Brady Drake
If your athlete plays hard, you already know the drill: rolled ankles, sore tendons, deep bruises, maybe even a concussion scare. The goal is always the same—heal fast, heal fully, and get back safely. That’s where hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) comes in, and why families across Fargo are turning to Swanson Hyperbarics.
Since 2021, Swanson Hyperbarics has built a reputation for world-class care with a simple belief from founder Lee Swanson that “No person is in better charge of your health than you.” The team’s job is to empower your family with clear guidance, safe therapy, and an experience that puts your athlete first.
HBOT— What it is, and Why Athletes Use it
In HBOT, your athlete breathes 100% oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. That pressure drives more oxygen into the bloodstream and plasma, helping it reach areas that need extra support for recovery. Families choose HBOT to help calm inflammation, support tissue repair, and promote new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis)—all pillars of injury recovery.
What it looks like at Swanson: Sessions are in large, clear-acrylic one-person chamber. A trained tech stays right beside the chamber the whole time. Most athletes watch TV or rest; you’ll hear a brief “rushing” sound as oxygen flows and your athlete equalizes their ears (just like on an airplane). Your athlete can stop a session at any time.
What Is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
- Definition: A medical treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber.
- How It Works: Higher pressure allows lungs to absorb more oxygen, saturating the blood and accelerating healing.
Benefits:
- Promotes wound healing
- Reduces inflammation • Boosts circulation
- Stimulates stem cell activity • Supports neurological recovery
Swanson Hyperbarics at a Glance
- Founded: 2021
- Founder: Lee Swanson
- Mission: Delivering patient-centered, innovative therapies accessible to all.
- Vision: Leading a revolution in healthcare with evidence-based, optimal healing outcomes.
Common Youth Sports Scenarios They See
While HBOT has a set of FDA-covered indications (like decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, gas gangrene, and specific diabetic wound cases), many sports-related uses are considered off-label in the U.S. That simply means insurers may not cover them—even when promising research or international practice exists. Swanson is transparent about that and will help you decide what’s appropriate for your child. Including:
- Sprains/strains and muscle contusions – support for swelling and tissue repair.
- Ligament/tendon injuries (e.g., ACL/MCL) – adjunctive support alongside ortho/PT plans.
- Concussion/TBI – discussed case-by-case with your hyperbaric provider; HBOT may be considered within a broader brain-rest and rehab plan
- Pre and post-surgical recovery – potential support for healing after repair procedures.
Parent FAQ
Q: Is HBOT safe?
Yes. At Swanson Hyperbarics, sessions are carefully monitored. The most common issue is mild ear pressure, similar to flying in an airplane.
Q: How many sessions will my child need?
It depends on the injury. Mild sprains might benefit from just a few sessions, while ligament or concussion support could require multiple visits. Swanson’s team will walk you through a customized plan.
Q: Will insurance cover this?
Insurance typically covers HBOT for FDA-approved conditions, but many sports injuries are considered off-label in the U.S. Swanson is transparent about costs and options so you can make the right choice.
Q: Can HBOT replace physical therapy or a doctor’s care?
No. Think of HBOT as a powerful adjunct. It works best alongside a physician’s guidance, physical therapy, and good nutrition/sleep habits.
Q: Will my athlete feel anything unusual?
Some athletes report ear popping, mild warmth, or feeling tired after a session. These are normal and short-lived.
No person is in better charge of your health than you.”
Safety first (and what your athlete may feel)
There are rare but possible risks—most commonly ear barotrauma (trouble clearing ears). Techs coach athletes through equalizing, and sessions use safety pauses (“air breaks”) to lower risks related to longer exposures. Post-session, some athletes feel tired, hungry, or pleasantly relaxed—normal responses to a high-oxygen environment. Diabetic patients are screened for low blood sugar risk before and after sessions. Patients will also have their blood pressure taken before every session.
Swanson also aligns with the kind of rigorous standards you’d expect like licensure, trained providers, annual safety checks, informed consent, and transparent billing—principles reflected in a model State Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Safety & Standards Act framework.
Why Swanson Hyperbarics?
- A friendly experience: Clear chambers, constant communication, and calm coaching make sessions easy—even for first-timers.
- Education & excellence: Swanson recently announced a clinical affiliation with the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences to host medical student electives in HBOT—a signal of the clinic’s commitment to training, research literacy, and best practices.
- Whole-person mindset: You’ll get practical guidance, not pressure. If HBOT isn’t the right tool, they’ll say so and steer you toward options that fit your athlete’s plan.
Complementary Recovery Tools many athletes ask about
Swanson also provides access to technologies families often combine with PT, nutrition, and sleep for a well-rounded recovery plan:
- PEMF (HU=GO™) – pulsed electromagnetic field modality used to support circulation, reduce muscle tension, and aid recovery.
- HOCATT™ – a multi-modal wellness system (ozone/ oxygen breathing, CO₂, far-infrared, microcurrents, full spectrum light, steam, carbonic acid, and full-body detoxification).
Is My Athlete a Good Candidate?
Your athlete might be a fit for HBOT at Swanson Hyperbarics if they are:
- Recovering from a sports-related injury (sprain, strain, bruise, ligament tear).
- Healing from surgery.
- Having concussion symptoms.
- Struggling with slow-healing wounds
What a Typical Family Journey Looks Like
1. Consult & screening → discuss your athlete’s diagnosis, current care plan, and whether HBOT is appropriate with the on-site physician.
2. Patient education & first dive → meet your tech, learn ear-equalizing tips, settle in with TV/audio.
3. Progress checks → the concussion treatment plan is customized, and Swanson Hyperbarics will coordinate with your care team.
swansonhyperbarics.com
701.929.3930
[email protected]
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