Can Creatine Help Your Muscles Bounce Back After An Injury?

Key Points:

• A systematic review of six randomized controlled trials found that creatine supplementation may aid muscle recovery during rehabilitation after injury-related immobilization, showing improvements in muscle size, lean mass, and power when combined with resistance training.
• Creatine's benefits were most pronounced when participants resumed strength training, as it helps replenish ATP, the energy molecule used during muscle contractions, thereby supporting muscle repair and growth.
• The evidence for creatine preserving muscle mass during immobilization alone was less consistent, indicating its primary advantage lies in aiding recovery during active rehabilitation.
• Experts recommend gradual progression in resistance training post-injury and suggest discussing creatine monohydrate supplementation with healthcare providers as part of a rehabilitation plan.
• While findings are promising, larger studies are needed to confirm creatine's role in muscle recovery after injury, but it may serve as a useful adjunct to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.