Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Gains Popularity in NYC

News Summary

New York City is experiencing a rise in the demand for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, typically used for medical conditions but now sought for wellness and recovery. With new clinics opening across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, providers are seeing increased clientele. However, safety concerns arise from off-label uses and potential risks associated with elevated oxygen levels. MD Hyperbaric is addressing these concerns through thorough patient screening and safety guidelines. As wellness enthusiasts explore its benefits, the need for strict regulations also grows.

New York City is seeing a significant surge in the popularity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a treatment traditionally recognized for specific medical conditions, but increasingly being sought for a range of unapproved purposes. Hyperbaric therapy involves lying in a sealed steel chamber where oxygen levels are elevated to help with healing and recovery processes. Traditionally, it has been used in hospitals for conditions such as decompression sickness, air embolism, and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, many New Yorkers are now using it for post-operative recovery, autoimmune diseases, and various wellness purposes.

Currently, there are approximately a dozen hyperbaric therapy locations across New York City, with a notable expansion occurring in Manhattan. Eight new clinics have opened along the East Side of Manhattan, extending from the 30s to the 80s, with additional clinics found in Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. One of the prominent providers, MD Hyperbaric, reports receiving between 20 to 30 new patients monthly at its flagship location on East 72nd Street. This clinic generated around $260,000 in net earnings last year, demonstrating the growing demand for these services.

In an effort to enhance patient access, MD Hyperbaric opened a second location in Tribeca in June. Clients seeking therapy typically pay out of pocket as MD Hyperbaric charges between $350 for 60- to 90-minute sessions. The clinic recommends a series of 10 to 40 sessions for various goals, which include recovery from orthopedic surgeries, anti-aging benefits, and even cognitive enhancement. However, it should be noted that MD Hyperbaric avoids the terminology of “treatment,” as many of the claims regarding effectiveness for various conditions are not substantiated by scientific evidence. Approximately 70% of its clientele arrive without a physician’s referral, while the remaining 30% are generally referred by surgeons to aid healing and recovery.

Another local provider, Kassir Plastic Surgery, has begun in-house hyperbaric therapy services for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Additionally, franchises like Restore Hyper Wellness offer a version of hyperbaric therapy that utilizes a milder experience involving a soft sack instead of a rigid chamber. The increased access to hyperbaric therapy in New York City comes at a lower cost than hospital treatments, where sessions can exceed $1,000. Clinics like MD Hyperbaric operate with less overhead and fewer administrative costs compared to hospitals, potentially allowing them to keep prices lower.

However, the increasing popularity of hyperbaric oxygen therapy also raises safety concerns due to the potential risks associated with elevated pressures and oxygen levels, which can lead to an increased risk of fire if not managed correctly. Recent incidents, including the death of a physical therapist in a chamber fire in Arizona and a tragic explosion that led to the death of a 5-year-old boy in Michigan, highlight these risks. Furthermore, hyperbaric clinics are often subject to minimal regulations concerning off-label uses of the therapy.

To ensure patient safety, MD Hyperbaric screens clients’ medical histories thoroughly to ensure they match proper treatment criteria and adheres to fire safety guidelines outlined by the National Fire Protection Association. Client experiences inside the hyperbaric chamber vary, with many describing the session as relaxing or tranquilizing. MD Hyperbaric claims that, regardless of the physiological effects, many clients enjoy the experience itself.

As more individuals in New York City explore alternative health benefits through hyperbaric therapy, the demand for regulated and safe practices remains critical in addressing both therapeutic claims and safety concerns effectively.

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Additional Resources

• Crain’s New York: Hyperbaric Oxygen Clinics Expand Across New York
• Wikipedia: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
• Condé Nast Traveler: Best Spas in New York City
• Google Search: Hyperbaric Therapy
• Robb Report: Continuum Club Opens in NYC
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Oxygen