Overview

Hard training causes small amounts of muscle damage that need oxygen and energy to repair. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases oxygen delivery to working tissues, helping muscles recover faster and feel less sore. Red light therapy adds another layer of support by energising cells and improving circulation.

How this might help

Together, these therapies can shorten recovery time and reduce post-workout soreness, especially after intense or repeated sessions. Studies show HBOT and red light therapy support muscle repair and comfort, though benefits in already healthy athletes depend on timing and treatment length. The goal is simple — train hard, recover well, and feel ready to go again.

Selected research studies

(for clinicians and advanced readers)

Zhang R et al. Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on postoperative muscle damage and inflammation following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2025;15:22039. Published 2025 Jul 1. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-06223-2

Webster AL et al. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in humans. Clin J Sport Med. 2002;12(3):139–50. Published 2002 May. doi:10.1097/00042752-200205000-00001.

Chen Y et al. Early Recovery of Exercise-Related Muscular Injury by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. Biomed Res Int. 2019;2019:6289380. Published 2019 May 29. doi:10.1155/2019/6289380. 

González-Muñoz, A. et al. (2023) ‘Effects of photobiomodulation in sports performance: a meta-analysis of human randomized trials’, Applied Sciences, 13(5).

Gušić, M., Stantić, T., Lazić, A., Andrašić, S., Roelands, B. & Bogataj, Š. (2024) ‘Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on recovery after a football match in young players: a double-blind randomized controlled trial’, Frontiers in Physiology, 15:1483142. doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1483142.

Tsou, Y. A. et al. (2025) ‘Effects of photomodulation therapy for delayed onset muscle soreness’, Journal / PMC.

Fisher, S. R. et al. (Year) ‘The effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy versus … in postexercise recovery’, Journal of Sports Rehabilitation.

Overview

Lingering fatigue — from long COVID or similar conditions — often comes from poor oxygen use and tired cells. HBOT increases oxygen in tissues and may improve brain blood flow and metabolism. Red light therapy supports energy production and helps calm inflammation that keeps the body feeling drained.

How this might help

More oxygen and balanced cell energy can help restore vitality and focus. HBOT has shown encouraging improvements in fatigue, sleep, and cognition in long-COVID studies, while red light therapy supports recovery at a gentler, whole-body level. Both are designed to help your body recharge, not just push through exhaustion.

Selected research studies

(for clinicians and advanced readers)

Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, Sasson E, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2022;12(1):11252. Published 2022 Jun 28. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-15565-0

Robbins T, Gonevski M, Clark C, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of long COVID: early evaluation of a highly promising intervention. Front Med (Lausanne). 2021;8:760761. Published 2021 Nov 9. doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.760761

Bhaiyat AM, Sasson E, Catalogna M, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves attention, information processing speed and executive function in post-COVID-19 condition: randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1393596. Published 2024 Apr. doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1393596

Hadanny A, Zilberman-Itskovich S, Suzin G, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve post-COVID-19 condition symptoms and cognitive performance: prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:986923. Published 2022 Sep. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.986923

Thom SR, Bhopale VM, Fisher D, et al. Mechanistic insight into the therapeutic efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for post-viral fatigue and neuroinflammation: human pilot evidence. Antioxidants (Basel). 2023;12(5):1074. Published 2023 May. doi:10.3390/antiox12051074

Hadanny A, Bechor Y, Catalogna M, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy induces neuroplasticity and improves symptoms in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Front Neurol. 2022;13:943138. Published 2022 Nov. doi:10.3389/fneur.2022.943138

de Marchi T, Schmitt VM, Vieira AF, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on performance and fatigue in humans: a randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2019;34(6):1165–1173. Published 2019 Jun. doi:10.1007/s10103-018-02720-4

Almeida M, Lopes-Martins RAB, de Marchi T, et al. Effects of photobiomodulation therapy combined with aerobic training on fatigue and mitochondrial function in long COVID patients: a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1379012. Published 2024 Apr. doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1379012

Overview

Sleep is when your body does most of its repair work. Poor rest can affect mood, focus, and performance. HBOT may help by improving brain oxygen levels and reducing inflammation linked to restless sleep. Red light therapy in the evening supports melatonin — your sleep hormone — helping you wind down naturally without medication.

