Alcohol And Injury Recovery Don’t Mix

During extended recovery and rehabilitation timeframes, most people find they have more time on their hands – and some tend to pick up bad habits during this period. Lethargy can result in a poor diet, eating junk food and drinking more alcohol than usual. There are certain steps you can take to enhance your healing process, such as booking an appointment at Cairnhill Physiotherapy. Avoiding alcohol ranks among the most important. 

 

Reasons to Avoid Alcohol During Injury Recovery

 

Interference with Healing Process

Alcohol can interfere with the body’s natural healing process by impairing immune function and reducing the ability of the body to repair damaged tissues. This can slow down the healing of injuries and lead to complications.

 

Inflammation

Alcohol consumption can contribute to inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process, but excessive inflammation can hinder healing and increase pain and discomfort.

 

Nutritional Depletion

Alcohol can deplete the body of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that are important for tissue repair and overall health. Proper nutrition is crucial for effective healing, and alcohol can disrupt this balance.

 

Drug Interactions

Some medications that are commonly prescribed for pain management or other aspects of injury recovery can interact negatively with alcohol. This can potentially lead to adverse effects or reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

 

Impaired Judgement

Alcohol impairs cognitive function and judgement. During injury recovery, it’s important to make informed decisions about physical activity, medication management, and overall self-care. Alcohol consumption can hinder your ability to make sound choices.

 

Risk of Re-Injury

Alcohol consumption can impair coordination and balance, increasing the risk of accidents or falls. This is particularly concerning during injury recovery, as it could lead to a re-injury or exacerbation of the existing injury.

 

Delayed Healing

Alcohol can negatively affect sleep patterns, which are crucial for the body’s healing processes. Quality sleep is essential for tissue repair, hormone regulation, and overall well-being.

 

Pain Management

Alcohol is a depressant and can potentially increase the perception of pain. It may also interact with pain medications, affecting their effectiveness.

 

Depression and Mental Health

Injury recovery can be mentally challenging, and alcohol consumption can exacerbate feelings of depression or anxiety. It’s important to prioritise mental well-being during this time.

 

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it can lead to increased urination and dehydration. Proper hydration is essential for tissue healing and overall health.

 

Alcohol can also obscure pain, creating a deceptive sense of physical capability beyond your actual condition. Furthermore, the empty calories in alcoholic beverages can contribute to considerable weight gain, especially if your injury limits your ability to engage in regular exercise.

 

For a speedier recovery, get in touch with Cairnhill Physiotherapy for sports injury recovery treatment.