What do you recommend to accelerate healing for an acl injury

To support healing after an ACL injury, Huberman Lab has shared a variety of strategies that could potentially aid in recovery:

1. Dopamine Activation: Cultivating a sense of hope and a positive outlook towards the future can activate the dopamine system, potentially reducing inflammation and accelerating healing. Supplements such as L-tyrosine, which is a precursor to dopamine, have been mentioned for exploration in this context, but it was advised to consult with a physician before taking any such supplements 1.

2. Exercise Choice: For those able to engage in physical activity, low-impact, mostly concentric-based exercises like cycling and swimming are recommended to minimize muscle damage and soreness during endurance activities, which may be beneficial during the recovery phase 2.

3. Acute Soreness Alleviation: Techniques like using compression boots or getting massages to enhance recovery by moving fluid in and out of tissues, as well as potentially increasing blood flow, were recommended. Cold water immersion is noted as a method that can effectively reduce muscle soreness, but trade-offs with hypertrophic adaptations need to be considered 3.

   Turning Thoughts into Health

   Andrew Huberman

   Andrew discusses how a sense of hope, which is associated with the dopamine system, can lead to faster recovery from illness and injury. He also explores how augmenting the dopamine system can increase the rate of healing and mentions potential ways to increase dopamine levels, including through cold water exposure and breathing techniques.

   

   Huberman Lab

   Using Your Nervous System to Enhance Your Immune System | Huberman Lab Podcast #44

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4. Nutrition: Boosting calorie intake by about 10% during recovery to account for increased basal metabolic rate, and ensuring adequate protein intake—at least 1 gram per pound of body weight—can create a favorable environment for tissue repair 4.

5. Foundational Steps: Getting a minimum of 8 hours of sleep or rest to facilitate recovery is emphasized. Additionally, engaging in at least a ten-minute walk per day, if possible without exacerbating the injury, can support healing by aiding in tissue rehabilitation and lymphatic clearance 5.

6. Peptide Therapy: BPC 157, a synthetic peptide designed to mimic a natural gut protein involved in wound healing and repair, is discussed as an option to accelerate healing. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before considering peptide therapy 6.

Remember that these suggestions are based on Huberman Lab's understanding of the current state of scientific research and should be considered in consultation with medical professionals, especially when dealing with a significant injury like an ACL tear.

In addition to the previous response, the Huberman Lab also discussed recovery protocols for injuries like ACL tears in collaboration with Kelly Starrett, an expert in movement and tissue rehabilitation. Here are the key takeaways:

• 8 Hours of Sleep or Immobile Rest: For optimal tissue rehabilitation, eight hours of sleep is crucial, but if pain or mobility issues interfere, at least eight hours of rest, possibly including non-sleep deep rest protocols, is recommended. This rest is foundational for promoting glymphatic clearance, which is vital for recovery 1.

• Movement: As long as it doesn't exacerbate the injury, a minimum of a ten-minute walk per day is suggested to assist tissue rehabilitation and support lymphatic clearance. This movement can be crucial for both physical and psychological aspects of recovery 1.

It's important to note that these general guidelines from Huberman Lab are grounded in science and practical knowledge from individuals with expertise in physiology and healing. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice and before adopting any new protocols for injury recovery, to ensure they're appropriate and safe for your specific situation.