Visit SIGMA
Book Appointment
Request Remote Opinion
Book Appointment

Nutrition Optimization After Sports Medicine Surgery

Elite surgical outcomes start with evidence-based nutrition.

At SIGMA Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we combine precision surgery with targeted nutrition science to accelerate recovery, reduce inflammation, and protect lean muscle mass. Whether you’ve undergone ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair, the right fuel can make all the difference.

Download Nutrition Guide
Schedule a Nutrition Consult

Why Nutrition Matters After Surgery

Post-operative nutrition is one of the most under-recognized determinants of recovery success. Optimal intake supports tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and immune function—reducing downtime and complications.
Schedule Recovery Consult

Protein & Healing:

Stimulates collagen and muscle repair.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

Reduce post-op swelling.

Hydration:

Improves wound healing and joint lubrication.

Nutrition Timing & Periodization

Understanding Your Recovery Phases

Phase I

0–3 Days:

Soft foods, hydration, vitamin C, zinc, arginine.

Phase II

3–14 Days (Early):

1.6–2.0 g/kg protein, omega-3s, complex carbs.

Phase III

2–6 Weeks

Reintroduce higher fiber, antioxidant fruits, vitamin D, calcium.

Phase IIII

4 (6 Weeks+)

Gradual caloric increase to support rehab strength.

“Nutrition is rehabilitation. Every gram of protein is a building block toward full function.”
— Dr. Frank McCormick MD

MACRONUTRIENTS & MICRONUTRIENTS

The Building Blocks of Recovery
Macronutrients
(Protein, Carbs, Fats)
(as directed): Acetaminophen (baseline), NSAIDs (if appropriate), Regional blocks, Short-course opioids for breakthrough only.
  • Protein: 1.6–2.2 g/kg body weight daily.
  • Carbohydrates: Restore glycogen and fuel fibroblast activity.
  • Fats: Focus on omega-3s (salmon, flaxseed).
Micronutrients
(C, D, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium)
Cryotherapy, Elevation + compression, Guided breathing, PT progression.
  • Vitamin C & D: Collagen synthesis and bone repair.
  • Zinc: Cellular regeneration.
  • Hydration: ≥ 2 L/day unless medically restricted.

SURGERY-SPECIFIC STRATEGIES

Tailoring Nutrition to Your Procedure
ACL Reconstruction:
Focus on glutamine, leucine, and collagen peptides.
Goal
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Key Nutrients
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Foods to Include
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Focus on glutamine, leucine, and collagen peptides.
Goal
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Key Nutrients
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Foods to Include
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Focus on glutamine, leucine, and collagen peptides.
Goal
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Key Nutrients
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Foods to Include
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Focus on glutamine, leucine, and collagen peptides.
Goal
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Key Nutrients
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.
Foods to Include
  • comfort goals
  • motion guardrails
  • Compression emphasis. Avoid per-drug dosing on public pages.

PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION

Turning Science into Daily Habits
  • Prep meals for 3 days post-surgery.
  • Drink a protein shake daily (20–30 g).
  • Include dark-leaf greens & citrus fruits.
  • Avoid alcohol and processed sugars.
Download Meal Plan PDF
AdobeStock 288562918 2

LONG-TERM OPTIMIZATION

Staying Strong Beyond Surgery Sustaining results means maintaining muscle and joint health.
  • Keep daily protein ≥ 1.2 g/kg long-term.
  • Maintain vitamin D > 40 ng/mL.
  • Continue anti-inflammatory diet.
Join the 100 Days to Health Program →
AdobeStock 102465818 1 scaled 1 1
  • Patients following Sigma’s nutrition protocol return to sport 30% faster.
  • Ask your care coordinator about orthobiologic-enhanced recovery options.
Meet Dr. Frank Mccormick, MD
SIGMA ORTHOPEDIC MD
Let's Connect!