Muscle & Tendon Pain*

The swelling and discomfort experienced after strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or simply moving the ‘wrong way’ comes from damage to the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissue cells and muscles. The soft tissue becomes irritated, inflamed and often swelling occurs.

Following a simple muscle sprain or other minor soft tissue injury, the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation) formula can help reduce pain and swelling. Also, other common treatments such as deep-tissue massage can play an important part in therapy and will usually provide temporary relief. Of course, if the condition worsens, you must see your doctor.

However, once the inflammatory condition has started, even simple tasks that demand the use of the injured muscle tissue puts considerable internal pressure on the area limiting circulation to the tissue resulting in decreased delivery of oxygen. When we ask that sore muscle to perform the same job over and over again (like swinging a golf club or tennis racket or perhaps continuing to jog) this causes the body to lay down scar tissue in an attempt to protect the injured area. This scar tissue can restrict the movement of adjacent tissue causing friction, which then leads to even more inflammation, and swelling! Swelling deprives the soft tissue cells of the oxygen and nutrients necessary for the body to promote healing. In other words…by asking our body to use sore, injured or strained muscles over and over again we have set ourselves up for a vicious and often painful cycle.

While deep tissue massage therapy plays an important part in the treatment of soft tissue injury, the relief may only be temporary. Oxygen delivered to the body under pressure, as in HBO therapy, increases the blood oxygen content and improves oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Studies involving HBOT have shown that when oxygen is delivered under pressure, circulation can improve thereby delivering much-needed nutrients to damaged tissues. When injured our bodies will seek every opportunity, use every resource available to promote healing. Oxygen8 simply gives them the tool of oxygen…Mother Nature’s perfect medicine.

* Oxygen8 is committed to providing you information on the cutting edge and proactive wellness benefits of HBO therapy. This information is meant to inform and educate only and does not constitute a medical recommendation.