Athletes train hard and push their bodies hard to achieve the best results. This can result in injuries, sore muscles, inflammation, and pain. They are always looking to recover faster from training or injuries and now hyperbaric oxygen therapy is one method to facilitate this:
- Increased stem cell activation
- Faster bone and cartilage regeneration
- Reduced muscle fatigue and exhaustion
The Benefits of Athletes Using Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps to dramatically reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, stimulate collagen production help bone and cartilage recover and increase the release of stem cells which help in the recovery and healing of tissues.
HBOT has also been shown to increase the success of recovery following primary repair of an injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and in those with muscle stretch injuries.
Enhance Sport Performance
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help to improve sports performance by increasing recovery speed between training, increasing oxygen to tissues allowing for reductions in inflammation and a reduction in downtime, between training.
Improves Post-Training Recovery
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used to speed recovery after training, as seen by the swimmer Michael Phelps when training for the Summer Olympics in London and is also used for Premiership footballers as well as other professional athletes and performers. HBOT can reduce inflammation that can occur after vigorous training leading, which causes pain and muscle soreness.
Britain’s Eddie Hall, World’s Strongest Man 2017 uses hyperbaric oxygen therapy to recover faster between training sessions.
Reduces Combat Infections
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has antimicrobial effects, increasing the action of infection-fighting cells and has been used in the treatment of deep-seated chronic infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis and other chronic soft tissue infections such as skin ulcers.
Accelerated Healing
In a clinical report of football players in Scotland, there was a 55% reduction in days lost to injury in players using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). Other studies have also shown faster recovery post vigorous exercise with increased strength post-training in those receiving HBOT.
In those with acute muscle-stretch injury, HBOT has been shown to accelerate recovery.
Reduces Inflammation and Soreness
After intense exercise the body can produce an inflammatory response, this is part of the normal muscle recovery but can lead to soreness.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps to deliver more oxygen to the cells and tissues that need it, helping to reduce inflammation, and swelling and aid recovery.
Promotes Tissues Repair & Regeneration
HBOT can stimulate the synthesis of collagen and also the activation of stem cells aiding in tissue recovery and repair. Due to the high tissue oxygen levels there is also encouragement to develop new blood vessels to help support the tissue.
Common Q&A about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen your blood can carry, promoting healing by enhancing tissue repair and fighting infection.
In an HBOT chamber, the air pressure is increased up to three times higher than normal. This allows your lungs to gather more oxygen, which is then carried through the bloodstream to help heal damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.
HBOT is commonly used to treat conditions like decompression sickness (from diving), chronic wounds (like diabetic ulcers), carbon monoxide poisoning, radiation injuries, and severe infections such as gangrene. Some also use it for off-label treatments like stroke recovery or traumatic brain injury.
Generally, HBOT is considered safe when administered by trained professionals. However, like any medical treatment, there are potential risks, such as ear pain, sinus issues, and in rare cases, oxygen toxicity or lung damage. Always consult a healthcare provider before undergoing HBOT.
A typical session lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Multiple sessions are often required, with some treatment plans involving 20-40 sessions over several weeks.
During the treatment, you may experience a feeling similar to the pressure changes when flying in an airplane or diving underwater. You might need to “pop” your ears to equalize the pressure. Otherwise, the process is generally comfortable.
HBOT is generally safe, but it may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as untreated pneumothorax (collapsed lung), or those who have had recent ear surgery or infections, should avoid HBOT. Always consult a doctor to assess your eligibility.
Most patients tolerate HBOT well, but some side effects can occur, such as ear discomfort, sinus congestion, or mild fatigue. In rare cases, more severe side effects like oxygen toxicity or lung damage can occur, but these are uncommon.
For certain conditions, such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and chronic non-healing wounds, HBOT is often covered by insurance. However, off-label uses like anti-aging or cognitive enhancement may not be covered. Check with your provider for details.
The number of sessions depends on the medical condition being treated. For chronic wounds or infections, 20-40 sessions may be recommended, while acute conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning may require fewer treatments. Your doctor will tailor the treatment plan to your needs.