OPIOID RECEPTORS SHOWN TO BE PART OF HYPERBARIC OXYGEN’S PAIN-RELIEVING EFFECTS
Recent research has shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can help alleviate pain both in acute and chronic cases. Much attention has focused on the anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT and associated reductions in pain.
This study, published in the European Journal of Pain in 2014, showed that opioid receptors may also have a big role in the positive effects of HBOT <view study>
LOW-PRESSURE HYPERBARIC OXYGEN TREATMENT HELPS WOMEN WITH FIBROMYALGIA
This study was used to evaluate the effects of low-pressure hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on fatigue, pain, endurance and functional capacity, physical performance and cortical excitability when compared with a physical exercise program in women with fibromyalgia.
The hyperbaric protocol used was a 2 month course of daily 90 minute sessions (5 days per week for a total of 40 hours) at 1.45 ATA. During this time period, 60 minutes of low intensity exercises, twice weekly (for a total of 16 sessions), was included in the protocol.
This group of participants showed improvements in pressure pain threshold, endurance and functional capacity, as well as physical performance. In addition, the HBOT group reported significant improvements in induced fatigue and perceived pain at rest. <view study>