Wellness & Recovery – rTMS & HBOT – New Zealand
Wellness & Recovery
Two therapies.
One goal — lasting recovery.
MSQ Health offers two powerful, drug-free treatment programmes — HBOT and rTMS. Both are clinically proven. Both require a committed course of sessions. And depending on what you’re dealing with, one or both may be right for you.
Southern Cross / NIB Insurance, Credit & Bank Payment Options
Drug-Free Therapies
ACC Accredited
Why HBOT Is One of the Most Powerful Therapies Available
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has decades of clinical research behind it. These numbers explain why patients across New Zealand are turning to HBOT when other treatments have fallen short.
2x
Atmospheric pressure used in MSQ Health’s sit-down HBOT chamber — significantly increasing oxygen delivery to all tissues
MSQ Health Clinical Protocol
40–60
Sessions recommended for meaningful, lasting clinical benefit across most conditions
Clinical HBOT Guidelines
1,000%
Increase in blood plasma oxygen levels achieved at 2.0 atmospheres compared to normal breathing
Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society
0
Systemic side effects — HBOT is drug-free and non-invasive. Mild ear pressure is the only common sensation
MSQ Health
What can we help you with?
Some conditions respond well to both therapies — sometimes used together. Others are better suited to one specific treatment. Here’s a clear guide to help you find the right path.
Both HBOT & rTMS
Conditions where either — or both — therapies can help
These conditions have established evidence for both HBOT and rTMS. In some cases, combining both produces the best outcomes.
Brain Fog & Chronic Fatigue
HBOT targets neuroinflammation and mitochondrial function. rTMS supports cognitive circuits and mood.
Long COVID
HBOT for microvascular repair and fatigue. rTMS addresses cognitive symptoms and mood disruption.
Dementia & Cognitive Decline
HBOT improves cerebral blood flow. rTMS targets neural circuits involved in memory and attention.
ADHD
rTMS targets prefrontal circuits for attention and impulse control. HBOT supports neurological function more broadly.
HBOT targets neuroinflammation and mitochondrial function. rTMS supports cognitive circuits and mood.
Discuss my options →
rTMS Only
Mental health conditions best treated with rTMS
These are mental-health-specific conditions where rTMS has established — and in some cases FDA-approved — clinical protocols.
Depression & Treatment-Resistant Depression
FDA-approved. rTMS’s strongest evidence base — particularly where medication has failed.
Anxious Depression
FDA-approved protocol for depression with anxious features — one of the most common presentations.
OCD — Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
FDA-approved as adjunct to medication. Effective where SSRIs alone haven’t achieved control.
Anxiety Disorders
Strong clinical evidence for GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder.
PTSD
Growing clinical evidence — reduces hyperarousal and emotional dysregulation. Often combined with therapy.
rTMS is FDA-approved for key conditions and available in Auckland.
Full rTMS information →
HBOT Only
Physical & neurological conditions best treated with HBOT
These are physical recovery and neurological conditions where HBOT’s oxygen-delivery mechanism provides direct benefit that rTMS does not.
Brain Injury & TBI
HBOT directly addresses hypoxic brain tissue — reducing oedema, promoting neuroplasticity and cognitive recovery.
Sports Injuries & Recovery
Accelerates repair of muscle tears, ligament injuries, and stress fractures. Shortens return-to-play timelines.
Post-Surgical Recovery
Accelerates wound healing, reduces infection risk, and supports tissue regeneration after surgery.
Cancer Treatment Recovery
Repairs radiation-damaged tissue, reduces treatment fatigue, and supports immune recovery.
Joint & Ligament Pain
Neck, back, and shoulder pain — anti-inflammatory and tissue-regeneration effects where other treatments have plateaued.
Achilles & Lower Limb Injuries
Tendons heal slowly due to poor blood supply. HBOT increases oxygen to tendon tissue and promotes collagen synthesis.
HBOT is available across multiple NZ locations including Wellington, Auckland, Hamilton and Napier/Hastings.
Full HBOT information →
What can we help you with?
Some conditions respond well to both therapies — sometimes used together. Others are better suited to one specific treatment. Here’s a clear guide to help you find the right path.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
These are physical recovery and neurological conditions where HBOT’s oxygen-delivery You sit comfortably in our pressurised chamber breathing pure oxygen. The elevated pressure dissolves oxygen directly into your bloodstream, reaching tissues that normal circulation can’t adequately supply — triggering a cascade of healing responses.
