / Near-Infrared Therapy) Clinical evidence supports reductions in post-operative swelling and inflammation, improved tissue recovery, and decreased pain perception.

Metabolic Strategies Low-carbohydrate dietary approaches can, in selected individuals, improve insulin sensitivity and reduce systemic inflammatory load ahead of surgery.

When HBOT is layered into this framework — increasing oxygen availability, improving cellular efficiency, and supporting anti-inflammatory pathways — its contribution is amplified. It acts on the same biological targets as these other strategies, creating a compounding effect.

At Rebalance Wellbeing Hub CIC, we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as part of a structured wellbeing and recovery approach. Our team can help you understand whether HBOT might be a useful addition to your pre-operative preparation plan.

What HBOT Can and Cannot Offer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HBOT safe before surgery?

HBOT is generally considered safe when delivered by trained professionals at appropriate pressures. Always consult your GP or surgeon before beginning any pre-operative wellbeing programme, including HBOT.

What pressure is used for surgical preparation?

Clinical studies showing clear surgical benefit typically use 2.0–2.5 ATA in medical hyperbaric facilities. Mild HBOT at 1.4–1.5 ATA, used in wellness settings, shows anti-inflammatory effects but has less direct surgical outcome evidence at this pressure range.

How many sessions are recommended before surgery?

There is no universally agreed protocol for pre-operative mild HBOT. Session numbers vary by provider and individual context. This should be discussed with both your HBOT provider and your surgical team.

Can HBOT replace other pre-operative preparation?

No. HBOT is not a standalone solution and does not replace medical advice, nutritional support, exercise, or other clinically recommended pre-operative preparations. It works best when integrated within a broader wellbeing plan.

Where can I access HBOT as part of a wellbeing programme?

Rebalance Wellbeing Hub CIC offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy as part of a structured wellbeing and recovery programme at our Oxford location. You can register your interest or contact our team for more information.

What is the right question to ask before starting?

The right question is not: "Does HBOT work?"

It is: "How well prepared is my body to recover?"

HBOT can play a meaningful supporting role in answering that question — particularly when integrated with nutrition, lifestyle optimisation, and targeted complementary strategies. Better outcomes come from better preparation, not from any single intervention.

References

Alex, J. et al. (2005) 'Pretreatment with hyperbaric oxygen and its effect on myocardial injury and inflammatory response in coronary artery bypass surgery', The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, 130(6), pp. 1623–1630.

Bosco, G. et al. (2014) 'Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in pancreatic surgery: a randomised controlled pilot study', Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, 41(2), pp. 135–142.

Braga, M. et al. (1996) 'Perioperative immunonutrition in patients undergoing cancer surgery', Archives of Surgery, 131(12), pp. 1257–1264.

Ho, D. et al. (2019) 'Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for reducing complications in osmidrosis surgery', Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, 72(6), pp. 1023–1029.

Li, J. et al. (2011) 'Repeated hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning improves myocardial and cerebral protection in coronary artery bypass graft surgery', Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery, 6(1), p. 52.

Stong, B. and Jacono, A. (2024) 'Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in aesthetic facial surgery', Facial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine.

Thom, S.R. (2011) 'Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy', Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 127(Suppl 1), pp. 131S–141S.

Weis, S. et al. (2021) 'Hyperbaric oxygenation induces antioxidative response and modulates inflammation', Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or specialist before starting any new therapy, particularly in the context of a planned surgical procedure.

Photobiomodulation (PBM)—sometimes called low-level light therapy or red light therapy—uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissues. The theory is that certain wavelengths can stimulate cellular processes, potentially supporting the body's natural functions.

It sounds futuristic, but the basic principle is simple: specific types of light may influence how cells function.

The Science Behind It

Light at certain wavelengths (typically red and near-infrared, between 600-1000nm) can penetrate tissues to varying depths. Research suggests these wavelengths may:

• Interact with mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells)
• Influence cellular signalling pathways
• Affect local circulation

The research base is growing, with studies exploring applications in areas like:

• Supporting recovery after physical activity
• Joint comfort and mobility
• Skin health
• General wellbeing

What a Session Involves

A typical photobiomodulation session at Rebalance involves:

1. Initial discussion about your goals and any relevant health considerations
2. Comfortable positioning near the light panels
3. 20-30 minutes of light exposure to targeted areas
4. No downtime—you can continue your day immediately

The experience is gentle and relaxing. Many people find it a pleasant way to take a break from their routine.

Joint Comfort Applications

One area where photobiomodulation has attracted particular interest is joint comfort. Some research suggests PBM may:

• Support the body's natural comfort mechanisms
• Complement physical rehabilitation approaches
• Be useful as part of an active lifestyle routine

However, it's important to note that research is still developing, and individual responses vary considerably.

