FAQ - Aviv Clinics
The state-of-the-art Aviv Medical Program offers a unique opportunity to invest in your health as you age. The personalized, holistic treatments available at Aviv Clinics help to maximize cognitive and physical performance and encourage the body’s natural rejuvenation mechanisms.
Discover answers, insights, and guidance to learn how Aviv Clinics’ revolutionary protocol can improve your health and well-being.
Medical Program FAQ
What is the Aviv Medical Program?
The Aviv Medical Program is uniquely designed to help elevate the performance of your brain and body, allowing you to live life more confidently. Treatment begins with personalized, comprehensive, in-depth assessments of your brain and body function. Using the results of these assessments, experts develop a strategically tailored, client-specific treatment plan targeted to your personal improvement goals.
Treatment plans can include:
- Specialized hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) sessions
- Cognitive exercises
- Physical training
- Nutritional coaching
The combination of oxygen therapy and training activities personally tailored for you—inside and outside the hyperbaric suite—pushes you toward your peak performance.
LEARN MOREWhat are the benefits of the Aviv Medical Program?
The Aviv Medical Program is the only one of its kind in North America, offering research-backed protocols that are uniquely effective. After completing the program, 96% of our clients experience clinically verifiable improvements in brain function. Some of the many benefits our clients have reported include:
- Improved cognitive function
- Enhanced memory, attention, focus
- Increased energy, endurance and power
- Improved physical performance
- Improved sexual performance (in men)
To meet each person’s individual needs and track their progress accurately, Aviv Clinics employs the latest in monitoring technologies throughout the program. Our healthcare professionals deliver a comprehensive physical and cognitive health report before and after treatment to give a clear picture of your progress.
A client of Aviv Clinics is a client for life. We continue to monitor your performance long after you complete the Aviv Medical Program. We also send periodic updates on various health and wellness issues that may benefit you.
LEARN MORECondition-Related FAQ
What conditions can Aviv Clinics help manage?
Peer-reviewed clinical research shows that the protocols used at Aviv Clinics which include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cognitive and physical training and nutrition coaching, are effective in managing several health conditions, particularly those that impact the biology of the brain. These conditions include:
- Age-related cognitive decline
- Mild cognitive impairment
- Stroke
- Lyme disease
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Symptoms associated with long COVID
Which cognitive capabilities can the Aviv Medical Program improve?
The Aviv Medical Program can help improve cognitive function. The Program addresses the primary cognitive domains that often decline as we age, including:
- Memory
- Attention
- Speed of information processing
- Multi-tasking
- Executive skills
Our program can help maximize cognition based on your individual goals. We develop a personalized program for each patient based on a thorough cognitive assessment.
Which physical attributes can the Aviv Medical Program improve?
The Aviv Medical Program aims to improve physical performance in noticeable and measurable ways, such as:
- Aerobic performance and capacity
- Overall fitness
- Body composition
- Muscle mass
- Energy levels
- Sleep quality
- Gait and balance
Who is a candidate for the Aviv Medical Program?
The Aviv Medical Program is intended for individuals experiencing cognitive and physical decline who want to improve their aging process. Many of our clients are healthy aging adults who wish to improve their cognitive and physical performance and increase their healthspan (the number of years we experience health and vitality of both body and mind).
The Program also improves the symptoms of a range of different health conditions, and can include:
- Age-related cognitive and physical decline
- Stroke
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Post-concussion syndrome
- Traumatic brain injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Post-COVID
- Lyme disease
Additionally, our program can be beneficial to amateur and professional athletes wishing to improve their athletic performance with a natural intervention.
LEARN MOREImproving healthspan at Aviv Clinics:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) - FAQ
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, can activate and accelerate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. HBOT increases the oxygen carried in our blood vessels to heal damaged cells, reverse the effects of aging, and support healthy brain and body performance.
The Aviv Medical Program can include HBOT using our unique protocol— which incorporates strategic fluctuations in oxygen levels that ultimately activate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.
The Science Behind HBOT:
How does hyperbaric oxygen therapy work at Aviv?
During hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), an individual breathes pure, 100% oxygen while seated in a comfortable, pressurized suite. This increase in air pressure helps the body to take in more oxygen than it can in a real-world environment. Elevated blood oxygen levels and oxygen fluctuations help to trigger the body’s powerful self-healing mechanisms.