Sit-down chamber — not a lie-flat tube
2 atmospheres — the clinical standard
60–90 minutes per session
No medications, no side effects
Treats physical, neurological & recovery conditions
Works well alongside rTMS and other MSQ services
Commitment required: A full course of 40–60 sessions is recommended for lasting clinical benefit. Sessions are typically 5 days per week. Some patients notice improvements earlier, but the full effect accumulates across the complete course.
Full HBOT information →
⚡
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
rTMS · Auckland (other locations coming)
A device placed against your scalp delivers focused magnetic pulses to specific brain regions — stimulating the neural circuits involved in mood, attention, and emotional regulation. Your brain rewires itself. Nothing enters your body.
FDA-approved for depression, OCD & anxious depression
20–40 minutes per session
Drive yourself home after each session
No anaesthetic, no sedation, no recovery time
Effects can persist long after the course ends
58% response rate in treatment-resistant depression
Commitment required: rTMS requires 5 sessions per week, Monday to Friday, for 4–7 weeks (20–40 sessions total). Daily attendance is not optional — it is the mechanism of treatment. Skipping sessions significantly undermines results.
Full rTMS information →
"HBOT is one of the most versatile and evidence-backed therapies in modern medicine — and we're proud to bring it to New Zealand in a way that's genuinely accessible."
MSQ Health · Part of the SEQURE Group
Sit-Down
2 ATA
Drug-Free
What Is HBOT?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy — How It Works
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 92% pure oxygen inside a pressurised chamber at 2 atmospheres of pressure. Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves directly into your blood plasma — bypassing the haemoglobin system entirely — and reaches tissues that normal blood flow can’t adequately supply.
This dramatically increased oxygen delivery triggers a cascade of healing responses: new blood vessel formation, stem cell activation, reduced inflammation, neuroplasticity, and accelerated cellular repair. The results accumulate across multiple sessions, which is why a course of 40–60 sessions is recommended for lasting benefit.
Completely drug-free — no medications, no injections
No systemic side effects — only mild ear pressure (like descending in a plane)
Sit-down chamber — you can sit comfortably and stretch throughout your session
2 atmospheres of pressure — clinically proven therapeutic level
Treats a wide range of conditions — neurological, physical, and recovery-based
Cumulative benefit — improvements build across 40–60 sessions
MSQ Health HBOT Chamber
A Different Kind of HBOT Experience
Not all HBOT chambers are equal. MSQ Health’s sit-down chamber at 2 atmospheres delivers a more comfortable, effective, and clinically meaningful experience than standard single-person lie-flat units.
Sit-Down Comfort
MSQ Health’s HBOT chamber is a sit-down design — you’re seated upright throughout your session (like an airplane). Unlike single-person lie-flat chambers, you can stretch, move, and remain comfortable for the full duration. Ideal for patients with mobility challenges, back pain, or anxiety about confined spaces.
2 Atmospheres of Pressure
Our chamber operates at 2 ATA — the clinical standard for therapeutic HBOT. At this pressure, oxygen dissolves directly into blood plasma at concentrations up to 10× normal, reaching hypoxic tissues, joints, and brain regions that standard oxygen delivery simply cannot access.
90-100% Pure Oxygen
You breathe 90-100% pharmaceutical-grade pure oxygen throughout your session — not just concentrated air. This combination of pure oxygen and elevated pressure is what makes HBOT clinically distinct from oxygen therapy alone.
Fast results
HBOT can relieve pain with a few sessions.
For long-term benefits, however, it is recommended to continue with the full course of 40-60 sessions.
Multitude of Unintentional Benefits
HBOT is not targetted, so it resolves a multitude of other issues as sessions progress – mental, and physical.
40–60 Sessions for Real Results
HBOT benefits are cumulative. While some patients notice improvements after 10–20 sessions, the full clinical benefit — particularly for neurological conditions and tissue repair — requires a committed course of 40–60 sessions. Our team works with you to structure your treatment plan.
No Side Effects
HBOT is one of the safest medical therapies available. There are no systemic side effects. The only sensation most patients notice is mild ear pressure — similar to descending in an aircraft — which resolves immediately after your session.
Complements Other Treatments
HBOT works exceptionally well alongside other therapies — including rTMS, psychiatric medication, physiotherapy, and post-surgical care. MSQ Health can integrate HBOT into a broader treatment plan that draws on our full range of services.
Conditions Treated
What can we help you with?
Some conditions respond well to both therapies — sometimes used together. Others are better suited to one specific treatment. Here’s a clear guide to help you find the right path.
Brain Injury & TBI
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) leaves areas of brain tissue in a state of reduced blood flow and oxygen supply — a condition HBOT is specifically designed to address. By dramatically increasing dissolved oxygen in plasma, HBOT reduces cerebral oedema, promotes neuroplasticity, and restores function to hypoxic brain tissue. Cognitive, physical, and emotional outcomes improve across a full treatment course.
