172 El Dorado St.
Monterey, CA 93940
167 Davis Lane - parking lot
Monterey's Premier Destination for Anti-Aging, Performance & Rejuvenation
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Monterey, CA
Lisa R. Kroopf, MD, Medical Director, Majestic MD Spa
Your body has a remarkable ability to heal itself, but sometimes it needs more oxygen to do the job. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a state-of-the-art treatment that uses pure oxygen in a pressurized environment to support healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall wellness.
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At Majestic MD Spa in Monterey, every HBOT protocol is designed and supervised by Dr. Lisa R. Kroopf, MD, a double board-certified physician specializing in regenerative wellness. As a physician certified in both Pain Medicine and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Dr. Kroopf brings direct expertise in recovery, tissue healing, and whole-body function to every treatment plan she designs.
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Whether you are recovering from surgery, looking for more energy and mental clarity, or exploring evidence-based strategies for healthy aging, your protocol is built around your specific goals.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a treatment where you breathe 100% pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The air pressure in the chamber is raised to 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric level. This allows your lungs to take in significantly more oxygen than they would under regular conditions.
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That extra oxygen dissolves directly into your blood plasma (the liquid part of your blood) and reaches tissues that normal red blood cell delivery cannot access easily. Areas with poor circulation, swelling, or damage receive a concentrated oxygen supply that supports the body's natural repair processes.
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HBOT may promote cellular repair by encouraging new blood vessel formation, supporting the immune response, and helping reduce inflammation at the tissue level. These are the same mechanisms your body already uses to heal. HBOT simply gives them more of what they need to work effectively.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, HBOT works by flooding the body with oxygen to promote healing in tissues where blood flow has been restricted or damaged. At Majestic MD Spa, HBOT is offered as a physician-designed and supervised wellness service for clients across the Monterey Peninsula, including those in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and Carmel Valley. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) is the leading professional organization for hyperbaric medicine and recognizes HBOT across a wide range of clinical and wellness applications.
How Does HBOT Work?
When you enter the hyperbaric chamber, the pressure gradually increases while you breathe pure oxygen. This combination creates powerful changes at the cellular level.
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Under increased pressure, oxygen saturates your plasma and can penetrate deep into tissues, including bone, cartilage, and areas where blood vessels have been compromised. This triggers several key biological responses:
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New blood vessel growth (angiogenesis). Your body builds new capillaries to deliver blood to oxygen-starved areas.
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White blood cell activation. Oxygen-enriched immune cells are better equipped to clear damaged tissue and support recovery.
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Collagen production. The building blocks of skin, connective tissue, and wound repair are stimulated by elevated oxygen levels.
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Stem cell mobilization. Research suggests that HBOT may increase the release of stem cells from bone marrow into the bloodstream.
The way oxygen levels shift between sessions may also play an important role. When oxygen levels rise during treatment and return to normal afterward, this cycle may encourage the body to activate its own repair and recovery processes over time.
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A 2021 analysis of 20 randomized clinical trials found that HBOT significantly accelerated wound healing and supported tissue recovery compared to standard care alone.
Benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Research continues to expand our understanding of how HBOT may support wellness and recovery. Here are the key benefits that current evidence supports.
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Accelerated Healing and Recovery
HBOT may speed up wound repair, support recovery after surgery,
and help active people bounce back from training or injury. The
increased oxygen delivery gives your body more of what it needs
to rebuild tissue.
Reduced Inflammation
Chronic inflammation, when your body's repair response stays active
longer than needed, is linked to a wide range of health concerns.
HBOT may help reduce inflammation by supporting the immune r
esponse and improving circulation to affected areas. This is one of the reasons Dr. Kroopf includes HBOT in many of her regenerative wellness protocols.
Improved Circulation
By encouraging new blood vessel growth, HBOT may improve oxygen delivery to areas with compromised blood flow. This is especially relevant for clients dealing with slow-healing injuries or reduced circulation.
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Energy and Mental Clarity
Many clients report improved cognitive clarity, focus, and energy levels after completing an HBOT protocol. Increased oxygen delivery to the brain may play a role in these effects.
Cellular Rejuvenation and Healthy Aging
A prospective clinical trial published in the journal Aging found that a series of
HBOT sessions increased telomere length by over 20% and decreased senescent
(aging) cells by 37% in healthy adults. Telomere shortening is considered one of
the hallmarks of biological aging.
Skin Health
A follow-up study by the same research team found that HBOT significantly
increased collagen density, elastic fiber length, and the number of blood
vessels in skin tissue, while senescent skin cells decreased. These changes may
support firmer, healthier-looking skin over time.
Immune System Support
Oxygen-dependent immune cells work more effectively in oxygen-rich environments. HBOT may enhance your body's ability to support overall immune function and recovery.
HBOT is offered as a wellness service at Majestic MD Spa. Your specific goals should be discussed during your visit with Dr. Kroopf.
