HBOT for Fibromyalgia — Print Summary

Early research (Efrati 2015, 2019) suggests HBOT may rebalance pain-related brain activity in fibromyalgia patients. Research-stage, off-label.

HBOT Hub — http://localhost:3003/conditions/fibromyalgia · Printed October 11, 2026 · Research · Off-label · Chronic pain

GRADE Evidence Rating

Efrati 2015 crossover trial supports symptom + brain-imaging benefit. Single research centre.

Overview

HBOT for fibromyalgia has been studied by the Efrati lab in two trials showing significant symptom reduction and measurable changes in brain activity on fMRI. The proposed mechanism involves normalisation of altered pain processing. Not yet UHMS-recognised.

How HBOT Works

HBOT may rebalance altered pain-related brain activity in fibromyalgia. The 2015 trial documented fMRI changes in brain regions involved in pain processing (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex) corresponding to clinical improvement. Mechanistic hypotheses include angiogenesis in previously hypoperfused regions, modulation of neuroinflammation, and effects on central pain-processing networks.

Clinical Protocol

Efrati protocol: 40 sessions at 2.0 ATA, 90 minutes each, 5 days per week over 8 weeks.

Cautions & Considerations

Typical protocol	40 sessions at 2.0 ATA
Evidence level	Early RCT — Promising
FDA / regulatory status	Not FDA-approved

Off-label; not covered by US insurance.
Response variable.
Not a substitute for established fibromyalgia management (medications, exercise, CBT).
Standard HBOT contraindications apply.

Key Research

Indexed studies

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Am I a candidate for HBOT for this condition given my medical history and current treatments?
What pressure (ATA) and session count would you recommend, and why?
Is treatment at this centre UHMS-accredited? What is the chamber type (monoplace or multiplace)?
What is the expected response rate and typical timeline for improvement?
What are the specific contraindications and side-effect risks in my case?
What is the expected cost and insurance coverage status?
What alternative or complementary treatments should I consider?
How will we measure whether treatment is working?