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Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing: Stem Cell and Clinical Evidence

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for wound healing – safe, evidence-based treatment that boosts blood flow, activates stem cells, and supports tissue repair

Why This Study Matters


Chronic wounds are a major public health challenge, particularly in diabetes and after radiation injury. An estimated 6.5 million Americans live with chronic wounds, and diabetic foot ulcers alone account for more than $40 billion annually in U.S. healthcare costs.

Traditional wound care—such as dressings, debridement, and medication—often fails to achieve full closure in ischemic or hard-to-heal wounds. This leads to complications, including infection and amputation.


A 2014 peer-reviewed review published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling examined how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) contributes to wound healing. The authors detail evidence that HBOT:

  • Mobilizes vasculogenic stem cells (CD34+) from bone marrow into circulation.

  • Enhances pro-healing growth factor pathways like VEGF and SDF-1.

  • Improves clinical outcomes, including higher wound-healing rates and reduced major amputations in diabetic and radiation-injured patients.


These findings position HBOT as more than just oxygen delivery—it is a biological signal that drives repair at the cellular and tissue level.



Study Overview


  • Title: Hyperbaric Oxygen, Vasculogenic Stem Cells, and Wound Healing

  • Authors: Fosen KM, Thom SR

  • Journal: Antioxidants & Redox Signaling (2014)

  • Type: Forum review article

  • Focus: Examines how hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) mobilizes stem/progenitor cells (SPCs), influences redox signaling, and supports wound healing.

  • Key Mechanisms Discussed:

    • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) “waves” as pro-healing signals

    • Stem/progenitor cell (CD34+) mobilization from bone marrow

    • Growth factor pathways including VEGF, SDF-1, and HIF-1

  • Clinical Contexts: Diabetic foot ulcers, radiation-induced tissue injury, ischemic wounds, and chronic ulcers

  • Outcomes Covered: Rates of wound healing, risk of amputation, angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, and functional tissue repair



Key Findings: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Wound Healing


  • Stem Cell Mobilization

    • HBOT increases circulating CD34+ vasculogenic stem/progenitor cells in both humans and animal models.

    • This mobilization supports endothelial repair and new blood vessel formation (vasculogenesis).


  • Growth Factor & Signaling Pathways

    • HBOT boosts production of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), SDF-1, and HIF-1, all critical for angiogenesis and tissue repair.

    • ROS (reactive oxygen species) and NO (nitric oxide) act as signaling “waves,” not just metabolic byproducts, driving stem cell release and migration.


  • Wound Healing Outcomes

    • Diabetic foot ulcers: Meta-analyses summarized in the review reported that HBOT improves healing rates and significantly reduces amputations.

      • One analysis found an odds ratio of 5.20 for healing at 6 weeks with HBOT compared to standard care.

      • Another analysis estimated that only 4 patients need HBOT to prevent 1 major amputation (number needed to treat = 4).

    • Radiation injuries: Randomized controlled studies showed improved tissue repair and symptom relief when HBOT was added to standard therapy.


  • Safety Profile

    • Standard HBOT protocols are generally safe and well tolerated.

    • Antioxidant defenses balance oxidative stress, minimizing toxicity risks.


Implications for Wound Care


This review positions hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as more than a supportive measure—it acts as a biological catalyst for repair. By mobilizing vasculogenic stem cells and enhancing angiogenic signaling, HBOT addresses the core barriers to healing in ischemic or nonhealing wounds.


For clinicians, this means HBOT can:

  • Improve outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers and reduce the need for major amputations.

  • Provide an evidence-based adjunct in managing radiation-induced tissue injuries and other chronic wound types.

  • Offer a safe, protocol-driven option for patients where conventional wound care alone is insufficient.


For wellness and recovery professionals, HBOT demonstrates value as an evidence-based therapy that:

  • Complements standard wound care strategies.

  • Aligns with a growing demand for noninvasive, regenerative approaches.

  • Enhances service offerings in integrative and preventive health settings.


In short, HBOT bridges the gap between cellular biology and clinical outcomes—offering a therapy that supports both tissue regeneration and functional recovery.


About BH Labs


At BH Labs, we empower health and wellness professionals with cutting-edge biohacking solutions designed to enhance performance, accelerate recovery, and promote longevity. We specialize in seamlessly integrating evidence-based modalities - including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), red light therapy, PEMF, infrared saunas, and lymphatic drainage - into existing practices. Our turnkey approach ensures clinics, spas, and fitness facilities can offer high-value treatments without added complexity—boosting client engagement and creating new revenue streams.


Join the biohacking revolution. Visit www.bh-labs.com to learn how we can help future-proof your business with science-backed wellness innovations.

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