Can CBD (Cannabidiol)Support Recovery After a Sports Injury? Exploring the Science

Injuries can happen in an instant - whether from sport, an awkward fall, or an unexpected accident. What follows is often a frustrating period of limited movement, discomfort, and slow progress. Pain becomes not just a physical obstacle, but a psychological one too, making rehabilitation feel longer and more difficult than it already is.

Traditionally, recovery has relied on painkillers such as anti-inflammatory drugs or, in more serious cases, opioids. These treatments can help, but they also carry well-known drawbacks - from stomach irritation to the risk of dependence. This has led scientists and patients alike to look for safer, plant-based ways to support recovery. Among these, cannabidiol (CBD) - a natural compound found in hemp - has gained increasing attention for its potential role in easing pain and promoting balance during rehabilitation.

A 2025 scientific review published in Quality in Sport examined how cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD, might influence pain management and functional recovery after acute injury. The findings are still early, but they offer an intriguing look into how CBD could one day form part of a more holistic approach to healing.

The Effect of CBD on Pain, Injury and Recovery: What Scientists Found

The review, conducted by researchers from several Polish universities and hospitals, analysed 24 studies published between 2015 and 2025. These studies focused on people recovering from acute injuries such as fractures, sprains, and post-surgical pain - conditions where the body is in an active healing phase.

The goal was to assess how cannabis-based treatments compared with conventional painkillers in three areas:

1. Analgesic efficacy – how well they relieved pain.

2. Functional outcomes – whether they helped people move and recover more easily.

3. Dependency risks – how likely people were to develop problematic use.

The researchers included both human trials and observational studies and excluded animal data or non-peer-reviewed papers. Importantly, they looked at formulations containing THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) as well as CBD, which does not produce a “high”.

CBD for Pain Relief and Inflammation After Injury

Across the reviewed studies, cannabis-based preparations led to moderate pain reduction, averaging about 30 per cent less pain compared with placebo. For context, that level of relief is similar to some prescription painkillers - but without the same degree of side effects typically seen with opioids.

The review also highlighted a difference between THC and CBD. Low doses of THC showed strong pain-relieving properties, whereas CBD seemed to act mainly through its anti-inflammatory mechanisms. One study reported a 22 per cent drop in interleukin-6 (IL-6), a molecule linked to inflammation, in participants using CBD. Reduced IL-6 activity may help calm the body’s natural inflammatory response, potentially supporting comfort during healing.

To put it simply, while THC appears to dull the brain’s perception of pain, CBD seems to influence how the body reacts to inflammation in the first place. This dual mechanism could explain why products that combine both cannabinoids show slightly better results in some studies - but also why THC’s psychoactive effects make such combinations unsuitable for everyone.

Using CBD Oil to Support Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief

Rehabilitation after injury often requires commitment: physiotherapy sessions, stretching, and steady progression over weeks or months. Pain can interrupt that process. Several of the studies reviewed found that participants using cannabis-based medicines were more likely to stick to their rehab routines, thanks to reduced discomfort and anxiety.

CBD’s role here may be indirect but meaningful. By easing stress and promoting better sleep - two factors often disrupted during recovery - it can help maintain the consistency needed for tissues to heal and muscles to regain strength. Good quality rest also allows the body’s repair processes to work more efficiently, including muscle rebuilding and immune regulation.

Although the research remains limited, some evidence suggested improved mobility scores in people using dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid) compared with placebo. Others reported higher levels of patient satisfaction with rehabilitation when cannabinoids were included as part of a supervised plan. However, objective markers such as muscle strength or return-to-sport timelines varied across studies, underlining the need for more rigorous data.

Understanding the Effects of CBD and How to Use CBD Safely

Despite the encouraging findings, the researchers were careful to point out potential downsides. Cannabis use disorder (CUD) - a term describing problematic or dependent use - was found in around 10 to 15 per cent of participants in long-term studies. This risk was highest among those using high-THC formulations or increasing their dose without medical supervision.

By contrast, CBD-dominant products showed much lower risk profiles. Because CBD is non-intoxicating and does not trigger the same dopamine release as THC, it is far less likely to lead to addiction or withdrawal symptoms. Nonetheless, the authors stress the importance of professional guidance, particularly for individuals with a history of substance use or those taking other medications.

The review also mentioned temporary cognitive side effects - such as slower reaction times or reduced focus - linked mainly to THC-containing preparations. These effects are a serious consideration for athletes, who rely on sharp coordination and split-second decisions. CBD, again, did not demonstrate these drawbacks, reinforcing its suitability as a more balanced option.

