Long COVID Treatments: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

by Dr. Kilcup | Jul 19, 2023 | Articles, covid-19, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Long COVID Treatments

Long COVID is a condition that some people experience after being infected with COVID-19. While many individuals recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks, others may continue to experience symptoms for a longer period. The symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, brain fog (trouble concentrating or remembering things), muscle and joint pain, and a lingering cough. People with long COVID may also experience headaches, loss of taste or smell, sleep difficulties, and mood changes. One of the new treatments showing a lot of promise for long COVID is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Long COVID

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. While researchers are still investigating the use of HBOT for long COVID, the evidence shows its benefits for the symptoms.

Furthermore, in HBOT, the increased atmospheric pressure allows the lungs to gather more oxygen than they would under normal conditions. This oxygen-rich environment can promote healing and provide various physiological effects in the body.

How can HBOT help those with long COVID?

Increased oxygen supply: Long COVID can cause symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. HBOT provides a higher concentration of oxygen, which improves oxygen delivery to organs, tissues, and cells. This mechanism has been shown to alleviate the associated symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory effects: COVID-19 triggers an immune response that can result in inflammation throughout the body. Studies have demonstrated that HBOT possesses anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in the reduction of virus-induced inflammation and alleviating associated symptoms.

Tissue healing and repair: Some individuals with long COVID experience persistent muscle and joint pain. HBOT can enhance the body’s healing process by increasing oxygen levels in damaged tissues. This helps in aiding in tissue repair and reducing pain.

There are many studies on the healing benefits of HBOT with excellent results. In one such study, repeated HBOT sessions found that HBOT significantly accelerated wound healing in the diabetic rats compared to the control group. The researchers observed that the HBOT-treated rats exhibited increased micro vessel density (indicating improved blood flow) and reduced overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), a factor involved in tissue fibrosis. These changes suggested that HBOT enhanced the healing process by promoting angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and reducing excessive scarring.

Neurological support: Long COVID can lead to neurological symptoms like brain fog, memory problems, and sleep difficulties. HBOT has been studied in various neurological conditions, such as depression, and may potentially enhance brain function and improve cognitive abilities.

Photobiomodulation therapy, Red light therapy

Using HBOT and Photobiomodulation Together


In addition to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, our office also offers Photobiomodulation (PBM). PBM, also known as Red Light Therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing in the body. It works by shining light onto the skin, and cells absorb this light energy, resulting in various positive effects.

How PBM can help those with Long COVID:

  1. Cellular energy boost: The light used in photobiomodulation penetrates into the cells and interacts with mitochondria, which are like tiny powerhouses within our cells. This interaction can enhance the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the energy currency that cells use to carry out their functions. By increasing cellular energy, photobiomodulation helps cells perform their tasks more efficiently, including the healing processes.
  2. Reduced inflammation: Similar to HBOT, Photobiomodulation has shown the ability to help the symptoms of long COVID. It does this by regulating the immune response, reducing inflammation, and promoting a more balanced healing environment. Overall this helps greatly with immune support.
  3. Enhanced circulation: Light energy from PBM can stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. This increased blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues, while also removing waste products more effectively. Improved circulation can aid in tissue repair and regeneration.
  4. Pain relief: Photobiomodulation can also have analgesic effects by reducing pain signals in the body. It can help block pain receptors, decrease nerve sensitivity, and promote the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. This can provide relief from both acute and chronic pain.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Near Me

Our office is located on 27th and Glendale Ave in Phoenix, Arizona. As of September 2023, we are equipped with multiple HBOT chambers, expert staff, and full length Photobiomodulation panels to fully help you achieve your optimal wellness.

Darrell Kilcup, DC, CFMP

Hi there! I’m Dr. Kilcup. You know that health problem you’ve been dealing with – the one that doctors can’t seem to solve, that’s stealing way too much of your time, energy and joy? I can help you get to the bottom that. I am passionate about using the best of science and nutrition to find and fix root causes of health issues. Start your journey towards healing and relief today.

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Overall Rating
5.0 20 reviews
Had a great experience! Staff super friendly and Dr. Kilcup was so nice and knowledgeable. I was taken back right away. Highly recommend.
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Shannon Beebe Avatar
Shannon Beebe
1 month ago
Great place organized and efficient.
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Jeriam Amendt Avatar
Jeriam Amendt
1 month ago
Great experience with HBOT and photobiomodulation! Felt wonderful after each session. Staff is super helpful, knowledgeable, and made me feel very comfortable. Highly recommended!
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Michelle N Avatar
Michelle N
1 month ago
Been going to Dr. Kilcup for 5+ yrs now off and on for chiropractic care. He has a great energy about him, and his family staff are always kind and professional. I had my first real hyperbaric oxygen experience today which was great. I can't attest to "results" yet of course, but the science is clear all the ways it can bring healing to the body. So I am excited this is the first of many treatments! I will do a post review once I get a bunch under my belt. Also, I had never realized Dr. Kilcup was also a functional medicine practitioner. Talk about divine intervention! I have some other health issues to work through, and now I already have the person I have been looking for. Praise Jesus!
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Ben Reynolds Avatar
Ben Reynolds
2 months ago
Had a wound from vascular occlusion on my face and it healed at magic speed after a few sessions of HBOT
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Marissa Marzella Avatar
Marissa Marzella
2 months ago