Hyperbaric Oxygenation accelerates recovery from knee injuries, according to USP study

According to alarming data, around 69% of Brazilians over the age of 18 experience knee pain from various causes, such as tendonitis, ligament rupture, arthritis and traumatic injuries. Additionally, approximately 55% of sports injuries are directly related to the knee.

The study, recently published in the renowned Journal of Orthopedic Researchjournal of the Orthopedic Research Society (ORS), reveals that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can play a crucial role in recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. The researchers highlight the efficiency of Hyperbaric Chamber in the post-surgical phase and in the reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee (ACL).

Brazil is witnessing a significant increase in the adoption of this therapy, especially among prominent sports clubs such as Palmeiras, Flamengo, Corinthians, Atlético Mineiro and Grêmiowho recognize its potential to accelerate the recovery of athletes.

Marco Demange, study leader and professor at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology (IOT) at the Hospital das ClÃnicas da Faculdade de Medicina (HCFM) at the University of São Paulo (USP), expresses his surprise at the quick acceptance of Hyperbaric Medicine. “People are seeing a new aspect that is opening up and that they didn't think much about before.“, he states in an interview with VEJA. He foresees considerable growth in this field of study.

How Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work?

Hyperbaric Medicine improves the oxygenation of tissues with less vascularization, such as the reconstructed ligaments of the knee after surgery. With more than 30 years of application, this therapy has already shown effectiveness in healing tissues with low oxygenation, as well as in the treatment of extensive wounds caused by diabetes, burns and others. cases.

The technique consists of exposing the patient to breathing pure oxygen inside a Hyperbaric Chamber. The pressure exerted on the body is twice that of the atmosphere, equivalent to diving into the sea at a depth of 20 meters.

Oxygen, transported not only by hemoglobin but also by blood plasma, is distributed in tissues at levels six to seven times higher than those obtained by ordinary breathing. This substantial increase stimulates cellular activity, promoting more effective healing.

The promising results of the therapy include a reduction in treatment time, with the patient performing sessions of up to 90 minutes, comparatively more efficient than traditional physiotherapy, according to the specialist.

“Those who did not undergo Hyperbaric Therapy had 1â„3 of the ligament's resistance restored, while those who did had already fully recovered.†, explains Dr. Marco Demange.

It is important to highlight that Hyperbaric Therapy is not intended to replace traditional approaches or surgeries, but to act as an additional treatment to accelerate the patient's recovery and healing.

Given the encouraging results obtained in tests with rabbits, the researchers plan to move on to clinical tests on patients, exploring not only ligaments in the knee, but also other areas with healing challenges, such as the meniscus. , cartilage and tendon of the shoulder.