The air pressure in the chamber reaches 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA). As a point of reference, the air pressure in our normal environment is 1 ATA. Because of the additional atmospheric pressure, the amount of oxygen that reaches the body’s tissues and organs increases 10-15-fold compared to breathing in a normal environment.
Based on more than a decade of scientific study and clinical work, the scientific research team at Aviv has developed a novel HBOT protocol involving intermittent and precise oxygen level fluctuations to help awaken the body’s natural rejuvenation potential.
LEARN ABOUT HBOTHow long do the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy last?
The benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy can last for many years after treatment. The longevity of results can depend on the condition treated and varies from one individual to the next. It largely depends on the person’s individual biology, way of life, and adherence to the medical guidance provided during the program. With our client’s permission, our Aviv wearable devices and cognitive training apps allow us to track and monitor physical and cognitive performance over time.
How often should you do hyperbaric oxygen therapy?
Our research and experience show that 60 hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatments completed over a 12-week period can significantly improve brain and body performance.
However, the recommended frequency of treatments can vary. Our comprehensive assessment process uses the principles of the Aviv Medical Program, relying on analytics to create a plan unique to you and your individual health profile.
Is HBOT safe for everyone?
Out of concern for client safety, a handful of conditions would exclude someone from receiving HBOT treatment at Aviv Clinics. These include pregnancy, active cancer, and untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
Other cases that include medical implants or seizure disorders will be assessed by our clinic physicians before determining if HBOT treatment is appropriate.
Safety is our top priority. Every treatment is attended by a medical professional in the chamber, with physicians and technicians onsite at the clinic. Aviv Clinics offers a free consultation to determine whether HBOT treatment is right for you.
MORE ON SAFETYIs HBOT something new?
No, HBOT is not new. Standard protocol hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been around for more than 60 years. It is administered in hospitals and clinics regularly for 14 indications, primarily used to help treat non-healing wounds (like diabetic wounds), carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, severe anemia, and severe burns.
The Aviv Medical Program uses advanced HBOT technology that’s designed to enhance your brain and body performance, which is a relatively new protocol that is supported by published, peer-reviewed scientific research.
READ MORE
What atmospheric pressure does hyperbaric oxygen reach?
The current standard in most hyperbaric oxygen centers is 2.4 ATA pressure, roughly equivalent to the pressure you would experience 47 feet under water. Our research team has determined that the optimal protocol for Aviv’s Hyperbaric suites is 2.0 ATA to reduce the risk of any potential side effects while still achieving the desired results. You can learn more in scientific literature published by the Sagol Center.
LEARN MORE
Does HBOT really work?
Yes, HBOT really works.
Thousands of people have benefitted from HBOT through Aviv Clinics, with results that include enhanced performance, assisted healing, and symptom relief.
WATCH CLIENT REVIEWS
Can hyperbaric oxygen therapy reverse aging?
Yes. A landmark study discovered that HBOT could reverse the main biological signs of aging in humans, including increasing cellular oxygen levels, lengthening telomeres, and supporting reparative stem cells.
Now that science has better outlined the mechanisms contributing to aging or cell deterioration, we can better address and support healthy cellular function as we age. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps to increase the body’s potential to repair, restore, and remain healthy. This treatment can also improve the cognitive and physical performance processes that typically deteriorate with age.
MORE SCIENCEMeet the Scientists Trying to Reverse Aging
What do I need to know before using a hyperbaric oxygen chamber?
Before you begin hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatments at Aviv, you will meet with a member of our medical team to review practical tips and safety procedures:
- Plan to spend a few hours at the clinic for each session.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Speak with your doctor beforehand about any existing conditions and medication usage.
- Eat a light, nutritious meal 1-2 hours before your treatment
- Understand how to equalize the pressure in your ears
Our unique protocol considers your safety with built-in measures to boost your comfort and support your health before, during, and after treatment. The following items may not be brought into the hyperbaric suite or worn by the patient during a session:
- Watches and jewelry
- Matches and lighters
- Personal electronic devices
- Perfume, cosmetics, hair products, lotions, and other chemical-based products.
