Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Chicago & River Forest
Chicago’s Only Certified Hard-Chamber Medical HBOT
Last Updated: September 9, 2026
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Chicago & River Forest, IL
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that enhances the body’s natural healing process by delivering 100% pure oxygen in a pressurized environment. At CNS Center, hyperbaric medicine is delivered in physician-led, medical-grade hard chambers at our Chicago and River Forest locations to support a range of neurological, vascular, and post-surgical conditions.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
During an HBOT session, you rest comfortably inside a clear, pressurized chamber and breathe 100% oxygen. The increased pressure allows oxygen to dissolve into the blood and tissues at higher concentrations than breathing air alone. This can help:
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Promote faster wound healing and tissue repair
- Stimulate new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)
- Support brain function and neuroplasticity
- Support the body’s ability to fight certain infections
Sessions are supervised by trained medical staff, and treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s condition and goals.
Physician-Led Hyperbaric Medicine in Chicago
Hyperbaric medicine is the clinical use of pressurized oxygen to support healing under physician supervision using medical-grade equipment. Unlike wellness-focused hyperbaric services, medical hyperbaric therapy follows established treatment protocols based on the condition being treated. CNS Center is a physician-led hyperbaric medicine program serving Chicago and River Forest, with more than 10 years of experience delivering physician-supervised hyperbaric medicine and more than 10,000 completed HBOT sessions. Our physicians evaluate whether HBOT is appropriate for your condition, oversee your treatment plan, and coordinate care with your broader medical team when needed.
Hard Chamber vs. Soft Chamber: Why Pressure Matters
Not all hyperbaric chambers are the same. The pressure a chamber reaches — measured in atmospheres absolute (ATA) — determines how much oxygen actually reaches your tissues. CNS Center uses medical-grade hard chambers, not the soft-sided “mild” chambers found in many spas.
| Soft / “Mild” Chambers (Spas) | CNS Medical Hard Chambers | |
| Maximum pressure | ~1.3 ATA | 2.0–3.0 ATA |
| Oxygen delivered | Close to room air (~21%) | 100% medical-grade oxygen |
| Supervision | Often no on-site physician | Physician-led, medically supervised |
| Typical use | General wellness / relaxation | Wounds, radiation injury, clinical protocols |
For many clinical protocols, pressures of 2.0 ATA or higher are needed to dissolve therapeutic levels of oxygen into the bloodstream — levels soft chambers are not designed to reach. All treatments at CNS are conducted under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals.
FDA-Approved Conditions for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT is an established, FDA-approved treatment for a defined set of conditions. For these, we accept insurance and a physician referral is helpful:
- Chronic non-healing wounds — such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation injuries
- Radiation tissue damage — healing complications from radiation therapy
- Carbon monoxide poisoning — rapid detoxification from carbon monoxide exposure
- Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) — supporting hearing function when treated early
- Severe anemia — oxygen support for patients unable to receive transfusions
- Crush injuries & compromised skin grafts — supporting tissue regeneration and reducing infection risk
- Refractory osteomyelitis — assisting limb preservation
Investigational & Off-Label Uses We Support
Some patients pursue HBOT for conditions where it is considered investigational or off-label — meaning it is not FDA-approved for that specific use and outcomes vary from person to person. Our physicians review whether HBOT is appropriate for your situation during a consultation. These uses are generally not covered by insurance, and we offer transparent cash-pay packages. Areas patients commonly ask about include neurological recovery (traumatic brain injury, concussion, and stroke rehabilitation) and post-COVID symptoms such as persistent fatigue and brain fog. Evidence for these uses is still developing, and we discuss the current research honestly so you can make an informed decision.
Why Choose CNS Hyperbaric Center
- Physician-led, data-driven care — more than 10 years supporting patients and 10,000+ sessions completed
- Medical-grade hard chambers — 2.0–3.0 ATA with 100% oxygen — the pressure and oxygen levels clinical protocols require
- Insurance assistance — for FDA-approved conditions, with clear cash-pay options for off-label care
- Open 7 days a week — with a dedicated HBOT concierge supporting you through every session
- Personalized treatment plans — Every patient is evaluated by a physician to determine whether HBOT is appropriate and to develop an individualized treatment protocol
Our Chicago & River Forest Locations
Chicago: 2219 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 — (773) 904-7101
River Forest: 7319 W North Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305 — (708) 665-7000
Open 7 days a week. Book an appointment online or call the location nearest you.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you use hard chambers instead of soft bags?
Pressure matters. To support treatment of wounds, radiation injury, and neurological conditions, chambers generally need to reach 2.0 ATA or higher. Soft-sided “mild” chambers found in spas typically reach only about 1.3 ATA, which is not enough to dissolve therapeutic levels of oxygen into the bloodstream.
Is the chamber claustrophobic?
Most patients are comfortable. Our Perry Hyperbaric Chambers are roughly 7 feet long and 3 feet wide with a clear acrylic design, and many patients are surprised by how roomy they feel. Our team stays nearby throughout each session.
Do I need a referral?
For FDA-approved conditions, we accept insurance and a referral is helpful. For off-label uses, a referral is not required and we offer cash-pay packages with an on-site intake evaluation. Our team can walk you through both options.
Can HBOT help with Long COVID symptoms?
Some patients explore HBOT for lingering post-COVID symptoms such as fatigue and brain fog. This is an off-label use, research is still emerging, and results vary between individuals. It is not FDA-approved for Long COVID and is generally not covered by insurance. Our physicians will review your history and discuss whether it may be a reasonable option for you.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the condition being treated. FDA-approved protocols follow established session counts, while off-label neurological protocols are often delivered as a series of sessions over several weeks. Your physician will recommend a personalized plan during your consultation.
What does a hyperbaric oxygen therapy session feel like?
Most patients relax comfortably inside the chamber during treatment. As the chamber pressurizes, you may notice a sensation of fullness or pressure in your ears similar to changes experienced during an airplane flight. Our team explains how to equalize ear pressure and monitors you throughout the session to help ensure you remain comfortable.