By Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP
We’ve all experienced some of the more unpleasant side effects of aging: Forgetting the name of a song, groaning when we bend over to pick up an object, or struggling to keep up with the kids or grandkids. As we age, maintaining brain health, mobility, and overall vitality all become much higher priorities than they were in our youth.
One specific therapy has drawn recent attention for its potential to help us preserve cognitive function, support recovery, and optimize wellness, especially in older adults. Published clinical research indicates that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help the brain recover after stroke or traumatic brain injury, support neurological conditions like PTSD, and even reverse the effects of aging deep within our cells.
But as interest in HBOT grows, so does a common concern: How can you be sure a hyperbaric clinic is safe and effective?
As a physician who has guided thousands of patients through hyperbaric oxygen therapy, I know how overwhelming it can feel to choose the right clinic. To make the process easier, here are five essential questions you can ask to feel confident in your care decision.
1. Is the Facility Accredited?
Not all hyperbaric care and equipment is created equally. There are thousands of facilities that offer oxygen treatment, but their commitment to medical oversight, safety, and staff training can vary significantly. Standards vary widely from state to state, and regulations often go unenforced.
For patients, especially seniors, safety is paramount. Treatments involve pressurized oxygen, which must be carefully monitored to avoid complications or safety risks.
Independent accreditation shows that a clinic meets rigorous standards for patient safety, medical protocols, staff qualifications, and facility maintenance. In hyperbaric medicine, accreditation by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is recognized as the gold standard. Fewer than 150 clinics in the United States hold this accreditation, which is the only hyperbaric certification recognized by The Joint Commission.
Recently, Aviv Clinics in The Villages earned UHMS accreditation, making it the first U.S. center focused primarily on neurological and aging-related conditions to achieve this distinction.
2. Is a Trained Physician Present During Every Session?
Before choosing a clinic, it’s also important to understand the level of medical oversight provided. Like any medical intervention, hyperbaric oxygen therapy carries risk. At a minimum, clinics should provide on-site physician supervision during every session to manage any medical issues that may arise.
Every hyperbaric session at Aviv Clinics is supervised by physicians trained in hyperbaric medicine, with medical personnel inside the HBOT suite throughout treatment. These practices ensure that safety is maintained at every step, providing peace of mind for patients and their families.
3. Are the Treatment Protocols Based on Clinical Research?
The science behind a clinic’s hyperbaric protocols matters. Facilities led by physician-scientists who conduct clinical trials are more likely to deliver safe, evidence-based treatment.
The protocols used at Aviv Clinics are the result of nearly two decades of research and peer-reviewed studies. CEO and Chief Medical Officer Amir Hadanny, MD, PhD, has dedicated his career to studying HBOT’s effects on the brain and body and translating that research into patient care. This combination of science and clinical expertise ensures that treatments are refined according to the latest scientific evidence.
4. Will My Care Plan Be Personalized to My Needs?
Every patient’s needs and treatment goals are unique. Avoid clinics that offer one-size-fits-all HBOT programs. Clinics that perform thorough pre-treatment evaluations of your physical, cognitive, and neurological function are far more likely to deliver meaningful results.
Thorough cognitive, neurological, and physical assessments guide the individualized treatment plans offered at Aviv Clinics. Therapy is tailored to each client’s goals and health profile. This level of personalized care ensures that HBOT is used strategically, maximizing its benefits for both brain and body.
5. Does the Program Include Multiple Therapies to Help My Results Stick?
Evidence suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy works best as part of a holistic approach. Programs that combine HBOT with lifestyle interventions, targeted physical training, nutrition guidance, and daily cognitive training create an environment that supports lasting improvements.
The multidisciplinary Aviv Medical Program blends an evidence-based HBOT protocol with tailored physical, cognitive, and nutritional strategies. This holistic approach bolsters the effects of HBOT, helping clients see tangible improvements in brain function, physical mobility, and overall vitality.
Choose Your Care With Confidence
If you’re exploring hyperbaric oxygen therapy, knowing what questions to ask can make all the difference. Accreditation and medical oversight are strong indicators of quality, safety, and expertise. UHMS accreditation shows that treatments meet rigorous standards, and research-driven protocols and personalized programs help deliver tangible benefits.
Adults seeking safe, evidence-based hyperbaric care can feel confident when they are in the hands of physicians who not only practice hyperbaric medicine but helped develop the standards of care in the field. Choosing a clinic that combines accreditation, medical oversight, research leadership, individualized care, and a comprehensive program provides the peace of mind everyone deserves while pursuing an active, vibrant life.
About Dr. Elamir:
Dr. Mohammed Elamir (“Dr. Mo” to his patients) is a board-certified internal medicine physician specialized in hyperbaric oxygen therapy. He holds more than a decade of clinical experience treating complex, chronic medical conditions, with a specialized focus on brain health, cognitive function, and neurologic recovery.
At Aviv Clinics in The Villages, Dr. Elamir works closely with patients experiencing stroke-related cognitive decline, post-concussion syndrome, traumatic brain injury (TBI), early dementia, and age-related changes in memory, attention, and executive function. Aviv Clinics is the most active hyperbaric facility in the nation and the only independently operated UHMS-accredited clinic in Florida.
352-488-2848 | aviv-clinics.com