CBD vs THC: How Cannabidiol Affects Pain and Muscle Recovery

Although both THC and CBD come from the same plant, their effects on the body are quite different. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, which influence how we perceive pain but also cause the “high” feeling. CBD interacts more subtly with CB2 receptors throughout the immune system and tissues, helping to regulate inflammation without altering cognition.

This difference is key for anyone interested in CBD for injury recovery. By modulating inflammation and helping the body maintain balance - also known as homeostasis - CBD may contribute to a calmer recovery process. It does not sedate or impair movement, making it potentially more compatible with active rehabilitation and day-to-day functioning.

Researchers also noted the so-called “entourage effect”, a term used to describe how various cannabis compounds may work better together than alone. While pure CBD isolates are popular, some broad-spectrum products include trace cannabinoids and terpenes thought to enhance absorption or efficacy. Still, more data are needed to confirm how these combinations influence recovery outcomes.

The Use of CBD for Sports Injury and Chronic Pain Management

Perhaps the most important message from the 2025 review is that CBD should not be seen as a miracle fix. Injuries heal through a combination of factors: proper medical care, rest, physiotherapy, and time. CBD may complement these efforts by supporting pain management, sleep quality, and stress regulation, but it cannot replace evidence-based rehabilitation.

For example, someone recovering from a sprained ankle might use CBD oil or topical formulations alongside prescribed exercises and adequate nutrition. The CBD may help ease the background discomfort that often hinders mobility, enabling them to stay consistent with their routine. Similarly, an athlete dealing with muscle strain might use CBD to unwind and rest better between training sessions, creating a more favourable environment for recovery.

What’s crucial is to approach CBD as part of a holistic recovery plan, not as a stand-alone treatment. Consultation with a healthcare or sports-medicine professional remains essential, particularly to avoid potential interactions with other medications such as anti-inflammatories or blood thinners.

How to Take CBD for Pain and Inflammation During Recovery

If you’re considering using CBD to support your recovery journey, here are some practical points drawn from the current research:

1. Choose quality products. Look for third-party-tested CBD oils, capsules, or creams that specify the amount of cannabidiol per serving and are free from contaminants.

2. Start low, go slow. Because everyone’s endocannabinoid system responds differently, begin with a small amount and adjust gradually as needed.

3. Consistency matters. Studies suggest CBD may work best when taken regularly rather than sporadically, allowing the body to reach a new equilibrium.

4. Watch for interactions. Always consult a professional if you’re taking prescription medications or have a medical condition.

5. Pair with lifestyle support. Adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and gentle movement remain the foundation of recovery - CBD works best alongside these habits, not in place of them.

By treating CBD as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for medical care, users are more likely to experience balanced, sustainable results.

CBD Among Athletes: Exploring CBD Effects on Pain and Soreness

The authors of the 2025 review emphasised how inconsistent dosing and formulations currently make it difficult to establish firm guidelines. Some studies used synthetic cannabinoids; others used full-spectrum plant extracts, and most had short follow-up periods. This variability makes direct comparison challenging and underscores the need for standardised protocols.

Future research aims to clarify several open questions:

• What are the optimal CBD-to-THC ratios for different types of injuries?

• Can CBD alone provide measurable functional improvements in muscle strength or coordination?

• How does long-term use affect athletic performance and cognitive function?

• Could cannabinoids help reduce reliance on opioid painkillers during recovery?

Answering these questions will require large, well-controlled clinical trials with extended observation periods. Until then, the existing evidence provides promising but preliminary insight into CBD’s potential role in recovery science.

Conclusion: Using CBD to Reduce Pain and Support Natural Recovery

The road to recovery after injury is rarely straightforward. Pain, inflammation, and frustration often go hand in hand, and the treatments designed to help can sometimes bring their own challenges. The emerging science around CBD for injury recovery suggests a new possibility: a plant-based compound that could help the body restore balance more comfortably.

According to the 2025 review, cannabinoids may ease short-term pain, improve adherence to physiotherapy, and enhance rest during rehabilitation - all while presenting fewer side effects than opioids. Yet the same research reminds us to remain cautious: dependency risks, particularly with high-THC products, must not be ignored, and individual responses can vary widely.

For now, CBD offers an intriguing option for those seeking a natural, non-intoxicating way to support the recovery process. When used responsibly and combined with proper medical care, it may help make the journey back to strength a little smoother.

Curious to learn more? Reach out with any questions - our team is here to help!

Sources

[1] Polok S, Talaska J, Wasilewska M, Pietrzak K, Demel K. Cannabis in acute injury rehabilitation: Analgesic efficacy, functional outcomes and dependency risks. Qual Sport. 2025;41:60152.