What to Expect: Your HBOT Experience at Majestic MD Spa
Clients seeking HBOT at Majestic MD Spa include people recovering from surgery or injury, athletes looking for faster recovery, individuals experiencing low energy, and those interested in evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. No matter what brings you in, your experience starts with a conversation.
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Your First Visit
Before your first session, Dr. Kroopf or a member of her team will review your health history to make sure HBOT is appropriate for you and to tailor your protocol to your goals.
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Preparing for Treatment
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid lotions, perfumes, and petroleum-based products before your session. Leave electronics outside the chamber.
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During the Session
You will lie comfortably inside the hyperbaric chamber while breathing 100% oxygen. Sessions last 60 minutes. As the pressure increases, you may feel temporary fullness in your ears, similar to the sensation during airplane descent. Many clients read, listen to music, or simply relax during treatment.
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After the Session
Most clients return to normal activities immediately. You may feel relaxed and energized. Staying hydrated after your session is recommended.
Membership and Investment
HBOT sessions use 3 credits per visit in the Majestic MD membership system. A 10-session protocol requires 30 credits. Monthly memberships at the 25- or 50-credit level are the most cost-effective path for clients pursuing a full protocol, and additional credits can be purchased separately as needed. Contact us for current membership options and per-session pricing.
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Clients across the Monterey Peninsula, from Carmel-by-the-Sea to Pacific Grove, trust Dr. Kroopf to design their HBOT protocols.
Is HBOT Safe? Risks and Side Effects
HBOT has an excellent safety profile when administered under physician supervision using established protocols.
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Common mild effects that may occur during or shortly after a session include:
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Temporary ear pressure or fullness (similar to flying)
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Mild sinus discomfort
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Light fatigue after initial sessions
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These effects typically resolve on their own within hours.
Less common effects include temporary changes in near-vision, which usually reverse within days to weeks after completing treatment. A 2023 Cochrane systematic review confirmed that temporary visual changes and ear barotrauma are the most frequently reported side effects across 18 clinical studies.
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Rare risks include oxygen toxicity seizures. A 2025 retrospective study of 634 HBOT sessions in individuals with a history of seizures found only one seizure event, confirming that HBOT can be administered safely when proper protocols are followed.
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Certain conditions require evaluation before starting HBOT, which is why every new client's health history is reviewed before their first session. Dr. Kroopf monitors your response throughout your treatment protocol to ensure your safety and comfort at every stage.
Why Choose Majestic MD Spa for HBOT in Monterey
What makes Majestic MD Spa different isn't just that a physician supervises your care (that's true of any reputable HBOT provider). What makes this practice unique is what surrounds it: a comprehensive menu of physician-led regenerative and anti-aging therapies, all under one roof, designed around a single personalized longevity plan built specifically for you.
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Physician-Designed Longevity Plans
Dr. Lisa R. Kroopf, MD, is a double board-certified physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine. She doesn't just clear you for a session, she designs a customized longevity plan tailored to your goals, your body, and your timeline. HBOT is one powerful tool within that plan.
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Monterey's Only Physician-Led Regenerative Wellness Center
Majestic MD Spa is the only practice on the Monterey Peninsula where a board-certified physician oversees every regenerative wellness service, from HBOT to hormone optimization to IV vitamin therapy, as part of a unified, coordinated approach to your long-term wellness.
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Comprehensive Wellness Under One Roof
HBOT works even better as part of a broader wellness strategy. Dr. Kroopf often combines HBOT with complementary services to address multiple aspects of your health at once:
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IV vitamin therapy for nutrient delivery and cellular support
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Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) for hormonal balance
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PRP therapy for tissue regeneration
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NAD+ injection therapy for cellular energy
This multimodal approach reflects Dr. Kroopf's philosophy: long-term wellness is built one layer at a time, not through quick fixes.
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Evidence-Based Approach
Dr. Kroopf stays current with the latest HBOT research and adjusts protocols based on emerging evidence. Your care is informed by science, not trends.
Serving clients in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, and throughout the Monterey Peninsula.
Frequently asked questions
Schedule Your HBOT Appointment
Ready to explore how hyperbaric oxygen therapy may support your health and wellness goals? Book your appointment online or call us directly. If it would be helpful to speak with Dr. Kroopf before your first session, we can arrange that as part of your visit. Clients who want a comprehensive health assessment and a full personalized longevity plan can book a Wellness Consultation: a separate, dedicated appointment designed to build your complete care strategy from the ground up.
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Call: (831) 231-8586
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Majestic MD Spa
172 El Dorado St.
Monterey, CA 93940
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Getting here: Enter through the front entrance on El Dorado St. Parking is available via 167 Davis Lane.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. HBOT is used for wellness support at Majestic MD Spa, not as a treatment for disease. Results vary based on your body and lifestyle. Talk to a qualified physician before starting any new wellness therapy. The research cited studied specific populations and outcomes in controlled settings. Your results may differ.
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Last medically reviewed by Lisa R. Kroopf, MD, April 2026.