How Alessia Russo benefits from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

Image source Sky Sports

There is significant interest in English footballer Alessia Russo (forward for Arsenal and the Lionesses) and her use of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as part of her elite recovery routine.

While professional athletes often keep specific medical details private, Russo has been open about the intensive recovery protocols she uses to maintain her performance, especially following the major injuries that shaped her early career.

Alessia Russo and Hyperbaric Recovery

Russo has referenced "the hyperbaric chamber" as one of the "one per cent" (marginal gains) that she uses to stay at the top of her game. This is part of a broader "wellness toolkit" she utilises, which includes:

•  Hyperbaric Oxygen Chambers: Used to breathe pure oxygen in a pressurised environment to speed up muscle repair.

•  Red-Light Therapy: Used for cellular health and reducing inflammation.

•  Nutrition and Sleep focus: Prioritising internal recovery to handle the high intensity of the WSL (Women's Super League) and international tournaments.

Why She Uses It: The Injury Context

Russo’s focus on advanced recovery stems from a serious hamstring injury she suffered shortly after joining Manchester United in 2020. This injury required surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation period.

•  Recovery Philosophy: She has stated that these injuries were a "learning curve" that taught her never to take her health for granted.

•  Tournament Resilience: During back-to-back major tournaments (Euro 2022, World Cup 2023, and Euro 2025), she has relied on these technologies to manage the "congested" schedule of elite football.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Works for Footballers

For a high-intensity forward like Russo, HBOT provides several physiological advantages:

1.      Accelerated Repair: Floods damaged muscle tissue with oxygen to speed up the healing of micro-tears.

2.      Reduced Inflammation: Helps manage the swelling and soreness that occur after a 90-minute match.

3.      Mitochondrial Boost: Enhances cellular energy production, helping athletes feel "fresher" between games.

4.      Mental Clarity: High oxygen levels are linked to improved focus and faster reaction times on the pitch.

Other Notable Footballers Using HBOT

Russo is not alone; many top-tier players have installed hyperbaric chambers in their homes or use them at club facilities, including:

•  Cristiano Ronaldo: Famous for his strict recovery regime involving oxygen chambers.

•  Mohamed Salah: Frequently shares photos of his recovery sessions in a chamber

•  Marcus Rashford: Utilises HBOT to manage the physical toll of the Premier League season.

How to get Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at The Brightwell

The Brightwell not only offers Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for those living with chronic or neurological conditions, but we also offer sessions for those dealing with Sports Injuries and/or post-operative recovery.

For further details, please visit www.thebrightwell.org.uk/oxygen-therapy