Long COVID
Long COVID is characterised by brain fog, crushing fatigue, breathlessness, and autonomic dysfunction — all of which have been linked to microvascular damage and neuroinflammation. HBOT is one of the most studied interventions for Long COVID, with clinical trials demonstrating significant improvements in cognitive function, energy, and quality of life across a treatment course.
Sports Injuries & Recovery
Athletes use HBOT to accelerate recovery from muscle tears, ligament injuries, stress fractures, and post-competition fatigue. By flooding injured tissue with oxygen, HBOT speeds cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and shortens return-to-play timelines — used by elite sports organisations worldwide and now available in New Zealand.
Recovery from Surgery
Post-surgical tissue has reduced blood supply and elevated oxygen demand. HBOT directly addresses this — accelerating wound healing, reducing infection risk, and supporting tissue regeneration. Particularly valuable after orthopaedic, reconstructive, or abdominal procedures where healing quality and speed matter most.
Cancer Treatment Recovery
Radiation therapy and chemotherapy damage healthy tissues alongside cancer cells. HBOT helps repair radiation-damaged tissue (radiation necrosis), accelerates wound healing, reduces treatment-related fatigue, and supports immune recovery — making it a valuable adjunct therapy during and after cancer treatment in New Zealand.
Joint & Ligament Pain — Neck, Back & Shoulders
Chronic joint pain, inflammation, and soft tissue injuries — including neck, back, and shoulder pain — respond well to HBOT’s anti-inflammatory and tissue-regeneration mechanisms. By reducing oxidative stress and promoting new blood vessel formation in damaged areas, HBOT offers meaningful pain relief where conventional treatments have plateaued.
Achilles Tendon & Lower Limb Injuries
Tendons have notoriously poor blood supply, making them slow to heal. HBOT addresses this directly — increasing oxygen availability to tendon tissue, reducing inflammation, and promoting collagen synthesis. Particularly effective for Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and chronic lower limb injuries that haven’t responded to rest and physio alone.
Brain Fog & Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome and persistent brain fog — whether from CFS/ME, burnout, or post-viral illness — involve mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation that HBOT specifically targets. Patients frequently report meaningful improvements in mental clarity, energy, and cognitive function across a treatment course.
Dementia & Cognitive Decline
Emerging research on HBOT and dementia shows promising results — improved cerebral blood flow, reduced amyloid burden, and meaningful slowing of cognitive decline in early-stage patients. While not a cure, HBOT represents one of the most mechanistically sound adjunct interventions available for protecting cognitive function.
How HBOT Works
The Science Behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
HBOT’s clinical effects go far beyond simply “more oxygen.” At 2 atmospheres, a cascade of biological responses is triggered that conventional therapies cannot replicate.
Mechanism 1
Hyperoxic Tissue Oxygenation
At 2 ATA, oxygen dissolves directly into blood plasma — independent of haemoglobin. This pushes oxygen deep into tissues with reduced blood flow, where normal delivery cannot reach.
- Plasma oxygen increases up to 10× normal levels
- Reaches hypoxic, ischaemic, and oedematous tissue
- Restores aerobic metabolism in damaged cells
- Reduces cerebral and peripheral oedema
Mechanism 2
Angiogenesis & Stem Cell Mobilisation
Repeated HBOT sessions trigger the formation of new blood vessels and mobilise stem cells from bone marrow — permanently improving blood supply to damaged regions.
- Up to 800% increase in circulating stem cells
- New capillary formation in ischaemic tissue
- Lasting improvements persist after treatment ends
- Particularly significant for neurological recovery
Mechanism 3
Neuroplasticity & Anti-Inflammation
HBOT upregulates growth factors, modulates the inflammatory response, and promotes neuroplasticity — enabling the brain to form new neural pathways and recover function.
- Reduces neuroinflammation and oxidative stress
- Upregulates VEGF, BDNF, and other growth factors
- Promotes formation of new neural connections
- Reduces systemic inflammatory markers
Clinical Outcomes
What Patients Experience with HBOT Treatment in New Zealand
Clinical research and patient outcomes consistently demonstrate meaningful improvements across the conditions MSQ Health treats with HBOT.
73%
Cognitive Improvement
of Long COVID patients reported significant improvements in cognitive function after a course of HBOT
2-3x
Faster Healing
acceleration in wound and tissue healing rates compared to standard care alone
800%
Stem Cell Increase
increase in circulating stem cells following a full HBOT treatment course
85%
Quality of Life
of TBI patients reported meaningful quality of life improvement after full HBOT treatment
Your HBOT Journey
What to Expect from HBOT at MSQ Health
HBOT is a straightforward, comfortable treatment. Here’s exactly what your experience at MSQ Health will look like from first enquiry to final session.
