How does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) help to heal sports injuries?

Sports Injuries

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may help athletes at all skill levels heal more quickly and get back to their favorite pursuit. Many sports injuries involve strains and sprains, which naturally cause swelling and edema (accumulation of excess fluid in connective tissue). These natural reactions to injury compress blood vessels and restrict the vital flow of oxygen-carrying plasma and red blood cells to the injury site. Cells and tissues surrounding the injury site become starved for oxygen, which impedes healing. In extreme cases, cell and tissue death can occur. HBOT may promote faster healing in common sports injuries such as:

  • High Ankle Sprains
  • Fractures
  • Pulled Muscles
  • Achilles Tendinitis

HBOT is being studied in the treatment of concussion and post-concussion syndrome with promising results. Concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury, is a common sports injury. In concussion, the brain tissue is bruised when it impacts the inflexible skull due to a blow or jolt to the head causing an inflammatory response and swelling of the tissue as the brain responds to injury. The rationale for the use HBOT is based on its ability to dramatically increase, by 2-3 times, the delivery of oxygen to injured brain tissues to promote healing, and reduce swelling, inflammation and increased pressure in the brain. 

Studies and reviews:

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‘Inside the NFL’: Joe Namath on health and injuries
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath joins the “Inside the NFL” crew to expand upon the
ongoing league-wide discourse on health and brain injuries in the NFL, as well as to touch upon 
his own experiences as a player and beyond. Click here to watch the video. 

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