Mitochondria are often referred to as the cellular “power plant” because they convert the
protein, fat, and lipids we consume into energy that our cells can use. There are several things that mitochondria require to function properly but the most important element of all is, you guessed it, oxygen. When properly oxygenated, mitochondria are like microscopic energy factories, fueling your body at the cellular level, and ultimately fueling your game. In contrast, when oxygen levels are low, mitochondria produce lactic acid, the chemical that is synonymous with muscle soreness and fatigue.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) presses oxygen deep below the skin’s surface to super-saturate muscles, without involvement of the lungs of heart. This may result in increased fat burning and endurance, with less lactic acid production. This combination means better performance, faster recovery and less discomfort after training sessions.

For most pro-athletes, injuries are part of the game. The key to not letting a sports-related injury get the best of you is prevention and prompt, full recovery.

Hyperbaric Oxygen has been used in some form to speed the healing of injuries ranging in severity from stroke, to burn and crush. The ability of concentrated oxygen in the hyperbaric chamber to regenerate growth of blood vessels and tendons makes it a perfect fit for athletes. According to a study by British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit, and British Columbia Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada, “Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBOT) Therapy may serve to provide a means of therapy to facilitate a speedier resumption to pre-injury activity levels as well as improve the short and long term prognosis of the injury.” (Babul S, Rhodes EC)