This review looked at whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps people with muscle and joint pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, pain after knee replacement, and pain after nerve surgery. Across 18 studies (mostly high-quality trials with 671 patients), HBOT was usually given for 60–90 minutes per session over several days or weeks, at mild to moderate pressure levels (1.3 - 2.5 ATA) Overall, HBOT consistently reduced pain and led to modest improvements in function and quality of life in people with fibromyalgia and some postoperative pain conditions, and it sometimes improved markers of inflammation. However, results were mixed for short-term problems like post-exercise muscle soreness and acute ligament injuries. The authors conclude that HBOT may be a helpful add-on treatment for certain chronic pain conditions, but the evidence is still limited and better, more standardized studies are needed before it can be widely recommended <view study> Read Less

This study included a group of fibromyalgia-diagnosed w0men taking a full course of 40 hyperbaric oxygen sessions at 1.45 ATA (90 minutes per session, 5 days per week, for a total of 8 weeks). Follow up results showed significant improvements in pain threshold <view study> Read Less

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> Read Less