r/covidlonghaulers • u/Icy-Button2263 Mostly recovered • 1d ago
Symptom relief/advice Sharing My Research on Aviv Clinic's Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) — Hopeful, But Expensive
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share some research I’ve done on the Aviv Clinic and their approach to treating long COVID, brain fog, traumatic brain injuries, and other chronic neurological conditions. I know many of us are navigating the overwhelming world of healing options, and this is one of those clinics that caught my attention — both for the science behind it and the steep price tag.
What is Aviv Clinic?
Aviv Clinics, based in Florida (with other global locations), offers an advanced Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) protocol combined with cognitive and physical training, dietary coaching, and a personalized program targeting neurological recovery and cellular regeneration.
Their method is based on research published in peer-reviewed journals, including work out of Tel Aviv University. In a nutshell, their HBOT protocol uses fluctuating oxygen levels (including oxygen “dips”) to trigger the body’s natural regenerative processes — especially in the brain. They claim improvements in:
- Cognitive function (memory, focus, processing speed)
- Energy levels and physical performance
- PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety
- Long COVID symptoms, especially brain fog
- Post-concussion syndrome and mild traumatic brain injury
What Stood Out to Me
The most impressive thing was the brain imaging — SPECT scans and fMRIs — done before and after the 12-week program. Many patients show measurable improvements in brain activity, blood flow, and cognitive testing. For someone dealing with long COVID and/or neuroinflammation, that’s a huge deal.
They also provide baseline testing that’s far more in-depth than what many of us have access to through traditional providers. You don’t just get a “one-size-fits-all” oxygen session — it’s paired with tailored neurocognitive exercises, physical training, and diet coaching, which all reinforce the HBOT.
The Catch: The Price Tag
Unfortunately, the cost is absolutely out of reach for most people — around $60,000+ for the full 3-month protocol. It’s not covered by insurance since it’s considered elective or experimental outside of FDA-approved conditions.
That’s a hard pill to swallow. For many of us struggling with chronic illness, long COVID, or brain injury, we barely have the capacity to work — let alone pay tens of thousands for a treatment, no matter how promising.
My Take
I do think Aviv is doing something important by advancing HBOT beyond wound care and into the neurological space. The science is promising, and it’s given me hope that healing IS possible, even when mainstream medicine doesn’t have answers. But I also want to acknowledge the real frustration of discovering something so potentially life-changing, only to be blocked by finances.
If you’ve tried Aviv or any similar HBOT clinic with a more accessible model, please share your experience. I think we’re all trying to find the balance between hope, skepticism, and realistic options.
Wishing healing to all of us on this journey.
YouTube Video Explanation
I’ve attached a link to a YouTube video that explains their theory and protocol in detail, straight from their clinical team. It really helped me understand why their approach is different and what makes it potentially so effective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GDY_pBwmG4&t=2857s
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u/FourEightNineOneOne 23h ago
I'd rethink the plan. Far more reports of it worsening things on here than helping. And then, yeah, there's the cost which is bonkers.
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u/Cautious_Yard6668 1d ago
I tried HBOT for 10 sessions (2 weeks), but had to stop due to side effects. The whole treatment plan would have been 80 sessions for ca. 35.000 €. So for me personally HBOT was very promising, but it is like inflating a tire before having found the hole.
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u/Icy-Button2263 Mostly recovered 1d ago
Thank you for sharing your experience with HBOT. What kind of symptoms did you experience?
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u/Cautious_Yard6668 1d ago
My brain fog got worse. My neuropathy got worse (numb feet and hands). And I developed problems with my eardrum. My meds for clotting and inflammation work better I have to admit.
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u/Icy-Button2263 Mostly recovered 1d ago
Wow, you have been a wealth of information. What medications are you taking?
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u/Cautious_Yard6668 23h ago
Heparin shots for the clotting and ldn for the inflammation. Both in combination make me feel much better than HBOT (and it is cheaper btw). Magnesium and propionic acid. Before that I have tried every supplement under the sun, nothing worked.
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u/Such-Wind-6951 21h ago
35,000? 🫣
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u/Cautious_Yard6668 20h ago
Yea, ca. 385 € per session, plus some additional costs. And it is so hard to integrate it into a normal life with 2,5 h per session.
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u/Evening_Public_8943 22h ago
I've done 5 hbot sessions and my pem/brain fog/migraines/neck pain have improved extremely. I have to add that I was already mild before starting the treatment. I will do another 5 sessions. I hope that the improvement will last at least 6 months. A lot of people report that the symptoms come back once they stop..
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u/rarely_post_9 Recovered 4h ago
My long COVID doctor suggested HBOT, so I did my own research, which I summarized here:
Evaluating HBOT for Long COVID
The Aviv researchers have a mega conflict of interest with the studies you alluded to.
Aviv's promotion of fluctuating oxygen levels to improve treatment is suspect because breathing normal air is used to prevent oxygen poisoning. Reference: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/complications-of-hyperbaric-oxygen-treatment "You may need to take short breaks during the therapy and breathe normal air. This can prevent tissues in the body from taking in too much oxygen."
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u/Valuable_Mix1455 3 yr+ 23h ago
I did 40 sessions. It somewhat alleviated fatigue and then after a month of stopping I crashed hard. Not worth the cost