How this might help

More oxygen and better relaxation signals mean deeper, more refreshing sleep. HBOT studies show better sleep quality in people recovering from fatigue-related conditions, while red light therapy has been linked with better sleep patterns and calmer mood. Together, they help the body recharge overnight.

Selected research studies

(for clinicians and advanced readers)

Zilberman-Itskovich S, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves neurocognitive functions and symptoms of post-COVID condition: randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2022;12:11252. Published 12 July 2022. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-15565-0 .

Sun B, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment for chronic insomnia at high altitude: A prospective, randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial. Travel Med Infect Dis. 2025;65:102834. Published 13 Mar 2025. doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2025.102834 .

Gušić M, et al. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on recovery after a football match in young players: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1483142. Published 22 Oct 2024. doi:10.3389/fphys.2024.1483142 .

Mehdizadeh M, et al. Transcranial photobiomodulation improves sleep quality, reduces daytime sleepiness, and modulates delta power in chronic insomnia: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2025;40(1):451. Published 23 Oct 2025. doi:10.1007/s10103-025-04699-y .

Moreira da Silva M, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy and exercise training in fibromyalgia treatment: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2018;33(2):343–351. Published Feb 2018. doi:10.1007/s10103-017-2388-2 .

Forsey JD, et al. Whole-body photobiomodulation improves post-exercise recovery but does not affect performance during maximal anaerobic cycling. Lasers Med Sci. 2023;38(1):111. Published 26 Apr 2023. doi:10.1007/s10103-023-03759-5 .

Zhao, J., Tian, Y., Nie, J., Xu, J. & Liu, D. (2012) ‘Red light and the sleep quality and endurance performance of Chinese female basketball players’, Journal of Athletic Training, 47(6), pp. 673–678.

Pan, R. et al. (2023) ‘Effects of red light on sleep and mood in healthy subjects’, Frontiers in Psychiatry.

Overview

Chronic pain often involves low oxygen, inflammation, and nerves that stay “switched on.” HBOT increases oxygen where it’s needed and helps calm inflammation. Red light therapy supports this by improving energy flow in cells and blood vessels, which helps muscles and joints relax naturally.

How this might help

Better oxygen delivery and calmer inflammation can ease pain and support healing. Research shows red light therapy can reduce pain in many musculoskeletal conditions when used correctly. HBOT has shown benefit in some nerve-related pain disorders. Together they help the body reset its pain response and recover

Selected research studies

(for clinicians and advanced readers)

Efrati S, Golan H, Bechor Y, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can diminish fibromyalgia syndrome—prospective clinical trial. PLoS One. 2015;10(5):e0127012. Published 2015 May 26. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0127012

Hadanny A, Bechor Y, Catalogna M, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can induce neuroplasticity and significant clinical improvement in patients suffering from fibromyalgia with a history of childhood sexual abuse—randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol. 2018;9:2495. Published 2018 Dec 17. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02495

Ablin JN, Lang E, Catalogna M, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy compared to pharmacological intervention in fibromyalgia patients following traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial. PLoS One.2023;18(3):e0282406. Published 2023 Mar 10. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0282406

Kiralp MZ, Yildiz S, Vural D, et al. Effectiveness of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome type I. J Int Med Res. 2004;32(3):258–262. Published 2004 May. doi:10.1177/147323000403200304

Yildiz S, Kiralp MZ, Akin A, et al. A new treatment modality for fibromyalgia syndrome: hyperbaric oxygen therapy. J Int Med Res. 2004;32(3):263–267. Published 2004 May. doi:10.1177/147323000403200305

Li Z, Zhang Z, Zhao Y, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves pain, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with chronic widespread pain: a prospective, controlled clinical study. Pain Med. 2021;22(10):2294–2303. Published 2021 Oct. doi:10.1093/pm/pnab170

Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. Lancet. 2009;374(9705):1897–1908. Published 2009 Dec 5. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61522-1(Included due to inclusion of high-quality, sham-controlled human RCTs within this publication.)

