Can Alcohol Inhibit My Healing From An Injury?

Dr. Molly Pierson, PT, DPT • June 6, 2025

Is Alcohol an Irritant for Pain?


Often in sessions, I will discuss factors that can be an irritant to pain and what “low hanging fruit” we can work to improve upon to help reduce symptom irritation. This typically includes sleep habits, stress, volume/load management of exercise, overall daily movement, and diet. But is alcohol an irritant for pain and should you avoid it while coping with pain?


 The short answer is yes! Alcohol absolutely is an irritant and often worsens pain, especially for those coping with chronic pain. Alcohol can often increase inflammation due to how it is processed in the liver and GI tract, creating oxidative stress and cell damage inhibiting the repair of muscular tissue. It can also trigger the immune response and cause the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can increase inflammation in the muscles and other tissues of the body. While rehabbing from an injury, some inflammation is expected and necessary for recovery, but the goal is to reduce exacerbation to inflammation of the tissues to allow them to heal 

Lastly, alcohol can also impact overall recovery by interfering with nutrient absorption, can create hormonal imbalances with growth factor hormones, and interfere with sleep. By interfering with these last three processes this prevents muscle and other tissues within the body from recovering and rebuilding from trauma/damage or general use,  and can often increase lactic acid. Collectively, with the increased inflammation, this can enhance muscle soreness, slow recovery rates, and can mimic the pain that people are experiencing. 


In conclusion, while alcohol can be enjoyable when out with friends or at dinner (in moderation), it is best to at least reduce or abstain from alcohol consumption while recovering from an injury (or wanting to improve athletic performance). Overall, it can increase inflammation in the body, reduce your body’s ability to recover from the injury but also daily stressors by interfering with a wide variety of bodily processes, and enhance the overall pain that one may experience. 



Simon, L., Jolley, S. E., & Molina, P. E. (2017). Alcoholic Myopathy: Pathophysiologic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications. Alcohol research : current reviews, 38(2), 207–217.


Steiner, J. L., Gordon, B. S., & Lang, C. H. (2015). Moderate alcohol consumption does not impair overload-induced muscle hypertrophy and protein synthesis. Physiological reports, 3(3), e12333. https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.12333

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By Dr. Molly Pierson, PT, DPT • July 30, 2025
If you’ve ever felt pain in your jaw, heard a clicking sound when you chew, or experienced headaches that seem to start near your ears, you may be dealing with temporomandibular dysfunction, or TMD. This often-overlooked condition affects the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull and plays a critical role in everyday activities like eating, speaking, and yawning. What Is Temporomandibular Dysfunction? Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) is a broad term that refers to disorders affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. The TMJ is one of the most complex joints in the body, allowing both hinge and sliding movements, which allows the jaw to open and close, slide forward/backward, and side-to-side. When something goes wrong with the muscles, ligaments, or joint surfaces, TMD symptoms can develop. Common Symptoms of TMD: Jaw pain or tenderness with opening or closing the jaw Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when opening or closing the mouth Difficulty chewing or locking of the jaw Headaches and neck pain Facial pain or fatigue What Causes TMD? TMD can be caused by a variety of factors, including: Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) Stress and tension leading to muscle tightness Poor posture, particularly in the neck and upper back Injury to the jaw, neck, or head Arthritis or degenerative joint changes Dental issues, such as bite misalignment How Physical Therapy Helps with TMD Physical therapy is a conservative treatment option that can significantly improve TMJ function and reduce pain. A physical therapist trained in TMJ disorders will assess not only your jaw, but also your neck, posture, and muscle patterns to create a personalized treatment plan. Some of the benefits of physical therapy for TMD include: 1. Pain Relief Manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue massage and joint mobilization, can reduce muscle tension and inflammation in the jaw and surrounding areas. 2. Improved Jaw Mobility Therapists use specific exercises to restore normal movement to the jaw, helping to reduce clicking, locking, or restricted motion. 3. Postural Correction Forward head posture and strength deficits of muscles surrounding the spine can put extra stress on the TMJ. PT can help you improve you strength key postural muscles and reduce the strain on your jaw. 4. Muscle Strength and Balance Therapeutic exercises can improve the strength and coordination of the muscles that control jaw movement, reducing dysfunction and recurrence. 5. Stress Reduction Techniques Since stress is a major contributor to jaw clenching and muscle tension, PT often includes relaxation techniques and education on how to manage these habits. Final thoughts If you’re experiencing jaw pain, popping, or limited mobility that lasts more than a couple of weeks, or if you’ve been diagnosed with TMD by your dentist or physician, physical therapy could be a valuable part of your recovery.Temporomandibular dysfunction can have a major impact on your quality of life, but it’s highly treatable—especially when addressed early. Physical therapy offers a safe and effective approach to managing TMD, restoring normal function to your jaw, and helping you return to a pain-free life. References U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (February 2025.). TMD (temporomandibular disorders) . National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd