Flatman was a key figure in Bath's revival last season

The 24-year-old turned to revolutionary new techniques in his rehabilitation after an Achilles tendon operation.

Flatman, who hopes to return in October, spent eight days in a state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber in Poole.

"It is intended to increase the efficiency of the recovery," he said. "I've certainly noticed a difference."

Flatman went on England's summer tour to New Zealand and Australia but was not sufficiently fit to be available for selection.

Bath's head of physical preparation, Chris Mallac, believes the unconventional treatment will kick-start the player's recovery.

"The hyperbaric chamber is used more as a post operation healing stimulant," Mallac told the Bath Chronicle.

"The Achilles tendon has poor blood circulation and by undergoing this procedure an increased flow of oxygen to the tendon is induced and that helps to kick-start the healing process."

Delve return delayed

Flatman was initially looking at a rehabilitation period of "around 12 weeks" after undergoing the surgery in mid-July.

"However, it could be sooner as Chris Mallac and his medical team are extremely good at what they do," he added. "There is still a long way to go in terms of recovery."