Surgical Recovery Supplements for Athletes

For athletes, recovering from surgery involves more than waiting for an incision to heal. A period of reduced training can affect muscle strength, mobility, conditioning and overall performance while the body is also using nutrients to repair damaged tissue.

Nutrition becomes an important part of this process. Adequate protein, calories, vitamins and minerals help provide the building blocks the body needs during recovery (1). In some cases, supplements can help fill nutritional gaps when normal food intake is difficult or when specific nutrients are needed.

Understanding how to choose recovery supplements and when to use them can help athletes support their recovery after a procedure.

What Should Athletes Look for in Recovery Supplements

If you are comparing recovery supplements, be sure to check:

1. Ingredient List

Check the ingredients and quantities specified instead of proprietary blends.

2. Purpose of Each Ingredient

Every ingredient should have a reason for being included in the formula. A long ingredient list is not automatically a better formula.

3. Quality & Testing

Choose products from manufacturers that provide clear information about manufacturing standards and quality testing, including third-party testing, purity testing and testing for contaminants.

4. Clinical Evidence

Select supplements that have been shown to have clinical benefits, rather than marketing claims.

5. Customer Reviews

Reviews can provide insight into how other customers experienced the supplement, including its taste, ease of use and overall experience.

6. Transparency

Search for brands that list every ingredient, dosage, manufacturing process and other product data information on the packaging.

When Should Athletes Take Recovery Supplements

Before Surgery

The preoperative period is a time to prepare for the demands of surgery and recovery (2). Along with following your surgeon's instructions and maintaining a balanced diet, targeted nutritional support can help provide key nutrients before the procedure.

HealFast Pre-Op Healing Optimization is formulated specifically for the days leading up to surgery and is designed to support the body's nutritional needs during this preparation phase.

After Surgery

After surgery, the body's priorities change. Tissue repair, wound healing, immune function and recovery all require adequate nutrition while activity is often reduced.

HealFast Post Surgical & Injury Formula is designed for the postoperative phase, providing targeted nutritional support during the recovery period.

If you plan to use both the Pre-Op and Post-Op formulas, purchasing them separately can cost more. The Complete Surgery & Injury Recovery Bundle combines both formulas in one package, offering a more cost-effective option for athletes who want nutritional support before and after surgery. 

In a survey of 132 HealFast supplement buyers:

• 98.2% said they would recommend HealFast to friends or family.
• 75.6% reported less pain, reduced swelling, or less bruising after using HealFast.
• 74.8% reported experiencing a faster recovery.
• 92.7% said using HealFast gave them peace of mind during recovery.

During Rehabilitation

Once the initial healing phase is underway, athletes can gradually shift their focus toward rebuilding strength and returning to activity. Reduced training during recovery can make it challenging to maintain muscle, while rehabilitation increases the body's need for adequate protein and amino acids.

What Are the Best Recovery Tips for Athletes After Surgery

Recovery for athletes extends beyond supplementation.

Daily habits, proper nutrition, sleep, rehabilitation and a gradual return to activity all help athletes recover.

1. Choose targeted nutrition

Focus on the nutrients your body needs rather than taking multiple supplements without a clear purpose.

2. Rest well

Give your body time to recover and prioritize quality sleep (3).

Tip: If you have trouble sleeping after surgery, consider a sleep recovery supplement specifically formulated to support rest during the postoperative recovery period. 

3. Gradually Increase Activity

Follow your rehabilitation plan and increase activity and training only as your doctor or physical therapist recommends.

4. Stay in touch with your care team

Keep your surgeon and physical therapist informed about your progress and return-to-training plans.

5. Take supplements as directed

Follow the recommended dosage and never increase it without your doctor's approval.

When Can an Athlete Return to Training After Surgery? 

The timeline for returning to training depends on where the surgery was performed, the type of procedure and how your body heals. The timeline below provides a general guide to recovery and return to training.

Important: These timeframes are general and can vary considerably depending on the surgery, tissue involved, complications and the athlete's progress. Your surgeon and physical therapist should determine when you advance to each stage. 

Related Articles:

What Are the Best Supplements for Scar Healing?
Post-Surgery Fatigue: Causes, Recovery Tips, and When to Worry
How to Speed Up Wound Healing

References:

1. Smith-Ryan, A. E., Hirsch, K. R., Saylor, H. E., & others. (2020). Nutritional considerations and strategies to facilitate injury recovery and rehabilitation. Journal of Athletic Training, 55(9), 918–930. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7534941/

2. Preoperative period. (n.d.). ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/preoperative-period

3. Kovoor, J. G., Stretton, B., Kerr, L. D., Jacobsen, J. H. W., Hewitt, J. N., Ovenden, C. D., Gupta, A. A., Jones, K. L., Horowitz, M., & Maddern, G. J. (2022). Sleep and postoperative recovery: Waking up to the evidence. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 92(5), 953–954. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8072992/