Dietary supplementation for reduction of muscle soreness during physical therapy: Case report

The current literature offers ample evidence to support the use of amino acid therapy to prevent muscle soreness following overuse and to help maintain and restore muscle tissue following prolonged periods of inactivity. The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate that a carbohydrate-amino acid supplement can safely be used during physical therapy to prevent muscle soreness.

A 74-year old female underwent elective hip replacement surgery followed by a week of rehabilitative physical therapy. The patient elected to use a carbohydrate-amino acid supplement as a means to prevent muscle soreness following physical therapy and consented to observation.

During the course of physical therapy the patient reported no muscle soreness on the days following therapy while using the carbohydrate-amino acid supplement. The one occasion where the supplement was not used following physical therapy, noticeable discomfort due to muscle soreness was reported.

This case report supports the use of carbohydrate-amino acid supplementation to prevent muscle soreness while restoring lean muscle and strength following physical therapy, even though definite conclusions cannot be drawn from a single case report design. Current literature in conjunction with this case report supports the need for properly designed studies to further investigate the therapeutic benefits of a carbohydrate-amino acid supplement as an adjunct to physical therapy and rehabilitation.