Fast recovery from sports injuries or muscle overuse isn’t a luxury – it provides a competitive edge. Whether you’re an elite athlete or a weekend warrior, the demands of training and physical activity often take a toll. Injuries, inflammation, and fatigue can sideline even the most disciplined performers.
The advanced, non-invasive treatment of medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) accelerates recovery by delivering high levels of oxygen to the body’s tissues. Medical-grade HBOT fuels cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing. Medical-grade HBOT for athletes means a quicker return to training and game-day readiness, with a lower risk of re-injury.
At NexGen Hyperbaric, we’ve taken the clinical rigor of hospital-based HBOT and built specialized sports medicine programs tailored to the needs of competitive athletes. Founded in 2004, we have a nationwide network of hospital-based hyperbaric clinics, and we are the first to offer the same level of care to teams on-site in a mobile hyperbaric unit. Our approach blends best-in-class medical protocols with flexible, high-performance care models, trusted by athletes across top-tier programs nationwide.
From youth clubs to championship contenders, we’re proud to support those pushing the limits of human performance. As hyperbaric therapy gains momentum in sports medicine, NexGen Hyperbaric is leading the way, delivering next-generation recovery for the next generation of athletes.
Faster Recovery from Injury
Medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy accelerates recovery at the cellular level, where the body needs it most. By flooding the bloodstream with oxygen-rich plasma, HBOT dramatically reduces inflammation, stimulates new blood vessel formation, and promotes the growth of healthy tissue.
For athletes recovering from acute injuries, this means faster, more complete healing. Muscles repair sooner. Pain subsides more quickly. And, perhaps most important, tissues regain their strength and integrity, reducing the risk of re-injury when you return to play.
HBOT can be a primary or adjunct therapy to enhance recovery from a wide range of common sports injuries and conditions, including:
- Bruises
- Sprains, strains, and muscle pulls
- Torn tendons and ligaments
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- General recovery after workouts, competition, or training
Overcoming Muscle Soreness
For athletes in serious training, Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) is part of the grind. This condition is the aftermath of microscopic muscle tears and the inflammation that follows intense exertion. Although it is the body’s natural response, it can slow progress and stall performance.
During high-intensity workouts, the body demands more oxygen than it can supply. As a result, muscles turn to anaerobic energy production, generating lactic acid as a byproduct. When that acid builds up faster than the body can clear it, it leaves you with stiffness, soreness, and fatigue that lingers long after the session ends.
By flooding the body with oxygen, our medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy doesn’t just reduce inflammation, it actively supports the faster breakdown and removal of lactic acid from muscle tissue. The result? Less downtime, reduced soreness, and a faster return to peak performance.
Treatment Option for TBI
Competitive athletes are subject to sustaining numerous blows to the head over the years, sometimes resulting in negative long-term effects from repetitive traumatic brain injury (TBI). Medical-grade HBOT is being explored as a TBI treatment option for delivering increased oxygen to the brain, reducing swelling, and protecting brain cells from further damage.
High-profile players like NFL Hall of Famer Joe Namath and NHL Stanley Cup winner Daniel Carcillo are vocal advocates for the recognition, treatment, and prevention of the debilitating loss of function in retired professional athletes caused by Post-Concussive Syndrome (PCS) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Research into HBOT as a treatment for improving and restoring function even years after TBI has occurred is showing immense promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy good for athletes?
Yes! Our medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy is good for athletes. As a clinical treatment that is administered by a hyperbaric oxygen therapy professional, medical-grade HBOT It can help people recover from injuries faster and perform better.
When athletes use our medical-grade HBOT, they are exposed to high oxygen levels in a pressurized environment. This helps the body heal faster and minimizes the time needed to rest and recover. Additionally, HBOT can improve athletic performance by helping the body take in more oxygen during exercise. This allows athletes to push themselves harder without experiencing the same level of fatigue.
Which athletes use HBOT?
From professionals to high school and college players, many athletes leverage medical-grade HBOT to get a competitive edge. Elite athletes who have stated they used HBOT to improve performance and recover more quickly include LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Tiger Woods, Michael Phelps, and Kobe Bryant. In addition, NexGen Hyperbaric has partnered with professional teams that have brought our mobile medical-grade hyperbaric services right
Is exercise safe after HBOT?
Yes, you can exercise after hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Many people find that they have more energy and feel better after regular sessions of our medical-grade HBOT. However, speaking with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine is essential, especially if you’re just starting again after a long hiatus. Remember to start slowly and progress gradually as your body gets used to the increased demands of exercise.
Does HBOT speed up metabolism?
Some evidence exists that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may increase the body’s metabolic rate. Research shows that HBOT causes an increase in the number of mitochondria in cells, which can lead to a higher rate of metabolism. However, more studies are needed to determine whether HBOT speeds up metabolism.
How long does it take HBOT to work for sports recovery?
Every athlete is unique and will respond differently. Our Medical Director, who is board-certified in Hyperbaric Medicine, will work closely with team medical professionals to maximize individual recovery.
How do athletes use oxygen?
Athletes use oxygen to fuel their muscles during physical activity. Muscles need oxygen to produce the energy necessary for movement. When muscles don’t have enough oxygen, they rely on anaerobic respiration, which produces lactic acid as a by-product. Lactic acid can cause muscle fatigue and cramps. Athletes try to avoid this by ensuring enough oxygen is available during exercise.
For what types of injuries could HBOT be used?
Many types of sports injuries and conditions could benefit from hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Some of these include:
- Bruises
- Sprains, strains, and pulls
- Torn tendons and ligaments
- Broken bones
- Concussion
- General recovery after workouts, competition, or training
Would scuba diving with an oxygen-rich tank have similar therapeutic effects to hyperbaric chamber treatment?
Some evidence is that scuba diving with an oxygen-rich tank may have similar therapeutic effects to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. With NexGen Hyperbaric’s solution – medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen therapy – you breathe 100 percent pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This therapy can help improve the function of your blood vessels and help wounds heal faster. However, if you’re interested in trying this treatment, contact us at NexGen Hyperbaric for more information to decide whether this therapy is right for you.
How Can HBOT Elevate Your Game?
Let’s talk about how NexGen Hyperbaric can help support optimal athletic performance.