Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy (HBOT) is the inhalation of 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber.  Usually, the pure oxygen is administered at twice normal atmospheric pressure (the equivalent of being 33 feet under water) in a Jacques Cousteau looking device referred to as a diving bell or pressure chamber. 

If you remember gas law from high school chemistry, the increased pressure increases the oxygen dissolved in your blood and tissue fluids. Under theses conditions the oxygen content of blood can increase to 125% normal with a 10 fold increase in the oxygen level of tissues.  The oxygen content of the skin can increase 300%.

The theory is that increased oxygen delivery to soft tissues and bone stimulates healing.  I say 'theory' because it is far from a proven fact. 

There are clear and well documented benefits from HBO therapy in treating decompression sickness more commonly referred to as the ‘bends’ (a common scuba related injury), serious burns and wound infections.  But the jury is still out when it comes to the efficacy of HBO therapy in treating soft tissue injuries including muscle, tendons and ligaments. HBO intervention as related to fracture (bone) healing enjoys even less consensus and continues to be an area of vigorous debate.

Spending hours enduring multiple sessions in a dive chamber being pressurized is a lot to ask for a therapy that is far from proven in treating routine fractures that in otherwise very healthy individuals heal without incident.  Some things fall into the category of technology beyond reason…just because you can is it really worth it?   

I’ve also witnessed first hand the growing trend of at home, portable un-pressurized ‘oxygen chambers/tents/bags’ with professional athletes (they must not have taken chemistry in high school or remember very much of it).  Pro athletes are looking for any and every potential edge when it comes to training and recovery… so what’s a few grand for little more than a breath of fresh air.  If some guy on TV used it… it must work, right?