Protein is a great example of a recovery fuel. Proteins are the building blocks for tissue repair and muscle growth. Without them, healing cannot properly take place. Vitamins are also a vital component for healing to occur. Vitamin C helps create new collagen which is vital in building bones,
skin and connective tissue. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium which is vital in healing damaged bones. Iron helps your red blood cells carry oxygen to damaged tissue which is needed for all healing in general.
Poor nutrition often leads to unhealthy lifestyles that can then lead to obesity, heart disease, back pain and osteoarthritis among others that may eventually lead to injury that necessitates physical therapy. Eating a healthy diet combined with a good exercise program is still the most effective way to reduce body weight. As an example, an 18 month study of 450 people with knee osteoarthritis showed that the group that lost weight through diet and exercise had less pain, better walking speed and lower joint forces in their knees than groups who either only lost weight or only exercised. Studies have also shown that people who are overweight or obese are 2.5 to 4.5 times more likely to develop arthritis in their knees.
While PT’s are not authorized to provide individual diet plans, they can still screen for potential
nutritional deficiencies or imbalances and provide education on the importance of nutrition and how it relates to the recovery process. PT’s are experts at teaching healthy lifestyles and that includes a balanced diet alongside regular exercise and proper sleep. They can also recognize when a patient’s nutrition needs exceed what they can professionally provide and make a referral to a registered dietician or other qualified healthcare professional. While known more for being movement and rehabilitation experts, physical therapists also know that proper nutrition is a necessary part of the recovery process. One without the other can lead to less than optimum results.
