Making a lifestyle change can feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to your health. If you have been doing things the same way for a long time, any change, positive or negative, can be difficult. When your lifestyle change involves getting physical therapy for a chronic condition, you may worry about how it will affect different areas of your life. Even though physical therapy can be a positive change for your health and wellbeing, some worries are completely normal.
Another significant life change that could coincide with physical therapy would be a change in your diet. Implementing a new diet can help you lose weight and feel better about yourself, but changing your eating habits and sticking to that change is not easy. You may have tried other diet programs in the past and not been successful - what makes this time any different? How do you know you will succeed?
Starting physical therapy treatment and changing your diet are both excellent steps towards a better life for yourself. At EW Motion Therapy, our physical therapists’ ultimate goal is to make our patients’ lives better by helping them feel and move better, and that includes discussions of every facet of their physical health. Even if you do not choose EW for your treatment, we want to be a resource for you to seek out the kind of treatment that best fits your lifestyle.
We have outlined how nutrition relates to physical therapy and why a balanced diet is essential for your recovery. With this information, you can feel confident about a change in your diet before you start physical therapy, knowing that it will help you in many ways, not just weight loss.
Physical therapists vs. nutritionists vs. dietitians
First, we should distinguish between physical therapists, nutritionists, and dietitians. Nutritionists work with food behavior, creating meal plans, and offering general health advice. A nutritionist’s scope of treatment depends on the state because generally, one does not have to have a certain degree or certification to use the nutritionist title. However, to become a registered nutritionist or a certified nutrition specialist, you must obtain a master’s or a doctorate degree in nutrition, plus many hours of coursework and case reports.
Registered dietitians can offer nutritional advice, but the primary difference from a nutritionist is that dietitians can prescribe diet plans for certain medical conditions. Dietitians are much more regulated in their practice than nutritionists. In fact, it is illegal in many states to use the registered dietitian title without the required education and credentials. To become a registered dietitian, one must earn at least a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree, sit for an exam, and earn at least 1,200 hours in an internship. Additionally, in order to maintain their certifications, dietitians must complete continuing education hours. All registered dietitians can recommend the same things as nutritionists, but not all nutritionists are certified registered dietitians.
While most doctors of physical therapy do not complete advanced degrees in nutrition, they are trained in the foundational principles of a healthy lifestyle. Many physical therapists complete non-degree certifications to give advice on nutrition. They can suggest eating whole foods and an overall balanced diet, with plenty of fruits and vegetables. They can also discuss macronutrients and calories, adjusting daily amounts to lose or gain weight or to improve sports performance.
If a patient needs further advice, many physical therapists will recommend a nutritionist or a registered dietitian.
How nutrition influences physical therapy
A balanced diet should significantly aid in your recovery during physical therapy. Giving your body the best possible fuel will provide you with the energy to put the most effort into your physical therapy sessions. We all need a piece of chocolate cake every once in a while, but constantly consuming too many calories can cause a lack of energy and systemic inflammation throughout your body. Extra weight can stress your joints and may make it harder for you to recover.
If you are not eating a balanced diet before physical therapy, adjusting your diet before starting treatment can help you heal faster and recover quicker. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, with appropriate amounts of protein and carbs, should give your body the nutrients it needs. Cutting out added sugar and processed foods can help with decreasing inflammation, and staying hydrated helps your muscles function properly. These diet changes are all great ways of ensuring your body has the fuel it needs to properly perform and recover.
Is physical therapy suitable for my body?
Changing your diet can feel nerve-wracking, but when you find a plan that works for your lifestyle and health, it really will change your life. A well-balanced diet can help you have the best recovery possible. If you are not at your ideal weight, we understand, and we invite you to read our article on how physical therapy can help with weight loss for more information on what your sessions will look like.
Weight and nutrition are just some of the factors that can influence how your body moves. At EW Motion Therapy we take a holistic approach to all of our programs, especially physical therapy, and our therapists will evaluate your lifestyle and habits as well as your physical health to determine the best treatment plan for you. If you are looking to start physical therapy in the greater Birmingham area, fill out our Request an Appointment form, and someone from our staff will contact you within 48 hours with your next steps.
