Sports injuries include any form of injury caused by physical activity, whether during organised sport or recreational exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The term covers a wide range of conditions, from mild sprains and first-degree muscle strains to complex injuries involving simultaneous damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may result from sudden trauma, such as a fall, collision or abrupt movement, or from the gradual accumulation of micro-injuries caused by chronic overuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sports injuries most commonly affect the lower limbs, including the knee, ankle and thigh, but may also involve the shoulder, elbow or spine, depending on the sport. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising, restricted movement and an inability to bear weight fully vary according to the type and severity of the injury. In every case, prompt and effective management is essential for a favourable long-term outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A common feature of all sports injuries is the activation of an inflammatory response as the first stage of healing. This response is necessary, but in many cases it may persist longer than expected or occur in areas where blood supply is already reduced and the body\u2019s natural healing mechanisms are less effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another factor that can significantly affect the prognosis is the presence of a haematoma. The accumulation of blood within the tissues creates local hypoxia, increases pressure and delays natural resorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When a haematoma is not managed appropriately, it may undergo fibrous organisation, resulting in the formation of dense connective tissue that can permanently reduce the flexibility and function of the injured area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recovery time depends on several factors, including the athlete\u2019s age, the blood supply to the affected area, the severity of the injury and the quality of treatment received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In competitive sport, every week away from training or competition can have significant consequences, making faster recovery a primary objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of sports injuries has been studied both in research settings and within professional sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Studies involving athletes with soft-tissue injuries and haematomas have reported faster haematoma resorption, reduced swelling and an earlier return to full training compared with control groups that did not receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stimulation of neovascularisation, enhancement of phagocytic activity for the removal of necrotic tissue and induction of growth factors, including VEGF and TGF-\u03b2, are among the principal mechanisms through which hyperbaric oxygen therapy may support tissue healing after sports injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In sports injuries, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be introduced within the first 24 to 72 hours after the injury as an adjunct to conservative management, including RICE, anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy. When surgery is required, it may also be used during the postoperative recovery period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the acute phase, the primary objective is to reduce post-traumatic swelling and help prevent secondary tissue injury. The increased amount of oxygen dissolved in the plasma helps counteract the ischaemia caused by pressure from the swelling, protecting cells within the area surrounding the main injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During rehabilitation, hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports collagen synthesis, muscle fibre regeneration and vascular repair, helping the athlete return to full training sooner and with a lower risk of recurrence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The number of sessions varies according to the severity of the injury and typically ranges from 10 to 25, administered daily or almost daily during the intensive phase.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What Do Sports Injuries Include? Sports injuries include any form of injury caused by physical activity, whether during organised sport or recreational exercise. The term … <\/p>\n