Effectiveness of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal pain syndromes (MPSs) represent a major cause of disability and reduced quality of life, and conventional therapeutic approaches often provide only partial or temporary relief. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) delivered as 100% oxygen at 1.3-2.5 ATA, has been proposed to modulate inflammatory processes and enhance tissue repair. This review evaluated the effectiveness of HBOT on pain, function, quality of life, and physiological outcomes in individuals with MPS.

METHODS

This systematic review was conducted in different databases between June 30 and 30 September 2025, following PRISMA guidelines and was previously registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251073730). Studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese evaluating HBOT as a standalone or adjunctive intervention were included. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using PEDro, NIH, and RoB 2.0 tools, and certainty of evidence was graded with GRADE.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies (17 RCTs and 1 case series; n = 671) were included. HBOT protocols ranged from 3 to 60 sessions, lasting 60-90 min, at approximately 1.3-2.5 ATA. Consistent reductions in pain and modest functional improvements were observed in fibromyalgia and postoperative conditions such as knee arthroplasty and peripheral nerve repair, with associated improvements in quality of life and inflammatory markers. Results for delayed-onset muscle soreness and acute ligament injuries were inconsistent.

CONCLUSIONS

HBOT may provide adjunctive benefits in musculoskeletal pain syndromes, yet the current evidence remains limited. Standardized treatment protocols and high-quality trials are needed to better define its clinical applicability.