The effect of hyperbaric oxygen and blood platelet injection therapy on the healing of hamstring injuries in rugby players

There are a number of ultra-structural and immuno-histochemical studies involving hyperbaric \noxygen treatment in skeletal muscle, as well as soft tissue healing. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, in \nconjunction with blood platelet injection therapy, serves as a valuable addition to previously \nknown and trusted rehabilitation techniques and protocols for the healing of musculoskeletal or \nsoft tissue injuries. The primary aim of this case report is to describe the effect on the recovery \ntime of hamstring injuries when combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and platelet rich \nplasma (PRP) injection therapy with exercise rehabilitation. A retrospective, post-intervention \ndata analysis was used in this case series report. Data, obtained through collaboration with a \nprofessional rugby union and an accredited Hyperbaric Medicine (HBOT) Centre, were analysed \nusing the Statistical Programme for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The significance value \nwas set at 5%. A significant decrease in the injury time of the hamstring injuries in rugby players \nwas noted, with a 38% reduction in injury time in players with a grade-one injury, and 45.7% \nreduction in players with a grade-two injury. In terms of recurrent injuries, 62% of players with \ngrade-one injuries remained uninjured after treatment, and the percentage of re-injured players \nwith grade-two injuries was 0% after HBOT, PRP and physical therapy treatment. The notion \nthat the healing time of hamstring injuries will decrease when HBOT and PRP are administered \nin conjunction with traditional rehabilitation therapy is indicated by the data of this report.