Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

A medical treatment in which oxygen under high pressure is inhaled. For several years, it has been used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including carbon monoxide poisoning, gangrene, and decompression sickness. Recently, there have been several trials of hyper-baric oxygen therapy (HBO) on patients with sports injuries. Several English football teams have used it to treat players with damaged ligaments. The treatment was apparently successful, with significantly accelerated recovery rates. HBO is thought to stimulate white blood cell activity in the damaged tissues. The therapy also has effects on the heart and circulation, reducing blood flow to the injured parts, which become less swollen. However, HBO appears to have limited application. It is effective on only certain types of injuries. In addition, there are concerns that the high levels of oxygen within the tissue after HBO may increase the level of free radicals. Free radicals are destructive chemicals that attack cell membranes.

A therapeutic procedure used to accelerate healing and enhance recovery from soft tissue injuries. Patients inspire pure oxygen, while their whole bodies are subjected to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure at sea level. The procedure has been used to treat leg injuries of professional footballers. Although its effectiveness has not been fully evaluated, hyperbaric oxygen therapy appears to accelerate recovery, especially if treatment is given within 8 h of the injury being sustained.