Millions of people around the world have recovered from COVID-19 only to find that certain symptoms simply refuse to leave. Fatigue, brain fog, breathlessness and poor concentration can linger for months, leaving many South Africans searching for ways to support their recovery and feel like themselves again.
One option gaining attention is hyperbaric oxygen therapy. In this article we look at what long COVID actually is, how pressurised oxygen works in the body, what research says about its role in post viral recovery and what a typical treatment journey might look like.
Understanding Long COVID and Why It Lingers
Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the initial infection has cleared. Common complaints include chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches, shortness of breath and disrupted sleep. For some people these symptoms come and go while for others they remain constant.
Researchers believe several factors contribute to these lingering effects. These include low grade inflammation, reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, changes in small blood vessels and lasting stress on the nervous system. Because the causes are varied, recovery often requires a combination of rest, gentle activity, good nutrition and supportive therapies.
This is where oxygen based approaches enter the conversation. Since many long COVID symptoms appear linked to how well oxygen reaches the brain and muscles, therapies that improve oxygen delivery have naturally become a focus of interest for both researchers and patients.
How Hyperbaric Oxygen Works in the Body
During a hyperbaric session you breathe oxygen enriched air inside a chamber pressurised above normal atmospheric levels. The increased pressure allows your blood plasma to carry significantly more oxygen than it would under everyday conditions, delivering it to tissues throughout the body.
This extra oxygen supports several processes that matter for recovery. It helps fuel cellular energy production, encourages the growth of new blood vessels and supports the body’s natural repair mechanisms. Tissues that have been under strain receive a richer supply of the one element every cell depends on.
The brain benefits in particular. Because brain tissue is highly sensitive to oxygen levels, improved delivery may support clearer thinking, better focus and improved mood. This is one reason hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post COVID recovery has become such an active area of study internationally.
What the Research Says So Far
Several studies have explored oxygen therapy for lingering COVID symptoms with encouraging early results. A notable randomised controlled trial from Israel, published in Scientific Reports in 2022, found that participants who completed a course of hyperbaric sessions showed improvements in cognitive function, energy levels, sleep quality and psychological wellbeing compared with the control group.
Follow up research suggested that some of these improvements were still present a year later, which points to lasting changes rather than a temporary lift. Brain imaging in these studies also showed increased activity in regions associated with memory and attention, offering a possible explanation for the cognitive gains participants reported.
It is worth noting that research in this field is still growing and scientists continue to investigate ideal session numbers, pressures and protocols. What the current evidence supports is the idea that HBOT for long COVID symptoms can be a valuable part of a broader recovery plan alongside healthy lifestyle habits and guidance from your healthcare provider.
What a Treatment Journey Looks Like
A typical session lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. You relax inside the chamber, breathe normally and can read, listen to music or simply rest while the pressurised environment does the work. Most people describe the experience as calm and comfortable.
Consistency matters more than intensity. Research protocols generally involve a series of sessions spread over several weeks, allowing the cumulative effects of improved oxygen delivery to build over time. Many people report gradual improvements in energy and mental clarity as their programme progresses.
Mild hyperbaric chambers operating between 1.1 and 1.4 ATA make this kind of regular schedule practical and accessible. Sessions can fit around work and family life, and home chambers allow people managing ongoing symptoms to maintain their routine without travelling to appointments.
In Conclusion
Long COVID can be frustrating precisely because it lingers after the infection itself has passed. Hyperbaric oxygen offers a promising supportive option, with research showing improvements in energy, cognition, sleep and overall wellbeing when sessions form part of a consistent recovery plan.
If you are ready to explore how oxygen therapy could support your recovery, we make it simple to get started. Book an mHBOT session at one of our treatment sites across South Africa through our easy online booking system, or request a free quote for your own home hyperbaric chamber and enjoy the benefits of regular sessions from the comfort of home.