For centuries, the idea of harnessing pressurized environments for health benefits has captured the imagination of medical pioneers. What began as a speculative concept in the 1600s has transformed into one of the most advanced and effective therapies available today: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). At Encompass Healthcare, we proudly carry forward this rich history—combining proven science with modern innovation to improve patient outcomes.
The Origins: A Bold Vision in the 17th Century
The story of the hyperbaric chamber begins in 1662, when British physician Nathaniel Henshaw introduced the concept of the “domicilium.” This sealed wooden structure, powered by organ bellows, was designed to alter air pressure for therapeutic benefit. Although oxygen itself would not be discovered until over a century later, Henshaw recognized that changes in atmospheric pressure could influence health—particularly for respiratory and digestive conditions (PMC). Some historians debate whether his chamber was ever physically built, suggesting it may have existed only as a forward-thinking proposal (PubMed).
By the late 1600s, the scientific curiosity surrounding pressurized environments was growing. In 1670, Robert Boyle—one of the fathers of modern chemistry—documented the effects of pressure on living tissue, noting visible changes during experiments with animals in vacuum chambers.
Pneumatic Therapy and Early Expansion in the 19th Century
Interest in hyperbaric environments resurged in the 1830s, particularly in France. Physicist Victor T. Junod developed a pressurized chamber capable of reaching four atmospheres, which was promoted for treating respiratory conditions and improving general health (Hyperbarium). Across Europe and the United States, “pneumatic institutes” and “compressed air baths” became popular attractions in major cities. While the exact medical benefits were still under investigation, these facilities represented an important step toward recognizing the therapeutic potential of altered air pressure.
Engineering Meets Medicine: Lessons from Industry
The late 19th century brought new urgency to understanding pressure’s effects—this time from the world of engineering. Construction projects using pressurized caissons, such as bridge foundations and underwater tunnels, exposed workers to “caisson disease” (now known as decompression sickness). Symptoms ranged from joint pain to paralysis and even death. This condition also plagued deep-sea divers, prompting physicians and engineers to develop early recompression chambers to safely reverse the effects. These industrial experiences laid the groundwork for using hyperbaric chambers in medical treatment.
The Shift to Hyperbaric Oxygen
As steel manufacturing and precision engineering advanced in the early 20th century, hyperbaric chambers became stronger, safer, and more precise. The most significant shift occurred when oxygen replaced compressed air as the primary therapeutic gas. This marked the official beginning of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—using high-concentration oxygen in a pressurized environment to accelerate healing and improve outcomes.
In 1937, researchers Albert Behnke and Louis Shaw pioneered HBOT for treating decompression sickness, offering a life-saving intervention for divers and industrial workers alike. Over time, HBOT expanded into treating carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, and complex wound healing.
Validation Through Science
While the early years of HBOT were promising, some practitioners oversold its benefits, claiming it could cure a wide range of unrelated conditions. This led to skepticism within the medical community and highlighted the need for rigorous scientific validation. The turning point came in the 1960s, when clinical research began to establish HBOT’s effectiveness for specific, well-defined conditions.
In 1967, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) was formed to set research standards, develop safety protocols, and train hyperbaric professionals (Penn Medicine). That same decade, the National Fire Protection Association created safety guidelines for HBOT facilities, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers began regulating “Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy” (PVHOs), ensuring chambers met strict engineering standards.
HBOT Today: A Legacy of Innovation
Now recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for 13 medical conditions—including chronic wounds, severe burns, and decompression sickness—HBOT continues to evolve. Ongoing research explores its potential in neurological recovery after stroke, treatment of traumatic brain injury, and symptom management for long COVID.
One of the most exciting modern insights involves the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox, in which controlled fluctuations in oxygen levels trigger the body’s regenerative processes. By precisely managing oxygen delivery, HBOT can:
- Increase oxygen saturation in the blood
- Accelerate tissue repair
- Enhance brain and body recovery mechanisms
At Encompass Healthcare, we stand at the forefront of this remarkable medical tradition. Our state-of-the-art hyperbaric chambers blend advanced engineering with patient-centered care—continuing a story that began over 350 years ago with a visionary idea.
Credible References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7827759
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38985147
- https://hyperbarium.com/en/blog/history-of-hyperbaric-therapy
- https://www.med.upenn.edu/pennhyperbarics/history-at-penn