Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a powerful medical treatment used to support healing in a range of conditions, including neurological injury, stroke, chronic wounds, and inflammatory conditions. By delivering oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure, HBOT increases oxygen availability to tissues, supporting cellular repair, angiogenesis, and recovery (Bennett et al., 2014; Weaver, 2014).
While the physiological mechanisms of HBOT are well established, research and clinical experience increasingly show that how a patient experiences treatment matters. Anxiety, stress, and autonomic nervous system activation can influence treatment tolerance, adherence, and overall therapeutic benefit (Efrati & Ben-Jacob, 2014; Thom, 2011). This is where music therapy may play a meaningful supportive role.
The Role of Stress and Regulation in Medical Treatment
Medical treatments—especially those involving enclosed spaces or extended sessions—can be stressful for many individuals. Claustrophobia, sensory overload, and anticipatory anxiety are not uncommon during HBOT. These stress responses activate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing heart rate, muscle tension, and perceived discomfort.
Music therapy has a strong evidence base for reducing anxiety and supporting autonomic regulation in medical settings. Research shows that music-based interventions can lower anxiety, promote parasympathetic nervous system activity, and improve overall patient comfort during medical procedures (Bradt et al., 2013; Thaut & Hoemberg, 2014).
Rather than altering the medical delivery of oxygen, music therapy may help create internal conditions that support treatment tolerance and engagement—allowing patients to remain calmer, more regulated, and better able to complete full HBOT sessions.
Music Therapy and Neurological Recovery
HBOT is frequently used in neurological contexts, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. In these populations, music therapy has also demonstrated benefits related to neuroplasticity, cognitive recovery, and emotional regulation.
Studies show that music listening and active music therapy interventions can enhance cognitive recovery and mood following stroke (Särkämö et al., 2008), and long-term engagement with music has been associated with structural and functional brain changes related to plasticity (Schlaug et al., 2005). These findings suggest that music therapy may be particularly relevant when HBOT is used as part of a neurological rehabilitation plan.
When thoughtfully integrated, music therapy may support neural engagement and emotional regulation during periods of increased oxygen availability—without making claims about altering oxygen delivery itself.
A Complementary, Patient-Centered Approach
It is important to be clear about scope of practice. Music therapy does not replace hyperbaric oxygen therapy, nor does it modify medical protocols. Instead, it functions as a complementary, patient-centered intervention that can support:
- Reduced anxiety during treatment
- Improved tolerance of enclosed or repetitive medical environments
- Greater likelihood of completing full treatment sessions
- Enhanced patient experience and sense of safety
Potential outcomes relevant to both music therapy and medical teams include anxiety reduction, treatment adherence, patient-reported experience, and physiological indicators such as heart rate variability (Bradt et al., 2013; Thaut & Hoemberg, 2014).
Collaboration Matters
The integration of music therapy into medical settings like hyperbaric clinics works best through interdisciplinary collaboration. Music therapists bring expertise in assessment, therapeutic use of music, and patient regulation, while medical providers oversee diagnosis and treatment delivery. Together, these perspectives can support more holistic, humane, and effective care.
As interest grows in patient-centered and integrative healthcare models, the relationship between music therapy and medical treatments such as HBOT represents a promising area for continued collaboration and clinical exploration.
Professional Presentation & Demonstration
The ideas discussed in this article were also presented in an educational presentation developed for Nature’s Healers Hyperbaric Clinic, exploring how music therapy principles may support patient comfort, regulation, and treatment tolerance within hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) settings.
- View the full presentation:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9CWXB1jI/8NQbglGBx5qKv3niXtPp4A/view?utm_content=DAG9CWXB1jI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h53314eb718 - Watch a brief demonstration:
https://www.canva.com/design/DAG9GqFa560/JV2SIbw1lcldueotk0aJqw/watch?utm_content=DAG9GqFa560&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h191afd3148
These materials were created for educational purposes and do not imply endorsement or clinical recommendation by Nature’s Healers Hyperbaric Clinic.
References
Bennett, M. H., Wasiak, J., Kranke, P., Schnabel, A., & French, C. (2014). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Bradt, J., Dileo, C., & Shim, M. (2013). Music interventions for preoperative anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Efrati, S., & Ben-Jacob, E. (2014). Reflections on the neurotherapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen. Progress in Neurobiology.
Schlaug, G., Norton, A., Overy, K., & Winner, E. (2005). Effects of music training on brain plasticity. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences.
Särkämö, T., Tervaniemi, M., Laitinen, S., et al. (2008). Music listening enhances cognitive recovery after stroke. Brain.
Thaut, M. H., & Hoemberg, V. (2014). Handbook of neurologic music therapy. Oxford University Press.
Thom, S. R. (2011). Hyperbaric oxygen: Its mechanisms and efficacy. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Weaver, L. K. (Ed.). (2014). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy indications. Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.