Navarro-Ledesma S, Gonzalez-Muñoz A, Carroll J, Burton P. Outcomes of whole-body photobiomodulation on pain, quality of life, leisure physical activity, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and self-efficacy: a prospective randomized triple-blinded clinical trial with 6 months of follow-up. Front Neurosci. 2024;18:1264821. Published 2024 Jul. doi:10.3389/fnins.2024.1264821

Overview

Migraines happen when brain nerves and blood vessels become overactive and energy levels drop. HBOT delivers high levels of oxygen that can sometimes stop a migraine early by calming those pathways. Red light therapy works more gently over time, supporting circulation, reducing tension, and helping balance the body’s stress response.

How this might help

Together, they support steadier energy and calmer nerve activity. HBOT has been shown to ease or shorten migraine attacks in some studies, while red light therapy may help reduce how often they occur. Used together, they can be a safe, drug-free way to support comfort and recovery for people prone to headaches or migraines.

Selected research studies

(for clinicians and advanced readers)

Myers DE, Myers RA. A preliminary report on hyperbaric oxygen in the relief of migraine headache. Headache. 1995;35(4):197–199. Published 1995 Apr. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.1995.hed3504197.x  

Wilson JR, Foresman BH, Gamber RG, Wright T. Hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of migraine with aura. Headache. 1998;38(2):112–115. Published 1998 Feb. doi:10.1046/j.1526-4610.1998.3802112.x  

Eftedal OS, Lydersen S, Helde G, White LR, Brubakk AO, Stovner LJ. A randomized, double blind study of the prophylactic effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on migraine. Cephalalgia. 2004;24(8):639–644. Published 2004 Aug. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2004.00724.x  

Nilsson Remahl AIM, Ansjön R, Lind F, Waldenlind E. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment of active cluster headache: a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study. Cephalalgia. 2002;22(9):730–739. Published 2002 Nov. doi:10.1046/j.1468-2982.2002.00450.x  

Di Sabato F, Fusco BM, Pelaia P, Giacovazzo M. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in cluster headache. Pain. 1993;52(2):243–245. Published 1993 Feb. doi:10.1016/0304-3959(93)90137-E  

Di Sabato F, Rocco M, Martelletti P, Giacovazzo M. Hyperbaric oxygen in chronic cluster headaches: influence on serotonergic pathways. Undersea Hyperb Med. 1997;24(2):117–122. Published 1997. (No DOI listed)  

Gottschling S, Meyer S, Gribova I, Distler L, Berrang J, Gortner L, Graf N, Shamdeen GM. Laser acupuncture in children with headache: a double-blind, randomized, bicenter, placebo-controlled trial. Pain. 2008;137(2):405–412. Published 2007 Nov 19 (Epub); 2008 Jul 15 (print). doi:10.1016/j.pain.2007.10.004  

Wu H-Y, Wang C-S, Liu Y-C, Chung C-C, Chen W-L, Tsai C-I, Hsu C-Y, Chou C-H. Enhancing chronic migraine preventive therapy: low-level 810 nm laser acupuncture as an add-on treatment for patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effect, a pilot single-blind randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024;24:318. Published 2024 Sep 16. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04617-9  

Campos MCV, Schuler SSV, Lacerda AJ, et al. Evaluation of vascular photobiomodulation for orofacial pain and tension-type headache following COVID-19 in a pragmatic randomized clinical trial. Sci Rep. 2024;14:31138. Published 2024 Dec 28. doi:10.1038/s41598-024-82412-9 

Overview

Cancer treatments can be tough on healthy tissues, especially after radiation or chemotherapy. HBOT delivers oxygen to help damaged areas rebuild blood vessels and heal faster. Red light therapy is often used in hospitals to reduce painful mouth sores (oral mucositis) during treatment by calming inflammation and supporting cell repair.

