the artist wrote:rehydration takes no time at all, good nutrition is all that is needed. the problem is repairing damage to the muscles. basically all physical exertion damages the muscle fibres (micro rips and tears) which need time to recover. this process is sped up by rest and things like ice baths. sports science has changed a lot over the years but the classic RICE still applies (rest, ice, compression, elevation). of course other things are in the equation nowadays too, such as massage and supplements
Sorry, this is what I sort of meant at the time. Although not as in depth!
Drinking bit is true though, I remember Gary Neville talking about the effects taking days to clear.