What Are Musculoskeletal Injuries?
Musculoskeletal injuries comprise a broad category of injuries affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and bones, either individually or in combination.
They may occur during sports or in everyday life following falls, accidents or sudden movements. Their severity can vary considerably, ranging from mild muscle strains to multiple injuries involving several anatomical structures at the same time.
The natural healing process depends on the type and extent of the injury, the patient’s age, the blood supply to the affected area and their overall state of health.
Common symptoms include acute or subacute pain, swelling, bruising, restricted movement and an inability to use the injured limb fully. In complex cases, recovery may take several months and require a multidisciplinary treatment approach.
Characteristics of Musculoskeletal Injuries
A common feature of almost all musculoskeletal injuries is the activation of an inflammatory response as the first stage of healing. This inflammation is both normal and necessary, as it brings the cells and substances required to begin clearing damaged tissue and rebuilding the affected area.
Problems arise when inflammation persists or when the subsequent phase of regeneration is delayed or incomplete.
Local oxygenation is a critical factor in this process. Swelling following an injury compresses the capillaries, reducing blood flow and creating conditions of local hypoxia.
This lack of oxygen slows collagen synthesis, muscle fibre regeneration and neovascularization—the very processes required for effective tissue repair.
In complex injuries involving simultaneous damage to bone, tendon and muscle, the coordination of these regenerative processes becomes even more important. Inadequate management may lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility or joint instability.
Scientific Evidence
The body of scientific evidence supporting the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in post-traumatic recovery continues to grow. Studies involving athletes and members of the general population with musculoskeletal injuries have reported reduced post-traumatic swelling, a shorter inflammatory phase and a faster transition to the regenerative stage. Clinically, these effects may result in a shorter recovery period and an earlier return to normal function.
Among high-performance athletes in particular, the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy following an acute injury has emerged as a practical means of reducing time away from training and competition, without the risks associated with pharmacological interventions.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Musculoskeletal Injuries
In musculoskeletal injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be incorporated both during the acute phase, within the first few days after the injury, and during rehabilitation, as an adjunct to physiotherapy and orthopaedic treatment.
During the acute phase, the principal benefit is the reduction of post-traumatic swelling. The increased amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma, independently of haemoglobin, helps counteract the ischaemia caused by swelling and protects the tissues from secondary injury. At the same time, the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines may help reduce pain.
During rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy activates myoblasts, the cells responsible for muscle tissue regeneration, and supports collagen synthesis involved in the repair of tendons and ligaments.
The simultaneous stimulation of neovascularization helps ensure that newly formed tissues receive the blood supply required to develop adequate mechanical strength.
The number of sessions depends on the nature and severity of the injury and usually ranges from 10 to 30. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is always incorporated into the treatment plan in consultation with the treating physician or orthopaedic surgeon.