Wellness HBOT vs medical hyperbaric treatment

ReviveO2 Wellness Centre - waiting area, Littlehampton, West Sussex

Why the distinction matters

1 common assumption is that HBOT always means medical treatment. It does not. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right service for your situation, understand what a wellness centre can and cannot offer, and know when to speak to a GP first.

According to Henry's Law, first documented by William Henry in 1803, increased air pressure dissolves more oxygen into blood plasma. Both service types use that shared mechanism. At 1.5 ATA, oxygen dissolves into the plasma in quantities not possible at normal pressure. Medical HBOT uses higher pressures - 2.0 to 3.0 ATA - for specific clinical purposes under physician oversight. The core physics is the same. The purpose, setting, and pressure are different.

How do wellness HBOT and medical HBOT compare?

The interactive comparison below covers pressure, setting, purpose, oversight, and who each service is for. Use the tabs to move between views.

What wellness HBOT means at ReviveO2

At ReviveO2 in Littlehampton, HBOT is provided as a supervised wellness service. Sessions run at 1.5 ATA in a soft-shell chamber. At that pressure, oxygen dissolves directly into blood plasma - the liquid part of your blood - allowing it to reach tissue that red blood cells cannot access under normal conditions. The mechanism is real and measurable. What it means for any individual varies, and we use wellness framing rather than medical claims.

Sessions are designed to be calm, guided, and straightforward for first-time visitors. Our practitioner stays nearby throughout. If you need a moment during the pressure change, we slow down. The goal is a comfortable, well-supervised session you can build into a routine.

We do not diagnose medical conditions or provide clinical treatment. If you have medical symptoms or a medical question, speak to your GP. For a full explanation of the pressure level and what it means, see our guide on what 1.5 ATA means for a wellness session.

ReviveO2 Wellness Centre - HBOT chamber, Littlehampton, West Sussex

What medical hyperbaric treatment means

Medical hyperbaric oxygen therapy is delivered at 2.0 to 3.0 ATA in clinical environments - typically hospital-based hard-shell chambers - under physician supervision. It is prescribed for specific NHS-approved indications where the clinical evidence base supports its use.

These include decompression sickness in divers, carbon monoxide poisoning, and specific wound healing conditions such as diabetic foot wounds. According to the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), medical HBOT involves clinical assessment, a treatment plan, and medical responsibility. It is accessed via referral through a clinical pathway, not by booking online. If you think you may need medical HBOT, the right first step is to speak to your GP or specialist.

What the session feels like in both settings

No matter the setting, people notice the pressure change most at the start and end of a session. The sensation is gentle fullness in your ears that clears with a swallow or yawn. The Eustachian tube opens when you equalise, letting the pressure balance out.

At ReviveO2, the pace is guided by you. We slow down if you need it. Once pressure has stabilised at 1.5 ATA, visitors can choose 3 quiet options: read a paper book, rest, or close their eyes for the full 60 minutes. For technique detail, our guide on ear equalising for HBOT beginners covers everything step by step.

When should you check with a GP first?

People with 5 safety situations should check with a GP before booking wellness HBOT: significant health concerns, pregnancy, recent ear issues, recent lung issues, or recent surgery. Medication questions in a pressurised setting also need GP guidance. If you have severe symptoms needing urgent medical care, seek medical help first and do not book a wellness session as an alternative.

Our full guide on who should not do HBOT covers the complete GREEN/AMBER/RED triage system including specific conditions, the GP clearance process, and when it is better to reschedule.

ReviveO2 - wellness HBOT in West Sussex

ReviveO2 is a wellness centre in Littlehampton, West Sussex, offering supervised HBOT sessions at 1.5 ATA. Sessions are available Mon-Sun 09:00-21:00. Safety screening is completed by email before your first visit. No GP referral is needed for people in the green category. We serve visitors from Worthing, Rustington, East Preston, Arundel, Bognor Regis, and Chichester. We are at Office 46, Bizspace, Courtwick Lane, Littlehampton BN17 7TL, with parking on site.

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