Oxygen: The Brain’s Secret Weapon for Concussion Recovery
By Joy Stephenson-Laws, Holistic Coach, J.D., Founder
Each year, an estimated 3.8 million concussions occur in the United States, often from sports or recreational activities. Even more concerning, up to 50% of concussions go unreported, according to the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.
As a parent, I witnessed this up close when my son suffered a concussion after falling from his bike. He was wearing a helmet. It was his fifth! His road to recovery opened my eyes to something many of us take for granted: oxygen isn’t just for breathing—it’s the brain’s repair kit.
What Is a Concussion, Exactly?
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when a blow, bump, or jolt to the head—or even a strong force to the body—causes the brain to move rapidly inside the skull. This sudden movement can lead to:
Chemical changes in the brain
Stretching or damage to brain cells
Temporary disruption of normal brain function
Why Oxygen Matters for the Brain
We usually think about oxygen in terms of breathing and lung health, but the brain is the body’s biggest oxygen consumer. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, the brain relies almost entirely on oxygen-based metabolism for energy. Without enough oxygen, brain function and repair slow dramatically.
A recent study even developed a real-time imaging method to track oxygen movement in the brain. Researchers discovered “hypoxic pockets”—tiny areas with low oxygen—that appear more often as we age and may contribute to conditions like Alzheimer’s.
Bottom line? Healthy oxygen delivery is essential for brain function, healing, and long-term health.
How Oxygen Helps the Brain Heal After a Concussion
When the brain is injured, its oxygen needs skyrocket. Here’s how oxygen supports recovery:
Energizes Brain Repair
Brain cells need energy (ATP) to heal. Oxygen is what helps produce ATP.
After injury, extra oxygen powers the rebuilding of damaged cells and restores chemical balance.
Reduces Swelling & Inflammation
Brain injuries often cause swelling that restricts blood flow and oxygen delivery.
Supplemental oxygen helps calm inflammation and protect healthy cells.
Boosts Neuroplasticity
The brain can “rewire” itself after injury—a process called neuroplasticity.
Oxygen supports the formation of new connections between brain cells, improving recovery of speech, movement, and memory.
Promotes New Blood Vessels & Brain Cells
Oxygen stimulates growth factors that help create new blood vessels and brain cells, especially in areas linked to memory.
Cleans Out Toxins
Oxygen powers the brain’s natural cleanup system, preventing harmful proteins from piling up—something that may lower the risk of memory-related diseases.
Oxygen Therapy: A Game Changer for Athletes
For athletes recovering from concussions, oxygen therapy can play a major role in healing and performance. Two common approaches include:
Normobaric Oxygen Therapy – Breathing concentrated oxygen at normal pressure (often used during games or recovery sessions).
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which drives more oxygen deep into brain tissue, even in areas with poor blood flow.
HBOT is gaining popularity among elite athletes—reportedly including NBA star LeBron James—for faster recovery, improved brain health, and longevity.
What Does the Science Say?
A recent Frontiers in Medicine study explored brain oxygenation in combat athletes with and without past concussions. Key findings included:
Lower brain oxygenation at rest and during recovery in concussed athletes, suggesting long-term changes in blood flow.
Balance and aerobic fitness showed no major differences, meaning standard fitness tests may miss brain oxygen issues.
This research highlights why monitoring and improving brain oxygenation could be critical for athletes’ recovery and long-term brain health.
Final Thoughts
Oxygen isn’t just something we breathe—it’s the foundation of brain health and recovery. For athletes and anyone recovering from a concussion, prioritizing oxygen delivery can make a real difference in healing and long-term brain function.
Whether through natural methods like deep breathing and aerobic exercise, or advanced options like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, giving your brain the oxygen it needs is one of the smartest investments you can make in your health and performance.
If you or someone you love is recovering from a concussion, talk to a healthcare provider about oxygen therapy as part of a comprehensive recovery plan. Your brain deserves it.