I recently wrote a blog post on the use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) and wound healing.   While watching an NFL game this past weekend, I heard the commentators mention that several professional football players have used hyperbaric chambers to heal faster from injury and return to the paying field quicker.

Most recently, Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte used HBOT for a sprained MCL in his right knee.  He also received an injection of platelet rich plasma.

HBOT became popular among NFL athletes in 2004 when then-Eagles receiver Terrell Owen used HBOT for a broken leg.

Tags: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HBOT, Matt Forte, Terrell Owen, Platelet Rich Plasma, NFL, hyperbaric chamber, football

Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy was resting a toe sprain early last week before the match up Thursday night with the Seattle Seahawks.  Fortunately this "toe sprain" was not turf toe.

Turf toe is a common injury amongst football and soccer players.  Turf toe is a sprain of the ligaments around the big toe joint.  This typically occurs on artificial turf, but can also happen on grass.

A hyper extension of the big toe joint causes pain, swelling and stiffness.  Treatment includes ice, rest compression, taping and wearing a stiff shoe which will prevent the toe from bending while it heals.

Tags: LeSean McCoy, big toe injury, turf toe, soccer, NFL

With the recent end of the N.F.L. lockout, players jumped right back into training camp, many without having completed supervised workouts during the off-season.   This has lead to a considerable rise in injuries. 

There have been reports of at least 10 players with Achilles' tendon tears.  This is a season-ending injury for most.

Sports medicine specialists believe that the number of injuries will taper off as the season continues, and as players achieve improved physical fitness and strength.

For those "weekend warriors" out there, be sure to stretch properly prior to any physical activity (tennis, basketball, softball, flag football or running). 

Simple Achilles stretch:  Place the balls of your feet on the steps leaving your ankles hanging of the steps. Holding onto a railing or putting your hand on a wall as a guide, allow your weight to drop your heels below the level of the stairs.  Hold for 20 seconds. Then slowly raise yourself back up. Repeat this exercise 10 times.  Repeat 3 times a day.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Achilles pain or may have injured the Achilles tendon, please call 856-691-2152 to make a preferred appointment.

Tags: NFL, football, sports, Achilles tendon