Professional athletes use hyperbaric chambers for recovery
Professional athletes popularly use hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT, to improve their recovery and performance. Fitness enthusiasts also use this special technique for muscle recovery purposes. There are valid and scientific reasons behind the effectiveness of HBOT. Let's discuss why professional athletes use these hyperbaric chambers for recovery in the description below.
What is HBOT?
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment used for muscle recovery. In this treatment, the individual breathes pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows the lungs to accumulate a maximum amount of oxygen compared to breathing at normal air pressure. As a result, the higher oxygen level in the blood increases the natural healing process of the body. It works in tissue repair and inflammation reduction mechanisms. This therapy has been used for various medical conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic non-healing wounds, certain infections, etc. This hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been a very useful tool for athletes to enhance their performance.
Why the Professional Athletes Use HBOT
HBOT Reduces Inflammation
HBOT therapy exceeds other techniques of active recovery in terms of reducing inflammation. It promotes tissue regeneration. HBOT also works in preventing injuries in the primary phase. It is a useful tool for professional athletes to speed up their recovery processes.
HBOT Improves the cell’s Mitochondrial Function
Mitochondria is a crucial organelle of our cells. It is the powerhouse that produces most of the needed energy. Mitochondria plays an essential role in muscle contraction and aerobic metabolism. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is an important technique that improves the mitochondrial function in athletes. It stimulates the new mitochondria production in the body. As a result of that energy production increases, and athletes can recover quickly from injuries.
HBOT Promotes Faster Recovery
According to recent studies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is commonly used by athletes to promote faster recovery. HBOT increases the oxygen intake in our body tissues. So, oxygen reaches all the areas and speeds up the recovery journey after intense physical training or injuries. HBOT has been shown to reduce muscular enzyme levels and improve pain intensity. This helps in the healing process of the athlete’s body.
HBOT Promotes Healing from Concussions
HBOT is an impactful therapy in dealing with concussions. There are plenty of examples where professional athletes saw miraculous effects of HBOT in terms of their head injury and concussions.
HBOT Reduces the Negative Effects of Chronically Elevated Cytokines
Cytokines, the small proteins of our immune system, regulate inflammation, infection, or other external injury. However, the overactive cytokine level can cause damage to our organs. High levels of cytokines lead to a persistent state of inflammation. HBOT therapy helps reduce inflammation and promotes recovery from injuries. It also promotes muscle regeneration.
Final Words
HBOT is a promising tool for enhancing muscle recovery. So, it has been used for more than a decade among professional athletes for their performance enhancement.