Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has evolved beyond its traditional applications. Today, when combined with personalized approaches to movement, breathing, and nutrition, it becomes a powerful tool for sports rehabilitation and regenerative medicine.

 

At the Hyperbaric Summit USA, Dr. Chris Pepitone, chiropractor and founder of Adaptive RX, presented a clinical case that highlights the potential of Enhanced Hyperbaric Medicine in accelerating functional recovery in a professional NBA referee.

 

The Challenge: A Stubborn Injury

 

The patient, a 33-year-old professional basketball referee, suffered from chronic pain in his left hip and thigh following a left adductor resection surgery and inguinal hernia repair.

 

Months later, he sustained a strain of the sartorius muscle, which worsened his condition. After 10 months of physical therapy and steroid injections without improvement, he continued to experience significant pain (8/10 on the VAS scale), unable to run or stand for extended periods.

 

Time was critical — he had only 17 days before his NBA Summer League evaluation.

 

The Approach: Enhanced Hyperbaric Medicine

 

Dr. Pepitone implemented an intensive 10-session HBOT protocol, five times per week, with each session lasting 90 minutes and including 5-minute air breaks every 20 minutes.

 

Before each session, the patient underwent a brief Qi Gong brushing on the anterior hip area to stimulate blood flow and induce localized microregeneration.

 

During HBOT, specific movement and breathing exercises were integrated to enhance oxygen utilization and re-activate inhibited muscles:

 

• Supine glute activation pulses
  
  

• Quadriceps flicker with ankle pumps
  
  

• Abdominal bracing breathwork during air breaks
  
  

• Adductor engagement pulses to promote circulation in the lower limbs
  
  

This multimodal approach leverages the Hyperoxic–Hypoxic Paradox, where alternating oxygen levels trigger the expression of regenerative genes and promote tissue repair.

 

Nutritional and Supplement Support

 

The protocol also included targeted supplementation to support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and optimize neuromuscular recovery:

 

 

Results: Functional Recovery Achieved

 

After completing the 10-session program, the patient experienced complete functional recovery with minimal discomfort.

He regained a normal gait pattern, was able to run without pain, and expressed high satisfaction with his progress.

 

This case demonstrates how combining HBOT with movement and nutritional strategies can accelerate tissue healing, restore muscular function, and optimize physical performance — even under time pressure.

 

"Enhanced Hyperbaric Medicine represents a new paradigm in functional recovery."
By integrating oxygen therapy, guided movement, and nutritional support, it is possible to activate the body’s natural repair mechanisms and achieve results that go beyond the expected norm. A true innovation redefining rehabilitation and elite performance recovery.