- Synthetic fibers, including hair extensions
What are the risks and potential side effects of HBOT?
Potential side effects of HBOT may include:
- Temporary change in vision or visual acuity: HBOT treatments can temporarily change the shape of the eye’s lens as higher oxygenation affects all organs and tissues in the body.
- Discomfort to ears during the hyperbaric process: Because the hyperbaric suite is pressurized, clients—particularly those who have difficulty equalizing the pressure in their ears—may experience mild ear discomfort (similar to when a plane is taking off or landing).
- Atypical outcomes: In very rare cases, standard HBOT patients have experienced oxygen toxicity to the lungs or the central nervous system. However, our specially designed protocol incorporates breaks from breathing 100% pure oxygen to deliver enhanced HBOT while reducing the risk of adverse side effects.
HBOT has been used safely for many years. Potential side effects are low risk and relatively rare because of our advanced safety protocol and highly trained clinical staff. Because your safety is paramount, a nurse will accompany you at each step of your treatment journey, including in the hyperbaric suite during your treatment.
Is HBOT approved by the US Food and Drug Administration?
The FDA approves HBOT for several clinical indications, such as wound healing, smoke inhalation, diving accidents, and more. Cognitive and physical enhancement is currently not an approved indication by the FDA. However, it is legal to administer the treatment to clients as long as it’s prescribed and managed by authorized physicians.
Aviv Clinics FAQ
Does insurance cover hyperbaric oxygen treatments?
While private insurance covers HBOT for some conditions, the Aviv Medical Program is presently considered an enhancement to standard therapy and is thus an elective treatment. This means the HBOT treatment administered by Aviv Clinics is considered off-label use by the FDA and is not covered by medical insurance.
Under the guidance of Dr. Shai Efrati, Chair of Aviv’s Medical Advisory Board, Aviv gathers comprehensive data on the advantages of the Aviv HBOT protocol to provide science-backed evidence of the substantive benefits of this therapy. Our hope is that through the published research of Dr. Efrati and other hyperbaric oxygen scientists, insurance coverage will be expanded in the future to include the Aviv Medical Program.
Has the Aviv Medical Program been tested?
The Aviv Medical Program was developed over 12 years by the Aviv team and Dr. Shai Efrati, Director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, at the Shamir Medical Center in Israel.
This location is one of Israel’s leading medical and research centers and the world’s largest HBOT facility. The Shamir Medical Center and Dr. Efrati have treated more than 2,000 people and carried out over 200,000 HBOT sessions. This research forms the basis for the cutting-edge, multidisciplinary treatment at Aviv Clinics.
MORE ON RESEARCH
How long does the program take?
The Aviv Medical Program begins with three days of intensive assessments, after which we’ll share a comprehensive report identifying your baseline cognitive and physical performance. This report also serves as the basis for developing your personalized care plan.
This care plan can include hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) treatments, cognitive and physical training, and nutritional coaching. HBOT sessions will take approximately two hours per day, five days a week, for 8-12 weeks.
Up to five times a week, our clients see their Aviv clinical team for additional therapies, training, or coaching.
Enhancing cognitive and physical capabilities can’t happen overnight. It requires a cumulative and uninterrupted process to achieve maximum success. As such, the Aviv Medical Program takes time and requires strict compliance.
Please note that the program can vary across individuals, and specific timelines for the Aviv Medical Program depend on the individual’s unique health profile. However, 96% of our clients experience clinically verifiable improvements in brain function.
Can the Aviv Medical Program be completed virtually?
The program is designed to be immersive and hands-on to maximize results for each client. As such, Aviv Medical Program clients need to be treated onsite at our clinic, where they can access our team of certified clinicians and state-of-the-art technology.
How can I participate in the Aviv Medical Program?
If you’re considering taking part in the Aviv Medical Program, we recommend you contact a team member to arrange a virtual or in-person consultation.
CONTACT USWhat does the Aviv Clinics treatment experience feel like?
You can expect a completely personalized experience in safe and modern cutting-edge facilities. We utilize the latest medical technologies with inviting, efficient service from a well-trained, professional, and empathetic team.
