Almost everyone who is recovering from an injury or surgery or fighting a disease will have to take some form of medication. These may be prescription drugs, non-prescription, or both. Since part of the recovery process may include physical therapy or independent exercise, it’s important for you to know the effects and side effects of the medicines you are taking. Medication can influence your participation in physical activities and rehabilitation. If you are undergoing rehabilitation from an injury or surgery, you should inform your physical therapist of all the medication you are taking. The types of drugs that can affect you may include those to control pain and inflammation, heart disease, blood pressure and cholesterol.
Some pain medications can cause you to become groggy or confused, have difficulty breathing, and even lose your balance. The same could occur with cardiac or blood pressure medications. Pills that reduce inflammation may have effects on your blood pressure and blood clotting. Fairly recently, a few anti-inflammatory medications were taken off the market because they caused heart attacks and strokes in some people. Decreased blood flow or increased clotting caused by some drugs could lead to more injuries and even heart attacks. Cholesterol-lowering drugs can sometimes cause muscle soreness or weakness. You will need your physician’s help to determine if certain drugs are actually affecting you in these ways.
Many of the drugs that one can now take do not require a prescription, yet can also have these side effects. Anyone participating in a rigorous activity, such as a marathon, for example, could develop additional problems due to their medication. Many people take anti-inflammatory drugs specifically so that they can participate in a sport. Vigorous or prolonged physical activity can decrease blood flow to the kidneys. Fluid and blood pressure problems can develop if the participant is also taking an anti-inflammatory drug that does the same thing. Older participants, and anyone exercising in high heat and/or humidity are more at risk. Whether you are recovering from an injury, undergoing rehabilitation, or participating in a sport, it’s essential that you discuss any pills you are taking with your physician.
Dr. Oliveri is a licensed physical therapist who owns Oliveri Physical Therapy in Rochester
