Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Radiation Injury
Delayed radiation injuries — like wounds that won't heal, bone breakdown, or bladder and bowel issues — can be treated with oxygen-rich hyperbaric therapy. Fully covered by OHIP.
What Conditions Can Hyperbaric Therapy Help?
If you had radiation therapy and developed delayed injury symptoms — often months or years later — HBOT may help your body heal.
Soft Tissue Radionecrosis
Skin or soft-tissue wounds that won't heal, often months or years after radiation.
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN)
Breakdown of irradiated bone — most often the jaw — that struggles to heal on its own.
Radiation Cystitis
Bladder irritation and bleeding after pelvic radiation that standard care has not settled.
Radiation Proctitis
Inflammation, bleeding, and pain in the lower bowel after pelvic radiation.
Prevention Before Surgery or Dental Work
HBOT before and after surgery or dental work in a radiated area to protect healing.
How Hyperbaric Therapy Helps
Radiation damages the blood vessels and tissue in the treated area. HBOT works by repairing that damage at the cellular level.
Delivers high-concentration oxygen to tissue left starved of blood flow by radiation
Encourages the growth of healthy new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
Softens scarring and fibrosis so the area can finally begin to heal
Supports the body before and after reconstructive or dental surgery in irradiated areas
Evidence-Based Results
Published research and clinical trials show measurable improvement for radiation-injury patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen.
improvement in rectal bleeding from radiation proctitis
improvement in bleeding from radiation cystitis
Sources: Meta-analysis, HBOT for pelvic radiation bowel injury (Frontiers in Oncology, 2020); Systematic review & meta-analysis, HBOT for radiation cystitis (2024); Clarke et al., randomized controlled trial (2008); Cochrane systematic review (2023).
Could This Treatment Be Right for You?
You may be a candidate for OHIP-covered hyperbaric oxygen therapy if the following sound familiar. Your physician and our clinical team will confirm what's right for you.
- A wound or tissue problem in an area that was previously treated with radiation, with onset usually at least 6 months after your radiation ended
- A history of radiation therapy to the region (typically higher-dose treatment)
- The problem has not healed with standard, conservative care
- Planned reconstructive or dental surgery in a previously irradiated area, where HBOT can be used to protect healing
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Eligibility is always determined together with your referring physician.
Common Questions
Is this covered by OHIP?
Yes. For approved radiation injury indications, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is fully covered by OHIP — there are no out-of-pocket treatment costs for eligible patients. Patients can self-refer or have their doctor submit a referral.
What does a treatment feel like?
You relax inside our hyperbaric chamber and breathe 100% oxygen while the pressure gently increases — similar to the feeling in your ears on an airplane. Most people read, listen to music, or simply rest.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition. Many radiation injury courses run around 40 daily sessions, with your clinical team reviewing your progress along the way. We will explain your specific plan at your consultation.
How do I get started?
Ask your physician to send us a referral, submit a self-referral online, or call our team at (705) 302-6540 and we will help guide you through the process.
My radiation was years ago — is it too late?
Not at all. Delayed radiation injuries often appear months or even years after treatment ends. Because the damage is ongoing injury to tissue and blood vessels, treatment can happen at any time. If a problem has emerged long after your radiation, and you're not sure if hyperbaric therapy is a viable option, you can give us a call for a consultation.
What makes Simcoe Hyperbarics different?
Our care is physician-led and evidence-based. Our treatment centre is run by practicing physicians and delivered by a certified hyperbaric team, focused on the radiation-injury indications that hyperbaric oxygen is medically recognized and OHIP-approved to treat. You're cared for and monitored from your first consultation through every session.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
Have questions, or ready to begin? Call our team, or ask your physician to send a referral. We're here to help guide you through every step.
535 Bayfield Street, Unit A2, Barrie, ON L4M 4Z9
Email: admin@simcoehbot.ca
Free parking available