Most people find that sitting in the Aviv hyperbaric suite feels a lot like flying in first class. As with take-off and landing, you may experience mild pressure in your ears, but Aviv Clinics’ hyperbaric suites are designed to maximize your comfort and enjoyment. Custom-built by the world-leading provider of hyperbaric equipment, Aviv’s treatment suites are among the largest and most sophisticated worldwide.
Will I feel claustrophobic in the Aviv Clinics hyperbaric suite?
If you’re asking this question, you’re probably familiar with the mono-place or single HBOT chamber, a body-length tube that only accommodates a single person. At Aviv Clinics, we use large, state-of-the-art multi-patient suites that can accommodate up to 14 clients in comfortable seats with an on-board medical team member.
The feel of our suites has been compared to being in a roomy, first-class airline cabin. In Aviv’s large multi-patient suites, clients can carry out various activities during HBOT, including tablet-led cognitive exercises, mild physical exercise, and stretching. Each client sits in their own customizable station and can read, listen to music, or work on a tablet.
Our technology and innovations deliver a superior client experience and, at the same time, allow us to safely and effectively fluctuate the levels of oxygen provided during treatment to help awaken the body’s built-in restoration processes.
READ MOREWhat are the benefits of multi-place HBOT suites?
We use multi-patient suites for several reasons:
- First, multi-patient chambers can accommodate fluctuations in oxygen levels during treatments—an important factor in maximizing cognitive and physical improvement.
- Second, small mono-place chambers pose a higher risk than large multi-patient suites, as the patient has no direct access to their medical team in case of emergency.
- Third, lying on the back for an extended period in a mono-place chamber’s small, closed space can cause patients to feel uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
- Finally, performing any activity in a mono-place chamber is impossible, as no technology or external materials can be brought in.
Who administers the treatments?
A multidisciplinary team of certified healthcare professionals administers treatments. The team may include physicians, neuroscientists, neuropsychologists, physical therapists, nurses, exercise physiologists, nutrition coaches, and hyperbaric technicians.
LEARN MOREContact-Related FAQ
Where are Aviv Clinics located?
Aviv’s first U.S. location opened in 2020 at the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood in central Florida, located just one hour’s drive from Orlando International Airport. A second location opened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in 2021. Aviv has plans to expand to several more locations in the U.S. and worldwide over the next several years.
Can you help with travel or accommodations?
Absolutely! Aviv’s concierge service can handle the planning and logistics of travel and daily needs for our clients during their time in central Florida. Our concierge team can arrange transportation, housing, groceries and meals, housekeeping, medical care, shopping, and even social, fitness, and religious activities.
How can I get in touch with Aviv Clinics?
Please call us at +1 (352) 488-2848 or email us at [email protected]
We’d love to show you our state-of-the-art central Florida clinic, including our unique multiplace hyperbaric suites. If you’d like to visit Aviv Clinics, please call 352-488-2848 or contact our clinic today to schedule a tour.
LEARN MORESchedule a Free Consultation
What is Aviv Scientific?
Aviv Scientific, through Xtend Scientific Ltd, is the company behind Aviv Clinics. Aviv Scientific is a leader in research on age-related cognitive and functional decline and novel applications of hyperbaric medicine to maximize human performance.
Founded in 2017, Aviv Scientific combines personalized medicine, pioneering technologies, big data, and analytics with unique operational skills to build a worldwide network of cutting-edge medical clinics. Aviv Scientific’s multidisciplinary team includes physicians, neuropsychologists, neuroscientists, biologists, physiologists, physiotherapists, and nutritional specialists who work alongside physicists, data scientists, data architects, and artificial intelligence experts.
The Aviv Medical Program was developed by the Aviv medical team led by Dr. Shai Efrati, MD, the Chair of Aviv’s Medical Advisory Board, Director of the Sagol Center, and the leading researcher and practitioner in the field of hyperbaric medicine.
Aviv focuses on improving the human aging process by increasing cognitive and physical performance in healthy aging adults. Based on an exclusive global partnership with the Sagol Center at Shamir Medical Center in Israel (the world’s largest hyperbaric medicine and research facility), Aviv Scientific is rolling out a global network of medical clinics. Each is focused on the enhancement of cognitive and physical performance with hyperbaric medicine and related technologies at its core.