What to Expect (and Not Expect)

Realistic expectations:

• PBM is generally relaxing and non-invasive
• Some people notice subtle changes; others may not
• Multiple sessions are typically needed to evaluate any effects
• It works best as part of a broader wellbeing approach

What we don't claim:

• PBM is not a treatment for any medical condition
• It won't replace appropriate medical care
• Results are not guaranteed
• It's not suitable for everyone

Is It Right for You?

Photobiomodulation may be worth exploring if you're:

• Generally healthy and looking to support your wellbeing
• Interested in complementary approaches alongside active lifestyle
• Curious about emerging wellness technologies
• Looking for relaxation options

It's less suitable if you're seeking treatment for a medical condition—that's a conversation for your GP.

Contraindications

Certain situations require caution:

• Pregnancy (insufficient research)
• Active cancer (consult your oncologist)
• Photosensitising medications
• Epilepsy (some individuals may be sensitive)

We screen for these during your initial consultation.

Coming to Rebalance

Photobiomodulation is part of our specialist therapies offering, launching soon in Oxfordshire. Register your interest to be among the first to access this service.

This article is for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing concentrated oxygen in a pressurised environment. This increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in your blood plasma, which some research suggests may support various physiological processes.

At Rebalance, we're bringing this technology to Oxfordshire as part of our specialist therapies offering. But we think it's important to be clear about what HBOT is—and isn't.

How It Works

During an HBOT session, you relax in a pressurised chamber while breathing oxygen. The increased pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve in your blood plasma than would be possible at normal atmospheric pressure.

A typical session lasts 60-90 minutes. Many people read, watch content on a tablet, or simply rest during their time in the chamber.

What the Research Suggests

HBOT has been studied in various contexts over many decades. There's a body of research exploring its potential applications, though the evidence base varies significantly depending on the specific area of study.

Some research has explored its use in:

• Supporting recovery from physical exertion
• General wellbeing protocols
• Complementary care programmes

It's worth noting that research continues to evolve. We follow the evidence and maintain realistic expectations about outcomes. Always consult with your healthcare provider about whether any therapy might be appropriate for your situation.

What HBOT Isn't

Let's be clear about what we're not claiming:

• HBOT is not a cure for any condition
• It doesn't replace medical treatment for any diagnosed illness
• Results vary significantly between individuals
• It's not suitable for everyone—certain health conditions are contraindications

We always recommend discussing HBOT with your GP, especially if you have existing health conditions.

Our Approach at Rebalance

We offer HBOT as one option within a broader wellbeing toolkit. During an initial consultation, we'll discuss:

• Whether HBOT might be appropriate for your situation
• Any contraindications that might apply
• Realistic expectations based on your goals
• How it might complement other approaches you're taking

Safety Considerations

HBOT is generally considered safe when administered properly, but there are contraindications. These include:

• Certain lung conditions
• Untreated pneumothorax
• Some ear conditions
• Claustrophobia (though mild forms may be manageable)

We conduct thorough screening before any session to ensure HBOT is appropriate for you.

Coming Soon to Oxford

Our HBOT service is launching soon at our Oxfordshire location. If you're interested in learning more or registering your interest, get in touch with our team.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new therapy.

Functional medicine isn't about replacing your GP or NHS care—it's about complementing it with a wider lens. Where conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms, functional medicine asks: what underlying factors might be contributing to how you feel?

At Rebalance, we apply these principles within a community-focused setting, making this approach accessible rather than exclusive.

The Core Principles We Follow

1. Understanding the Whole Person

Every consultation starts with listening. We consider your lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, nutrition, movement habits, and personal health history. This comprehensive view helps us understand you as a complete person, not just a collection of symptoms.

2. Looking for Connections

Health concerns rarely exist in isolation. Digestive discomfort might connect to energy levels. Sleep quality often influences mood and concentration. By mapping these connections, we can identify where supportive changes might have the broadest positive impact.

3. Personalised Approaches

What works brilliantly for one person may not suit another. We work with you to develop personalised protocols that fit your life, preferences, and circumstances.

How This Works in Practice

When you visit Rebalance, you might experience:

• Extended consultations that give us time to really understand your situation
• Functional testing options if appropriate, to gather objective data about areas like gut health, nutrient status, or metabolic function
• Practical recommendations that you can actually implement in your daily life
• Ongoing support through follow-up sessions to track progress and adjust approaches

The Community Difference

What makes a wellbeing hub different from a private clinic? Accessibility and community spirit.

Our workshops at just £5 in-person (or £1 online) mean that health education isn't reserved for those with deep pockets. We believe everyone deserves access to information that can help them make informed choices about their wellbeing.

Getting Started

Curious about whether a functional approach might help you? Our initial consultations are designed to be thorough without being overwhelming. We'll discuss your health goals, explain our approach, and help you decide if it's right for you.

Remember: we work alongside your existing healthcare providers, not instead of them. Always consult your GP for medical concerns.