Lachie Neale Injury Return: Brisbane AFL News
- Brisbane star Lachie Neale is leaving no stone unturned in his near-unachievable bid to make it back to the finals, depending on how deep his side goes into...
- On top of the heavy qualifying final loss to Geelong, the Lions lost their two-time Brownlow medallist to a calf injury, the week he returned from a quad...
- Many quickly ruled out the reigning premiers returning to the top of the mountain without their star midfielder.
Lachie Neale’s Recovery Bid: A Race Against time
Table of Contents
What Happened: The Injury and Initial Reaction
Brisbane star Lachie Neale is leaving no stone unturned in his near-unachievable bid to make it back to the finals, depending on how deep his side goes into September.
On top of the heavy qualifying final loss to Geelong, the Lions lost their two-time Brownlow medallist to a calf injury, the week he returned from a quad issue.The injury occurred during the match on the MCG, abruptly stopping Neale while running with the ball.
The initial reaction was grim. Many quickly ruled out the reigning premiers returning to the top of the mountain without their star midfielder.
The Recovery Process: Going the Extra Mile
Despite the bleak outlook, Neale is determined to give himself any possible chance of returning to the field. Following a pleasant semi-final win against Gold Coast at the Gabba, he’s committed to an intensive rehabilitation program.
“I’ve been sitting in one of these things (hyperbaric chambers) for a few hours a day, trying to do everything I can, just in case,” Neale said on Triple M.
“But I’m just in there watching Netflix. And I’m willing to do it. I’m told it can help one or two per cent.
“Obviously, it won’t hurt with the rehab if I can’t get up for any game for the rest of the year anyway.”
Understanding Hyperbaric Chamber Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. This increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood,which can promote healing in several ways:
- Increased Oxygen Delivery: More oxygen reaches injured tissues,aiding in repair.
- Reduced Swelling: HBOT can definitely help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Oxygen is crucial for immune cell function, potentially accelerating recovery.
- Stimulation of Growth Factors: HBOT can stimulate the release of growth factors that promote tissue regeneration.
While the benefits are promising, it’s critically important to note that HBOT is frequently enough used as an adjunct to customary rehabilitation methods, and its effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the nature of the injury.
The Prognosis: A long Road Ahead
Brisbane and the AFL world don’t see Neale returning before the end of September, with the club listing his estimated return as 2026.
However, Neale’s unwavering optimism and dedication to his recovery offer a glimmer of hope.His relentless pursuit of premiership success is driving him to push the boundaries of his rehabilitation.