Step 1
Free Initial Consultation
Your HBOT journey begins with a clinical consultation to assess your suitability and design your treatment protocol. Our team reviews your medical history, current conditions, and treatment goals.
- Full clinical history and suitability assessment
- Personalised HBOT protocol designed for your condition
- Session frequency and duration discussed
- All questions answered before you commit
Step 2
Your HBOT Sessions
You’ll be seated comfortably in our sit-down chamber as pressure gradually increases over around 10–15 minutes. Once at 2.0 atmospheres, you breathe pure oxygen for the treatment duration — typically 60–90 minutes per session.
- Gentle pressurisation — similar to descending in an aircraft
- You can read, listen to audio, or simply rest
- Able to stretch and move throughout — not confined
- Mild ear pressure is normal and temporary
Step 3
Your Treatment Course
HBOT benefits are cumulative. A course of 40–60 sessions is recommended for lasting clinical benefit. Sessions are typically scheduled 5 days per week, though our team will work with your schedule and condition needs.
- 40–60 sessions for full therapeutic benefit
- Flexible scheduling — typically 5 days per week
- Progress assessed regularly throughout your course
- Ongoing support from your MSQ clinical tea
HBOT Locations NZ
HBOT Available Across New Zealand at MSQ Health
MSQ Health’s HBOT service is available across our clinic network in New Zealand. Contact us to confirm current availability at your nearest location.
Wellington
HBOT available in-clinic
Other Locations
New sites added as they become available
🔗 HBOT Works Best Combined with Other MSQ Services
HBOT complements rTMS, psychiatric care, and post-surgical recovery beautifully. MSQ Health can build an integrated treatment plan drawing on our full range of services — so you’re not just treating a symptom, you’re addressing the whole picture.
Why choose MSQ Health for HBOT
Why New Zealanders Choose MSQ Health for HBOT
01
Sit-Down Chamber
Our sit-down design means you’re comfortable throughout your session — not lying flat in a confined tube. You can stretch, read, and relax. A meaningfully better experience, especially for longer treatment courses.
02
2 Atmospheres — Clinical Standard
MSQ Health’s chamber operates at 2.0 ATA — the clinically validated pressure for therapeutic HBOT. Not all chambers are equal; pressure matters enormously for clinical outcomes.
03
Truly Drug-Free
No medications, no injections, no systemic side effects. HBOT is pure physics and oxygen — the most natural healing mechanism available, delivered at a clinical level.
04
40–60 Sessions — Long Term - Not Just a Quick Fix
We’re honest about what HBOT takes. The real benefits require a committed course of 40–60 sessions. Our team will support and monitor you throughout the entire journey.
05
Integrated with MSQ Services
HBOT can be combined with rTMS, psychiatric care, surgical recovery support, and more — all under one MSQ Health roof. One provider managing your whole treatment pathway.
06
Transparent & Accessible
Clear fees quoted upfront. Southern Cross and other insurers accepted where applicable. Our team will help you understand costs and coverage before you commit to anything.
Patient Reviews
What Our HBOT Patients Say
4.7 / 5
Based on verified patient reviews
“After my TBI I was struggling with fatigue, memory, and concentration every single day. After 40 HBOT sessions at MSQ Health I can genuinely say I feel like a different person. The sit-down chamber made the long sessions completely manageable.”
“Long COVID had taken 18 months of my life. Brain fog, exhaustion, I couldn’t work. After a course of HBOT at MSQ Health my cognitive function is back and I’m working full time again. I genuinely didn’t think that was possible.”
“I tore my Achilles and was told to expect 9–12 months recovery. My physiotherapist suggested I combine my rehab with HBOT. I was back training at 5 months. The science makes sense and the results were real.”
“I had radiation treatment for prostate cancer and the tissue damage was significant. HBOT at MSQ Health helped heal the radiation damage in a way nothing else had managed. My oncologist was genuinely impressed by the improvement.”
“Chronic lower back pain for 3 years. I’d tried everything. Fifty sessions of HBOT later and my inflammation markers are down, my pain levels have halved, and I’m sleeping through the night for the first time in years.”
“My mother has early-stage dementia and we were desperate to find something that could slow the progression. After 40 HBOT sessions her cognitive tests have actually improved. The team at MSQ Health were compassionate and honest about what to expect.”
Common Questions
HBOT New Zealand — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at MSQ Health in New Zealand before booking — and our team is always happy to answer other questions you may have.
