Fuel Your Recovery: Why Nutrition Matters in Physical Therapy

When most people think of physical therapy, nutrition rarely comes to mind. But the truth is, the two are closely connected. To fully recover after an injury or surgery - and to get the most out of your rehab - both what you eat and how you move matter.

Food Fuels the Body

Your body is built to heal itself after injury or surgery, but it needs the right support to do it well. Physical therapy helps accelerate recovery by improving mobility, strength, and function. But to truly maximize the benefits of all your hard work, proper nutrition is essential.

Macronutrients: The Building Blocks of Recovery

Macronutrients are nutrients that your body needs in large amounts: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. While all three contribute to healing, each has a unique role.

• Carbohydrates provide quick, efficient energy, which is especially important during physical activity.

• Protein provides the building blocks to repair tissue and build muscle.

• Healthy fats help regulate inflammation, support optimal cell function, and serve as a secondary source for energy.

If your intake of any macronutrient is lacking, your recovery can slow, and your risk of complications may increase.

Micronutrients: Small but Mighty

Micronutrients - vitamins and minerals - are needed in smaller amounts but still play a big role in healing. Some of the most important include:

• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production, which helps rebuild skin, blood vessels, tendons, and ligaments.

• Vitamin D: Helps your body absorb calcium and is crucial for bone healing.

• Iron: Supports red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to tissues throughout your body - critical for healing.

When micronutrient levels are low, the body’s natural recovery process can be delayed or impaired.

Body Composition Impacts Recovery

Excess body fat increases your risk of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, back pain, and sleep apnea. These conditions can both require physical therapy and complicate recovery from other injuries or surgeries.

A healthy diet is the most effective way to reduce excess fat and improve overall health. And when combined with physical activity, the benefits multiply.

For example: A 2013 study of individuals with knee osteoarthritis found that those who lost at least 10% of their body weight through a combination of diet and exercise had better outcomes than those who lost weight through diet alone or exercise without dietary changes. The combined group experienced less pain, better function, and reduced joint stress, leading to a higher quality of life.

How Physical Therapists Support Your Nutrition

While physical therapists don't create individualized diet plans, they still play an important role in supporting your nutritional health. Here's how:

• Screening for nutritional concerns: Physical therapists can identify potential nutritional deficiencies that may hinder your progress in physical therapy.

• Education: Physical therapists can explain how nutrients support healing, tissue repair, muscle building, energy levels, and even pain management.

• Guidance: Physical therapists can offer general advice on healthy eating patterns, portion control, and food choices to support your therapy goals.

• Referrals: When appropriate, physical therapists can refer you to a registered dietician or healthcare provider for more specialized nutritional support.

The Bottom Line

By combining the power of physical therapy and proper nutrition, you can recover more effectively, reduce pain, and feel your best - faster.

Need guidance on your recovery journey? Contact Indepth Physical Therapy today! We're here to help you move better, heal faster, and live stronger.

References

1. Marchini, Peggy. "Understanding Macronutrients: Fats." Northwestern Medicine Leishman Center for Culinary Health, April 2024.

2. "Enhancing PT Patient Outcomes Through the Introduction of Clinical Nutrition." APTA, April 2024.

3. Morris, Tracy. "How Counting Macros Can Help You Reach Your Health Goals." Fitbit, April 2017. https://blog.fitbit.com/counting-macros-can-help-reach-health-goals/

4. Messier SP, Mihalko SL, Legault C, et al. (2013). Effects of Intensive Diet and Exercise on Knee Joint Loads, Inflammation, and Clinical Outcomes Among Overweight and Obese Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis. JAMA, 310(12): 1263-1273. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/1741824#:~:text=The%20diet%20%2B%20exercise%20group%20had,to%201.71%3B%20Ppain%20%3D%20.

5. Brosseau L, Wells GA, Tugwell P, Egan M, Dubouloz CJ, Casimiro L, et al. (2011). Ottawa Panel Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Osteoarthritis in Adults Who Are Obese or Overweight. Phys Ther, 91(6): 843-861. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21493746/

6. Morris DM, Kitchen EM, Clark DE. (2009). Strategies for Optimizing Nutrition and Weight Reduction in Physical Therapy Practice: The Evidence. Physiother Theory Pract, 25(5-6): 408-423.

7. Lehmann, C. (2017). Nutrition: A Portion of PTs' Menu of Services. APTA. https://www.apta.org/apta-magazine/2017/09/01/nutrition-a-portion-of-pts-menu-of-services

8. Tatta, J. (2018). Nutrition and Physical Therapy: A Powerful Combination. APTA. https://www.apta.org/article/2018/08/15/nutrition-and-physical-therapy-a-powerful-combination