In many hospital hyperbaric oxygen therapy centers, it is common to see this scene: young children huddled in their parents’ arms, squeezed together with adult patients inside a large multi‑person hyperbaric chamber. The noisy environment, unfamiliar faces, and the ear discomfort experienced during pressurization often trigger intense fear and resistance in children.

　　Starting in August 2026, this situation will be changed at Nanjing Zijin Hospital.

What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

　　Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a physical therapy in which patients breathe pure oxygen or high‑concentration oxygen under pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. This treatment can significantly increase the oxygen content of the blood, alleviate tissue hypoxia, and promote cellular repair and neural functional recovery.

　　For children, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe, noninvasive adjunctive treatment with no drug-related side effects, playing a unique and vital role in the rehabilitation of neurological disorders.

What pediatric conditions are suitable for hyperbaric oxygen therapy?

How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy help a damaged brain?

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple mechanisms:

✓ Alleviates cerebral edema and reduces intracranial pressure

✓ Reduces apoptosis and necrosis

✓ Promotes nerve regeneration and synapse formation

✓ Activate endogenous stem cells

✓ Promotes angiogenesis (upregulation of VEGF/ERK signaling)

✓ Enhance neural plasticity

✓ Anti-inflammatory effects (reduction in TNF-α and IL-6)

✓ Improves mitochondrial function and promotes ATP production

Clinical research evidence

• Brain injury rehabilitation: The recommended time window for hyperbaric oxygen therapy is within 3 months after the acute phase, with a total treatment course of 40 to 60 sessions. This can significantly improve sleep, appetite, and sucking‑swallowing functions in pediatric patients, while also activating “dormant” brain cells.

• Autism treatment: Multiple studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with rehabilitation training can improve social skills, verbal communication, and behavioral symptoms in children with autism. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances the ability of physical and occupational therapies to “receive signals.”

•Post-concussive sequelae: A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can significantly improve memory function and overall cognitive scores in children.

Nanjing Zijin Hospital’s Pediatric Rehabilitation Department: Professionally Safeguarding Every Step

Department Overview

　　The Pediatric Rehabilitation Department of Nanjing Zijin Hospital is one of the hospital’s eight subspecialties. It is located on the second floor, Room 202, at the Qinhuai Campus, and is equipped with a dedicated pediatric PT treatment hall and a multi‑functional rehabilitation area.

Features of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

　　A variety of cabin types are available to meet diverse needs: the Qinhuai Campus is equipped with two multi-person cabins and two single-person cabins, and a dedicated multi-person children’s cabin has been specially designed for young patients.

Multidisciplinary rehabilitation system

　　In addition to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the department also offers: physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech and swallowing therapy, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture and tuina, physiotherapy, cardiopulmonary function assessment, gait analysis, spasticity management, wheelchair and orthotic fitting, and home-based rehabilitation guidance.

Integration of Medicine and Education: Rehabilitation and Development Proceed in Tandem

　　Nanjing Zijin Hospital actively implements an integrated “healthcare + education” model and has established a deep partnership with Nanjing Yuzhi School:

• Inpatient personalized education: Each month, tailored instruction is provided for hospitalized children with special needs, integrating learning and rehabilitation.

• Psychological Counseling and Social Skills Development: Professional teachers provide psychological counseling and guidance on family education.

• Integrated Growth Records: A jointly developed record by medical and educational teams, supporting pediatric patients’ smooth return to school.

• Professional Training Support: Each semester, professional training is provided for rehabilitation teachers to enhance their instructional skills.

The Key Concerns of Parents

Patient Guide

Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, Nanjing Zijin Hospital

📍 Address: No. 56, Xiangfang Village, Qinhuai District, Nanjing (Ward 202, 2nd Floor, Qinhuai Campus)

📞 Contact number: 025-84275767

⏰ Service Hours: Inpatient Medical Care: 24 hours, Monday through Sunday; Rehabilitation Therapy Area: Monday through Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.; Summer: 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Winter: 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission criteria: Patients aged ≤16 years, with stable vital signs, who have neurological dysfunction requiring rehabilitation therapy.

　　“If hyperbaric oxygen therapy is administered shortly after an infant’s brain injury, before all the neural connections have degenerated, it can have a profound impact on both the extent of the injury and the subsequent functional recovery.”

— Dr. Harch, “The Oxygen Revolution”

　　Every child is unique, and each journey of recovery is a continuation of hope. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as an important adjunctive approach in pediatric neurological rehabilitation, is bringing new light to an increasing number of families with affected children.

　　The Pediatric Rehabilitation Department of Nanjing Zijin Hospital adheres to a patient-centered approach, integrating hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques, traditional Chinese medicine, and educational support resources. It develops personalized rehabilitation plans for each child, safeguarding their healthy future with expertise and compassion.