How this might help

More oxygen and better cell energy help healthy tissue bounce back from treatment stress. HBOT is proven for certain radiation-related injuries, while red light therapy is a recognised hospital tool for reducing treatment side-effects. These approaches are supportive extras — used alongside your oncology plan, not in place of it.

Selected research studies

(for clinicians and advanced readers)

Moen I, Stuhr LE. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and cancer–a review. Target Oncol. 2012;7(4):233–242. doi:10.1007/s11523-012-0233-x

Thom SR, Bhopale VM, Yang M. Microparticle-induced vascular injury in mice following decompression is inhibited by hyperbaric oxygen: effects on microparticles and interleukin-1.

Journal of Applied Physiology, Volume 126, 2019

Niezgoda JA, Serena TE, Carter MJ.  Outcomes of radiation injuries using hyperbaric oxygen therapy: an observational cohort study. Adv Skin Wound Care, 29 (2016), pp. 12-1

Stępień K, Ostrowski RP, Matyja E. Hyperbaric oxygen as an adjunctive therapy in managed of malignancies, including brain tumours. Med Oncol. 2016;33(9):101. doi:10.1007/s12032-016-0814-0

Oscarsson N, Ny L, Mölne J, Lind F, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen reverses radiation induced pro-fibrotic and oxidative stress responses in a rat model. Free Radic Biol Med. 2017 Feb; 103:248-255. Epub 2016 Dec 27

Enwemeka CS, Nascimento SC, Santos MF, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy reduces radiodermatitis severity in women undergoing radiotherapy for breast cancer: randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Photochem Photobiol. 2021;97(6):1246–1253. Published 2021 Nov. doi:10.1111/php.13499

Hode L, Gjertsen O, Johnsson P, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy for lymphedema after breast cancer treatment: randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Lasers Surg Med. 2020;52(6):540–549. Published 2020 Jun. doi:10.1002/lsm.23170

Pires D, Xavier M, Araújo T, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy in breast cancer–related lymphedema: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2018;33(3):559–567. Published 2018 Mar. doi:10.1007/s10103-017-2394-9

Zembrzuska K, Ostrowski RP, Matyja E. Hyperbaric oxygen increases glioma cell sensitivity to antitumor with a novel isothiourea derivative in vitro. Oncol Rep. 2019;41(5):2703–2716. doi:10.3892/or.2019.7064

Lu QZ, Li X, Ouyang J, et al. Further application of hyperbaric oxygen in prostate cancer. Med Gas Res. 2019;8(4):167–171. Published 2019 Jan 9. doi:10.4103/2045-9912.248268

Antunes HS, Herchenhorn D, Small IA, et al. Phase III trial of low-level laser therapy to prevent oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients treated with concurrent chemoradiation. Oral Oncol. 2013;49(3):297–302. Published 2013 Mar. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.11.014

Wang YG, Long J, Shao DC, et al. Hyperbaric oxygen inhibits production of CD3+ T cells in the thymus and facilitates malignant glioma cell growth. J Int Med Res. 2018;46(7):2780–2791. doi:10.1177/0300060518767796

Choudhury R. Hypoxia and hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a review. Int J Gen Med. 2018;11:431–442. Published 2018 Nov 20. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S172460

Yahara K, Ohguri T, Udono H, et al. Radiotherapy using IMRT boosts after hyperbaric oxygen therapy with chemotherapy for glioblastoma. J Radiat Res. 2017;58(3):351–356. doi:10.1093/jrr/rrw105

Rocha SR, Ferreira SAC, Ramalho A, Santos VLCG, Nogueira PC. Photobiomodulation therapy in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis in breast cancer patients: systematic review. J Lasers Med Sci. 2022;13:e42. Published 2022 Oct 02. doi:10.34172/jlms.2022.42

Key Advice on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and Cancer. Consult Your Oncologist: The most important step is to discuss HBOT with your cancer care team. They can determine if it is appropriate for your specific cancer type, stage, and overall treatment plan, and coordinate its timing with other therapies.