Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Oxygenoterapie RIC takes place in an OT1020 inflatable pressurised chamber in central Pardubice, pressurised to 1.3 bar — equivalent to a depth of roughly 14 metres below the water surface. At this elevated pressure, oxygen delivered via mask or oxygen glasses dissolves directly into blood plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and lymph, reaching hypoxic tissues and cells that red blood cells alone cannot access under normal atmospheric conditions. Sessions run 60 minutes, during which clients can use their phone or tablet on the clinic's WiFi, rest, or nap. The two specialist therapists, Bc. Martin Bezdíček MBA and Ondřej Janik, recommend a minimum series of 30 sessions at twice-weekly frequency for measurable therapeutic benefit. Children under 15 are welcomed alongside one parent for a single session fee, making this an accessible route for families exploring HBOT for developmental, neurological, or respiratory support.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at Oxygenoterapie RIC is delivered in the basement of the historic Dům techniky building on náměstí Republiky — Pardubice's central square — making it one of the most conveniently located soft-chamber HBOT facilities in the East Bohemia region. The chamber in use is the OT1020 model, a portable inflatable design that is pressurised by an air compressor to 1.3 bar above atmospheric pressure. At this pressure level, a dedicated oxygen generator produces concentrated oxygen (approaching 100% purity) that is supplied continuously throughout the session via a comfortable face mask or oxygen glasses (kyslíkové brýle), allowing the client to breathe deeply without discomfort. The physiological basis of hyperbaric oxygen therapy rests on Henry's Law: at increased pressure, gases dissolve into liquids in greater quantities. By pressurising the chamber to 1.3 bar and simultaneously supplying high-concentration oxygen, the treatment raises the partial pressure of oxygen breathed by the client to several times its normal atmospheric value. This forces far more oxygen to dissolve into blood plasma and other body fluids — not just haemoglobin-bound oxygen in red blood cells — enabling it to reach tissues that are poorly perfused or hypoxic due to inflammation, vascular compromise, or injury. The brain, muscles, connective tissue, and gut all benefit from this enhanced oxygen delivery, particularly in conditions characterised by chronic low-grade cellular hypoxia. At RIC, the primary client groups include families with children on the autism spectrum (PAS), where published research and the clinic's own testimonials indicate benefits for communication, attention, behavioural regulation, and sleep quality after 20 to 30 sessions. Other indications addressed by the clinic include respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma, post-pneumonia recovery), chronic fatigue and post-viral sequelae (including post-COVID breathing difficulties, as documented in a client testimonial), tissue healing (chronic wounds, burns, post-surgical recovery), and general regeneration and immune support. A standard session lasts 60 minutes, with 90-minute sessions available by arrangement. Clients enter the fully sealed chamber in comfortable clothing, and the pressure is gently raised over a few minutes — a sensation similar to the ear-popping experienced during aircraft descent. Once at target pressure, clients can read, watch video on a phone or tablet (WiFi is provided), rest quietly, or nap. The pressure is released gradually at the end of the session, again with an ear-equalisation sensation. No special preparation is required for most clients, and the session leaves no residual fatigue. The recommended therapeutic protocol is a minimum of 30 sessions, delivered at twice-weekly frequency for best results, though clients with specific goals (e.g., post-COVID rehabilitation or autism support) may benefit from more intensive scheduling in consultation with the therapist. Pricing at RIC reflects its non-profit ethos: a single session costs 650 Kč, while a 10-session permanentka reduces the per-session cost to 500 Kč — a 23 percent saving. Gift vouchers covering a 10-session series are available at 5,000 Kč. A particularly family-friendly policy applies to children under 15: any child may accompany one adult into the chamber and undergo the full session alongside the adult, with only a single adult session fee charged. This makes RIC one of the most accessible options in Central Bohemia for parents seeking joint therapeutic exposure for themselves and their children. Booking is handled directly by phone or email with Bc. Martin Bezdíček or Ondřej Janik; the clinic operates Monday to Friday 08:00–18:00 with individual appointment times by arrangement. Contraindications for soft hyperbaric oxygen therapy at 1.3 bar include active untreated pneumothorax, severe claustrophobia, middle-ear conditions where pressure equalisation is not possible, and active uncontrolled bleeding. Pregnancy and certain cardiac conditions should be discussed with the therapist before booking. Because the pressure level at RIC is in the mild-hyperbaric range (1.3 bar rather than clinical 2.0–2.4 bar chambers), many of the absolute contraindications relevant to medical-grade HBOT do not apply — the clinic screens clients verbally at intake.