How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Transformed My Concussion Recovery—and Why It’s a Game-Changer for Athletes

This past February, I suffered a concussion that changed my entire perspective on recovery. What I thought would be a few days of rest turned into a journey of dealing with persistent headaches, brain fog, and fatigue. I found myself searching for something beyond the standard recommendations to alleviate the inflammation and get me back to my best.
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That's when I was introduced to Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT).

I was fortunate to have access to a local facility, Wood River Hyperbarics, where I started an intensive protocol right after the injury—13 sessions over the course of several weeks. The results were encouraging, and even my son joined me for some sessions, emphasizing the importance of HBOT for recovery. However, six months into the protocol, some of my symptoms still lingered. That's when my concussion doctor from the Amen Clinic—who is now a trusted advisor here at Monarch—recommended I increase the frequency: five days a week for 30 days, aiming for a total of at least 20 sessions.

While I’m still on my recovery journey, one thing became crystal clear—HBOT is critical for recovery, not only from concussions but for any injury athletes may face. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, a hard fall, or a post-exertion "bonk," we’ve integrated HBOT into Monarch’s offerings to help athletes accelerate their healing process and optimize their performance.

​The Science Behind HBOT:

​Why Medical-Grade Chambers and 2 Atmospheres Are Essential

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy works by delivering 100% oxygen at increased pressure inside a medical-grade chamber—in our case, set to 2 atmospheres (2 ATA). This high-pressure environment allows oxygen to dissolve directly into the plasma, enabling it to reach inflamed or damaged areas more effectively than at normal atmospheric pressure.

For concussion recovery like mine, this was a game-changer. Oxygen penetrated the inflamed tissues in my brain, reducing swelling and promoting faster healing. For athletes recovering from injuries or surgeries, HBOT works similarly by enhancing the body’s natural repair mechanisms, reducing inflammation, and promoting cell regeneration.
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At 2 ATA, the body's ability to absorb oxygen is exponentially higher than at sea level or in non-medical-grade chambers. This is why the protocol I followed was so effective: medical-grade chambers allow your body to access and use oxygen more efficiently, speeding up recovery for everything from brain injuries to muscle repair.

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From Concussion Recovery to Athletic Performance

It wasn’t just about treating my concussion—it was about discovering a new pathway for optimal recovery in the athletic community. I realized the power of HBOT not just for concussions but for post-surgical recovery, muscle repair, and overall performance enhancement. The therapy can benefit anyone—whether you're recovering from a tough race, rehabbing a sports injury, or needing a recovery boost after a hard training block.

As my experience with HBOT deepened, it became clear that Monarch needed to integrate this powerful therapy into our offerings. Athletes deserve access to cutting-edge recovery tools that go beyond traditional methods. HBOT is now an essential part of our post-injury and performance enhancement protocols.
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As Dr. Tara Shelby, our integrative health expert, explains, "HBOT doesn’t just address the immediate symptoms of an injury—it enhances the body's ability to repair and regenerate tissue long after the event, making it critical for long-term recovery and athletic performance."

Why Medical-Grade HBOT at Monarch?

It’s important to note that not all HBOT chambers are created equal. While some wellness centers offer soft-shell or portable chambers, they typically operate at lower pressures and don’t use 100% oxygen—which makes a huge difference in outcomes. Only medical-grade chambers operating at 2 ATA provide the necessary oxygen saturation to reach deep into injured tissues and reduce inflammation at a cellular level.
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At Monarch, we’ve invested in medical-grade chambers because we believe in offering our clients the very best for their recovery and performance needs.

Interested in exploring how HBOT can enhance your recovery or performance?

Book a personal consultation with me and let’s design a customized HBOT protocol tailored to your health and athletic goals. Whether you’re recovering from a concussion, post-surgery, or simply want to maximize your performance, we’ll find the right plan to get you back in the game and feeling your best.

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