What do Russell Wilson, Joe Nameth, LeBron James, Rashad Jennings, Raphael Soriano and Tim Tebow have in common? They, along with oodles of other world-class athletes, basketball players, football stars, and Olympians, put their trust and reliance on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to improve their athletic performance.
In today’s blog article, we will examine six reasons Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is a highly effective treatment that any athlete can benefit from. A sports injury can be particularly devastating for an athlete. Athletes can also be prone to re-injure themselves making their condition worse or it can make their healing time prolonged. This special treatment allows up to a tenfold increase in the oxygen level of the blood plasma and hemoglobin.
Let’s begin!
- Active Recovery
Exercise, conditioning, training, and competing all put pressure on the body. Recovery must be part of each athlete’s training program. Distance runners and mountain bikers understand that they need to take rest days to permit their bodies to recuperate after workouts. Gregg Popovich, coach of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and winner of 5 NBA championships, is known for giving his players entire games off to aid in their recovery during the long basketball season. He has been in the forefront of resting his players.
But in regards to enhancing athletic performance, recovery is not as straightforward as just sitting around resting. Athletes interested in maximizing their performance can seek out recovery treatments such as HBOT. Cristiano Ronaldo, possibly the very best soccer player on the planet, used HBOT to recoup from a knee injury at a fraction of the time that it took other athletes to return to the pitch.
Recovery time could be lowered by around 33 percent through the use of HBOT!
Consider HBOT just like a fast-forward button for recovery and healing. By flushing cells with high levels of oxygen, athletes can experience benefits such as:
- Greater stem cell regeneration
- Quicker cartilage and bone regeneration
- Fixing & Treating Injuries
The standard recipe for injury therapy for many recreational athletes is centered on relaxation, rest, and more rest. But, studies reveal that HBOT is really a game-changing treatment for injured athletes. By utilizing ambient oxygen, HBOT helps tissue absorb more oxygen than is normally offered. A 60-90 second HBOT treatment enables oxygen to permeate deep into plasma, blood, and cerebral fluids, raising recovery and flow where it is needed most.
Injuries that may be assisted with HBOT treatment:
- ACL along with other ligament injuries
- Muscle strains and tiredness
- Cartilage damage
- Concussion and TBI Remedy
While many athletes won’t ever undergo a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI), people who do can significantly benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. NFL players, that suffer from several concussions, have participated in research of HBOT’s effectiveness.
Nearly 10% occur while playing sports!
- Fixing Compartment Syndrome
Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles build to dangerous levels. This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells. It is a rare but debilitating and possibly dangerous condition if acute. If acute compartment syndrome is diagnosed, it is actually a medical emergency. It is usually caused by a severe injury. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent muscle damage . Compartment syndrome is the consequence of internal pressure brought on by swollen or bleeding tissue.
Some specialists state that the high-oxygen surroundings of an HBOT room might be an efficient approach to stop this debilitating condition.
- Boosting Performance
What athlete is not searching for better performance? Many endurance athletes train in a higher altitude to boost red blood cell production as well as the oxygen-carrying capacities of their own blood. Many athletes are turning to HBOT treatments to determine similar benefits in performance by boosting flow and the oxygenation within their own blood.
Many athletes sleep in a mobile HBOT room to fight the low-oxygen environment seen when competing in altitude.
- Increasing Mental Focus
Competing as an athlete takes more than physical strength and skill. Mental clarity, endurance, and attention are necessary to perform at best. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy might also decrease brain fog and enhance mental focus .
Together with HBOT, your lungs can take in around 3 times more oxygen than they do if breathing in ordinary air pressure. The increased oxygen is picked up via the bloodstream and transported to damaged tissues to facilitate the healing process.
HBOT enhances blood flow to the brain.
If you are an athlete and you are interested in improving your performance, regaining quicker reflexes, are trying to manage a stubborn injury, or getting ready for a big contest or competition, reach out to us and see if HBOT is right for you!
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is emerging as a valuable tool for athletes to enhance recovery, boost performance, and maintain long-term well-being. From accelerated healing and reduced fatigue to improved cognitive function and immune system support, the benefits of HBOT are extensive. By incorporating this innovative therapy into your training regimen, you can gain a significant advantage in your athletic pursuits and ensure a successful and fulfilling career.
To learn more about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and how it can benefit you as an athlete, we encourage you to check us out at Alinea Health. We are a trusted provider of HBOT services, offering state-of-the-art facilities and expert guidance. Peruse our website to learn more or give us a call at (208) 926-6613 for more information and to schedule a consultation.
Remember, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to explore if Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is suitable for your specific needs.
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Article by Chelsea Cohen
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* This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat. If you or any other person has a medical concern, please consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment.