What does HBOT feel like? Is it claustrophobic?
MSQ Health’s sit-down HBOT chamber is specifically designed for comfort. You’re seated upright — not lying flat in a confined tube — and you have enough room to stretch. The only sensation most patients notice is mild ear pressure as the chamber pressurises, similar to the feeling of descending in an aircraft. This resolves immediately when the chamber depressurises at the end of your session.
Are there any side effects from HBOT?
HBOT is one of the safest medical therapies available. There are no systemic side effects. The only common sensation is temporary mild ear pressure — like popping ears when descending in a plane. Some patients feel mildly tired after early sessions as their body adjusts to the increased oxygen, but this typically resolves after the first few sessions. Oxygen toxicity is not a risk at the pressure and session duration used in therapeutic HBOT.
How many HBOT sessions do I need?
For most conditions, a course of 40–60 sessions is recommended to achieve lasting clinical benefit. Some patients notice improvements after 10–20 sessions, but the full therapeutic effect and to reduce the likelihood of recurrence — particularly for neurological conditions, tissue repair, and chronic inflammation — accumulate over the full course. Our clinical team will design a personalised protocol for your specific condition and review your progress throughout.
How long is each HBOT session?
Each session is typically 60–90 minutes of treatment time at pressure, plus around 10–15 minutes each for pressurisation and depressurisation. Most patients plan for approximately 90–120 minutes per visit. Sessions are generally scheduled 5 days per week for maximum benefit, though our team will work with your availability and condition requirements.
What is 2 atmospheres and why does it matter?
2 ATA (atmospheres absolute) means the air pressure inside the chamber is twice normal atmospheric pressure. At this level, oxygen dissolves directly into blood plasma — bypassing haemoglobin — and reaches concentrations up to 10 times higher than normal. This allows oxygen to penetrate deeply into tissues with poor blood flow, including injured brain tissue, tendons, and surgical wounds. The pressure level is critically important — lower-pressure chambers produce meaningfully weaker clinical effects.
Is HBOT covered by Southern Cross or other health insurance?
Insurance coverage for HBOT varies depending on your policy and the condition being treated. Our team will help you understand what cover may be available and provide the documentation your insurer requires. We recommend contacting your insurer before commencing treatment to confirm your entitlements. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Can HBOT be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely — in fact, HBOT often works best as part of a broader treatment programme. It combines particularly well with rTMS for neurological and mental health conditions, physiotherapy for injury recovery, and post-surgical rehabilitation. MSQ Health can integrate HBOT into a comprehensive treatment plan alongside our other services.
Is HBOT suitable for everyone?
HBOT is suitable for most people, but there are some contraindications — including untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and certain ear conditions. A full clinical assessment is conducted before your first session to confirm suitability. If you have any existing medical conditions, please mention them when enquiring and our team will advise.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes — for funded HBOT, a GP/Specialist referral is required. This also ensures your GP/Specialist is informed and your care is properly coordinated.
If you are self-funding, no referral is required.
Contact our team, and we can guide you on how to obtain a referral efficiently.
How soon can I get an assessment?
We can get an HBOT specialist to give you a free initial consultation. Contact us today and our team will confirm the earliest available appointment.
Your initial consultation can often be arranged via telehealth, meaning you can get expert advice from home before attending in person for your examination.
Payment Options
Flexible Ways to Pay
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to accessing HBOT. All fees are quoted clearly upfront — no surprises. Session packages are available to support longer treatment courses.
MSQ Health also works with ACC & New Zealand’s leading health insurers and offers straightforward payment options. All fees are quoted in full before you commit — across every service.
Health Insurance
MSQ Health is ACC-accredited and is also accepted by New Zealand’s leading health insurance providers. We work directly with your insurer to confirm cover and manage the claims process on your behalf wherever possible.
Southern Cross
NIB
UniMed
Visa Credit Card
Pay securely online by Visa credit card. All transactions are processed through an encrypted payment gateway. Your full procedure fee is quoted transparently before any payment is taken — no hidden costs at any stage.
POLi Online Banking
Pay directly from your New Zealand bank account using POLi — available through all major NZ banks. No credit card required, no transaction fees, and instant payment confirmation so your booking is secured immediately.
Questions about HBOT costs, packages, ACC, or insurance?
Ready to fix it?
Start Your HBOT Journey in New Zealand
Drug-free, no side effects, clinically proven — HBOT at MSQ Health is available across New Zealand for brain injury, Long COVID, sports recovery, post-surgical healing, cancer treatment recovery, and joint pain. The sooner you start, the sooner you heal.