SHORT ANSWER
A 2006 University of Pennsylvania study found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy doubled circulating stem/progenitor cells after one session and raised them about eightfold after 20 sessions. It is a real effect seen in a small group of patients, but it has not been shown to treat diseases through stem cells, and HBOT is FDA-cleared only for specific medical conditions.
Human evidence: Limited
What the research says
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) means breathing pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber. In 2006, Stephen Thom and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania published in the American Journal of Physiology – Heart and Circulatory Physiology a study of 26 adults already receiving HBOT for medical reasons. 0 atmospheres doubled the number of CD34-positive stem/progenitor cells in the blood after the first session, and levels were about eight times higher after 20 sessions.
In mice, the team showed the effect depended on nitric oxide: mice lacking the enzyme that makes nitric oxide in blood vessels did not mobilise these cells. Later work by the same group (2014) suggested the size of the effect depends on oxygen pressure. These studies measured cell numbers in the blood. They did not show that the extra cells repaired specific tissues or improved disease outcomes. HBOT is used and FDA-cleared for certain conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and some non-healing wounds, but not as a ‘stem cell booster’.
Practical, safe tips
- Use HBOT only for medical reasons and through an accredited hyperbaric medicine centre with medical supervision.
- Be cautious of wellness centres promoting HBOT as a stem cell or anti-ageing therapy, and ask what evidence they rely on.
- Check whether low-pressure ‘mild’ home or spa chambers match the pressures used in research; most do not.
- If HBOT is recommended for you, ask your doctor about expected benefits, risks and the number of sessions.
- Combine any treatment with proven habits such as exercise, not smoking and good sleep, which also support vessel-repair cells.
Safety first
HBOT can cause ear and sinus pressure injury, temporary vision changes and, rarely, seizures from oxygen toxicity, and chambers carry a fire risk. People with certain lung conditions (such as an untreated collapsed lung), recent ear surgery, some heart conditions, or who take certain medicines need medical assessment first. Pregnant people and anyone with epilepsy or severe claustrophobia should discuss it carefully with a doctor.
Myths vs facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| HBOT is an approved stem cell therapy. | HBOT is cleared for specific conditions such as decompression sickness and some wounds. Raising stem cell counts in the blood is a research finding, not an approved treatment. |
| Any oxygen chamber gives the same stem cell boost as in the study. | The 2006 study used 2.0 atmospheres of pure oxygen in a medical chamber. Lower-pressure chambers have not been shown to have the same effect. |
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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and stem cells: FAQs
Does hyperbaric oxygen increase stem cells?
A 2006 study found it raised stem/progenitor cells in the blood, up to about eightfold after 20 sessions. Whether this improves health outcomes is not proven.
What is HBOT approved for?
It is FDA-cleared for a list of conditions, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning and certain non-healing wounds.
Is HBOT safe?
It is generally safe when done in an accredited centre, but it has risks, including ear injury, vision changes and rare seizures.
Can I use HBOT alongside stem cell treatment?
Some researchers are studying combinations, but this is experimental. Discuss it with your medical team before trying it.
More ways to support your stem cells
- Fasting and Stem Cells
- Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Flavanols and Stem Cells
- Exercise and Stem Cells
- Sleep and Stem Cells
- Red Light Therapy and Stem Cells
- All natural support guides
Sources
- Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen – Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol (2006)
- Stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen – PubMed
- CD34+/CD45-dim stem cell mobilization by hyperbaric oxygen — Changes with oxygen dosage – Stem Cell Research (2014)
- Oxidative stress is fundamental to hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Journal of Applied Physiology
Last reviewed October 2026. For general information only — not medical advice. We do not endorse any clinic or product. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare professional. See our medical disclaimer and editorial policy.