By: Alix Ungaretti, PT, DPT, CSCS
Traditionally, in the field of physical therapy, the best approach to treating a patient involves creating exercise programs, utilizing acute wound management and modalities, and emphasizing movement. However, several other crucial factors contribute to successful recovery from an injury that often go unrecognized. Physical therapists agree that movement is medicine, but as the saying goes, “You are what you eat,” which highlights how important nutrition is in the healing process. Recovery involves many aspects, and both movement and nutrition should be prioritized on a person’s journey back to the activities they love.
What is the role of nutrition in physical therapy?
Many foods today are packed with inflammatory substances, additives, and preservatives. These ingredients can worsen inflammation, contribute to chronic pain, and slow down recovery from injuries. On the other hand, certain foods can reduce inflammation, improve joint and muscle health, and support overall well-being. A well-known example of the link between nutrition and musculoskeletal health is Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome (RED-S). This condition, commonly seen in female athletes, often appears after bone injuries like stress fractures. RED-S can lead to serious health issues such as early-onset osteoporosis, reproductive problems, increased stress, and mental health challenges.
Nutrition plays a critical role in injury recovery, as poor dietary habits can slow the healing process, prolong pain, and deplete the energy needed to safely perform physical therapy exercises. For athletes, working with a registered dietitian is highly recommended to prevent and address nutritional deficiencies, while also learning how to enhance performance and overall health through proper nutrition.
What is the role of mental health in physical therapy?
Mental health influences many areas of life, but it plays an especially important role in recovering from or preventing injury in physical therapy. For those dealing with chronic pain or experiencing an injury for the first time, mental health can have a major impact. It affects not just emotional well-being but also physical performance. Often, if someone has a negative outlook, their performance tends to suffer. In physical therapy, a common example is when patients focus on their pain instead of their mobility improvements. This fear of pain can slow progress, while focusing on mobility gains—even if pain levels stay the same—can lead to better outcomes. From a PT’s perspective, improved mobility without increased pain is a big win!
Whether you’re washing dishes or going for gold in the uneven bars, working with a mental health professional can be incredibly beneficial. Even a yearly check-in to clear your mind and gain perspective on an injury, work, or any life challenge can make a big difference. In physical therapy, addressing mental health helps manage the emotional toll of performance changes due to injury. By using strategies to combat negative thoughts and shift toward a positive mindset, mental health support can significantly improve recovery and overall success.
When recovering in physical therapy or seeking motivation to excel in your sport or job, having a supportive team can make all the difference. A team of mental health specialists, such as counselors and performance psychologists, alongside registered dietitians, physical therapists, and personal trainers, can guide you toward success. The key is clear communication between the team and with you, ensuring everyone is aligned and working together to help you achieve your goal.
Schedule an appointment with Alix at Spooner North Phoenix today!