Athletes use hyperbaric chambers for recovery
Hyperbaric chambers or hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a widely used treatment for muscle recovery by the professional athlete. In this treatment, the individual breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This therapy has been used for various medical conditions since the early 20th century. It has been proven as a very useful tool for athletes to enhance their recovery and overall performance. Today's discussion is solely dedicated to how athletes use hyperbaric chambers for their recovery and associated concerns of this HBOT therapy. Let's not waste any time and dive into our original discussion.
Various Usages of Hyperbaric Chambers
Hyperbaric chamber is used in many fields for treating various conditions. For example,
● Decompression sickness
● Carbon monoxide poisoning
● Chronic non-healing wounds
● Actinomycosis
● Crush injuries
● Gas gangrene
● Acute or traumatic reduced blood flow in the arteries
● Compromised skin grafts and flaps
● Infection in bone or Osteomyelitis
● Delayed radiation injury
How do the athletes use hyperbaric chambers for recovery?
● Decompression sickness
● Carbon monoxide poisoning
● Chronic non-healing wounds
● Actinomycosis
● Crush injuries
● Gas gangrene
● Acute or traumatic reduced blood flow in the arteries
● Compromised skin grafts and flaps
● Infection in bone or Osteomyelitis
● Delayed radiation injury How do the athletes use hyperbaric chambers for recovery?
● When a reliable medical practitioner prescribes HBOT to an athlete for a certain condition, they can undergo this process.
● First, the person sits or lies comfortably in the hyperbaric chambers.
● They are told to take deep breaths.
● This chamber increases the amount of oxygen pressure in the lungs. So, the lungs get filled with more oxygen than normal breathing time at normal air pressure.
● As the air pressure increases, sometimes the ears may feel plugged. It is similar to the experience of travelling via airplane. Chewing gum or just swallowing is helpful to get back to normal.
● A lightheaded feeling is often observed in the individual after their session.
● There may be other mild side effects, such as claustrophobia, fatigue, or headaches.
● The higher oxygen level in the body increases the natural healing process.
● The oxygen-deprived tissues or areas get oxygen in the hyperbaric chamber. So, the body works faster in recovering from the injury.
● The sessions last from 45 minutes up to 300 minutes based on different conditions.
● The higher amount of oxygen promotes tissue repair and inflammation reduction mechanisms.
Associated Precautions
● Do not go under this procedure if you have had a recent ear surgery or injury, cold, fever, or lung disease.
● Sometimes, complications like middle ear issues, eye damage, lung collapse, low blood sugar, and sinus problems are observed after this therapy.
After Effects of Using HBOT Therapy
● HBOT brings oxygen-rich plasma to the oxygen-deprived tissue and promotes wound healing.
● It makes our immune system stronger.
● In certain bacteria, it turns off their toxins.
● New collagen is formed as a result of it.
● After a muscle injury, it promotes faster recovery.
● It helps treat concussions.
● Swelling is reduced, and blood flow is increased.
● The damaged tissue is healed by it.
● It heals the open wounds.
Final Words
So, HBOT therapy has become a reliable method of treating muscle injuries for professional players. It has beneficial outcomes, but the athletes should only go for it under the prescription and supervision of medical experts.