Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Sports Injuries
What is a Sports Injury?
Sports injuries can include damage to muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, or other soft tissues caused by exercise, training, or physical activity. Sports injuries can affect both professional athletes and people taking part in everyday activities.
Some injuries happen suddenly, such as sprains, fractures, muscle tears, or dislocations. Others develop gradually over time through repeated strain or overuse.
Sports injuries can cause pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, weakness, or reduced movement. If there is significant tissue damage, ongoing inflammation, or reduced blood supply to the injured area, recovery can take time.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing high-concentration oxygen through a mask in a pressurised chamber.
This allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach tissues with reduced blood supply.
Oxygen plays a key role in many normal processes within the body, including healing and recovery. By increasing oxygen availability, HBOT can support tissue repair, collagen production, new blood vessel formation, and the body’s immune responses that help manage infection.
By reducing substances in the body that drive inflammation (inflammatory cytokines), HBOT may also help to ease swelling and discomfort.
HBOT is always used in addition to standard medical treatment, not as a replacement.
When HBOT May Be Considered for Sports Injuries
HBOT is sometimes considered as part of a wider recovery plan for certain musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries, particularly where:
There is significant soft tissue damage or swelling
Recovery has been slower than expected
The injury involves reduced blood supply or tissue oxygenation
By increasing the amount of oxygen dissolved in the bloodstream, HBOT may help support tissue repair and recovery in damaged areas. HBOT may also help reduce swelling and support the body’s natural healing processes
Research on HBOT for Sports Injuries
Research into HBOT for sports injuries is still developing. Studies have examined its use in musculoskeletal injuries, muscle recovery, soft tissue healing, and recovery following intense physical activity.
Some research suggests HBOT may help support recovery in certain situations by improving oxygen delivery to injured tissues and managing inflammation.
Findings are encouraging, though the evidence base continues to develop. HBOT is currently used by many professional athletes — including in rugby, football, F1, tennis, and combat sports — as part of broader recovery and conditioning protocols.
OxyGeneration provides HBOT in a calm clinical environment, delivered by a trained and experienced team.
Some clients are referred by a healthcare professional, but self-referral is also welcomed. All clients complete a screening questionnaire to check suitability. In some situations, we may ask clients to confirm suitability with their GP or medical specialist before proceeding.
For sports injuries, a course of 5 – 10 sessions is typical, although the number recommended will depend on individual circumstances and response to treatment.
OxyGeneration does not provide emergency medical treatment. We do not diagnose or manage medical conditions, and HBOT is not a replacement for standard medical care. Clients remain under the supervision of their GP or consultant for the management of their condition. As with all treatments, outcomes can vary from person to person.
If you are recovering from a sports-related injury or training-related strain, please contact our team for more information on HBOT may have a role in your recovery.
What to Expect at OxyGeneration
Important Information
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is not suitable for everyone.
Please visit our Suitability page for further information.
Testimonial
“I had a horrific injury on my shin. Coming to OxyGeneration was a huge relief. After completing 20 sessions, all scar tissue in my leg removed and I got full flexibility in my foot. I had three sessions this week for the current pain in my leg and I feel fantastic. I would recommend OxyGeneration for any kind of ailments and sports injuries.”
— Anon
Do You Have Any Questions?
For more information or support, please contact OxyGeneration at 091 394444.
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