top of page
Hill Country Wound Care And Hyperbarics

1. What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a non-invasive medical treatment that helps your body heal faster by increasing the amount of oxygen your blood can carry. During HBOT, you relax in a specially designed pressurized chamber while breathing 100% oxygen. It’s a science-backed way to treat chronic wounds, radiation injuries, serious infections, and more.

 

At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we offer this treatment right here in San Antonio, guided by experienced physicians and tailored to your specific needs. We understand that healing isn't just about treating symptoms, it's about restoring your quality of life.

 

According to the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), HBOT is a scientifically validated therapy used to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

2. How HBOT Works in the Body

Under normal conditions, oxygen is carried by your red blood cells. But in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, the air pressure is two to three times higher than usual, allowing your lungs to absorb significantly more oxygen, up to 10–15 times more.

 

That oxygen dissolves into your blood plasma and travels to even the hardest-to-reach tissues. This increased oxygen delivery supercharges your body’s natural healing process, helping to:

 

  • Stimulate new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)

  • Reduce swelling and inflammation

  • Support white blood cell activity to fight infection

  • Boost collagen production and tissue regeneration

  • Improve the delivery of antibiotics and nutrients

 

In simple terms, HBOT gives your body the oxygen boost it needs to heal what it might otherwise struggle to fix on its own.

3. Real Conditions That HBOT Treats

HBOT is not a catch-all, but it is a powerful, proven treatment for specific, serious conditions. At Hill Country, we commonly treat:

 

Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Due to poor circulation, these wounds can be difficult to heal. HBOT helps increase oxygen to tissues, reduce the risk of infection, and lower the likelihood of amputation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports significant improvements in wound healing when HBOT is used with standard care.

 

Radiation Injuries

Radiation therapy can cause long-term damage to healthy tissue. HBOT helps restore circulation and promote tissue recovery, especially in areas like the jaw, bladder, or bowel.

 

Chronic Osteomyelitis

HBOT enhances the delivery of antibiotics and promotes healing in bone infections that haven’t responded to traditional treatment.

 

Post-Surgical Wounds

If your surgical site isn’t healing as expected, HBOT can reduce inflammation, enhance oxygenation, and support tissue regeneration.

 

Compromised Skin Grafts and Flaps

When tissue flaps or grafts struggle to survive, HBOT enhances their viability by improving oxygenation and blood flow.

 

Crush Injuries and Acute Trauma

In emergency cases, HBOT can rescue oxygen-starved tissue and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

4. What to Expect During Your HBOT Journey

We know starting a new treatment can be intimidating. That’s why we focus on making the experience comfortable, predictable, and human-centered:

 

  • Initial Consultation – You’ll meet with a wound care physician who will assess whether HBOT is right for you.

  • Personalized Plan – If HBOT is recommended, we’ll customize your treatment schedule. Most patients require 20–40 sessions.

  • Chamber Sessions – Each session lasts 90–120 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably in a clear chamber and breathe normally. Many patients nap or watch TV.

  • Progress Reviews – We closely monitor your healing and adjust your treatment as needed. You’re never just a number here.

5. The Hill Country Difference

What makes Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics the leader in San Antonio?

​

 

  • Physician-Led Care – Every patient is treated by a doctor, not just a technician.

  • Local Experts – We’re the largest privately owned wound care and hyperbaric network in San Antonio.

  • Multiple Convenient Locations – Clinics in Live Oak, Bulverde, and Southwest San Antonio.

  • Personal Touch – We listen. We explain. We guide you at every step.

  • Insurance-Friendly – We work with Medicare and most private plans.

 

 

We treat our patients like family, and it shows.

6. Safety and Side Effects: What You Should Know

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of the safest medical therapies available when properly supervised. Side effects are rare and generally mild.

 

You may experience these symptoms very rarely:

  • Temporary ear pressure (similar to airplane takeoff)

  • Sinus discomfort

  • Mild fatigue

  • Temporary changes in vision

 

The Mayo Clinic confirms that HBOT is low-risk and widely used in hospitals for decades. Our team ensures you're comfortable and safe every step of the way.

7. Insurance Coverage and Cost Expectations

A common question we hear: Is HBOT covered by insurance? Yes, most of the time, if it’s medically necessary.

​

Here’s a breakdown:

  • Medicare – Covers HBOT for a list of approved conditions.

  • Private Insurance – Most plans cover HBOT with prior authorization. (Click here to view a list of our accepted insurance plans.)

 

Our administrative staff will contact your insurer directly, handle paperwork, and give you a clear explanation of costs before you begin treatment. No surprises.

8. Common Questions We Hear from Patients

  1. Is HBOT claustrophobic? Not at all. Our chambers are clear and spacious. Most patients feel relaxed.

  2. How soon will I notice results? It varies. Some feel improvement within a week. Chronic cases may take longer.

  3. Can I go to work after a session? Yes. There’s no downtime. You can resume normal activities right away.

  4. Can I eat beforehand? Yes, we recommend a light meal. Avoid carbonated beverages before your session.

  5. What do I wear? We’ll provide 100% cotton garments for your safety and comfort.

9. How to Schedule Your Consultation

Getting started is easy.

 

  1. Visit one of our San Antonio-area clinics.

  2. Call our office to speak with a care coordinator.

  3. Book online here.

 

We’ll listen to your story, walk you through your options, and help you take the next step in your healing journey.

10. Final Thoughts on Healing with HBOT in San Antonio

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is more than a treatment. It’s hope for patients dealing with chronic wounds, surgical complications, radiation injuries, or diabetic ulcers. At Hill Country Wound Care & Hyperbarics, we use advanced medicine and compassionate care to help you heal faster and live better.

 

If you or a loved one could benefit from HBOT, we’re here to help with open arms, expert care, and a healing environment that puts people first.

 

Let’s get you back to feeling your best.

bottom of page