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Brewers' Nelson credits hyperbaric chamber for expedient rehab

Mike McGinnis / Getty Images Sport / Getty

When Milwaukee Brewers starter Jimmy Nelson tore the labrum in his right shoulder diving headfirst into a base in September, it was expected the right-handed would be out of commission for quite a while, but things appear to have changed thanks to a slightly unconventional rehab.

Nelson wasn't expected to begin throwing until the beginning of spring training with a return to the mound anticipated for around the All-Star break, but thanks to a hyperbaric chamber, Nelson is far ahead of schedule.

The 28-year-old plans to pick up a baseball for the first time Friday, he told MLB.com's Adam McCalvy.

"I've been anxious to start throwing the last couple of weeks, really," Nelson said. "My strength came back much quicker than I thought it would."

Nelson explained that the chamber - in conjunction with daily arm care and physical therapy, increased gym time (including Pilates), and an improved diet - has helped with his recovery time.

"The volume and intensity of my workouts has been able to stay as high as possible," Nelson said. "I haven't had to take too many recovery days or too many easy days at the gym, because I'm not feeling super sore. There are things it's doing for me internally that I can't see. It's one of the many reasons my rehab has gone so well."

A hyperbaric chamber's air pressure is up to three times higher than normal, which causes a person's blood to carry more oxygen throughout the body. This helps "fight bacteria and stimulate(s) the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote(s) healing," according to the Mayo Clinic.

Nelson had a breakout campaign for the Brewers last season, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.49 ERA and 199 strikeouts during 29 starts.

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