Optimizing physiotherapy results during rehab through nutrition
Physiotherapy is aimed at recovery from physical injury or trauma and maintenance of good overall health. It is the job of a physiotherapist to consider all the options that can contribute to the patient’s recovery. In addition to accounting exercises and other technical therapies to build physical strength, flexibility, and improve the level of functionality, the science of physiotherapy should also consider nutrition. It plays a vital role in healing and regaining a fitter self. It accelerates the healing process and develops good general health. Many specialized physiotherapy clinics also include nutritionists to assess and plan the nutrition of the patient during the treatment. You can see here for foot injury clinic providing personalized therapy to ensure exceptional results. Nutrition is an essential component that can enhance the results of physiotherapy to a great extent. Here are some ways nutrition can contribute to.
- Addressing weight gain
Injuries often force you to stay in bed or inactive for many days. You are suggested to take rest until you are completely recovered. This makes a lot of patients worry about weight gain during the recovery process. In their quest of keeping their weight in check, they tend to undereat and suffer from malnutrition that leads to weakness and fatigue. It reduces muscle protein synthesis and accelerates the generation of muscle cells. While on one side a physiotherapist is trying to strengthen your muscles, undereating for prolonged recovery period will make you weak. Although such patients need fewer calories than they usually take, they still need to take enough nutrients to maintain good health while maintaining weight. Taking a proper diet will help you maintain healthy body weight and recover faster.
- Tracking the inflammatory phase
The process of recovery through physiotherapy is divided into three phases namely inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Yes, you read it right, the first step and very necessary step is inflammation. Although inflammation is important it has to be controlled as excess inflammation can lead to impaired blood flow and damage surrounding healthy tissues. One way to control inflammation is by taking dietary fats. Dietary fats are known to stimulate blood flow and the body’s natural immunity system for healing. However, fat consumption should be mindful. The patient needs to limit fats like omega 6 and take more of omega 3 fatty acids to promote healing. Include citrus food that is rich in vitamin C to further boost immunity.
- Manage muscle loss
Once the inflammation phase is over, physiotherapists work to impede tissue degeneration and repair soft tissues so that they can regain function. During the proliferation and remodeling phase, your body is in a state in which it has limited ability to build muscles. For that reason, it is important to include protein in your diet to help muscle build-up and regain strength. While taking more protein will help you recover faster, you should also consider digestibility. Protein can be hard on your digestive system leading to several other issues that may interfere in recovery. You should ask your specialist to ensure that you take ample amounts of all the nutrients according to the phase of recovery you are in.
