whats included in a nutrition programme?
Nutritional therapy looks at a person and identifies through questionnaires, consultations and occasionally testing what nutrients a person is deficient in and develops a plan to provide those nutrients at sufficient levels to facilitate speedy recovery from injuries and achieve optimum body function. It also examines medication taken by the person as they can deplete vitamins and minerals from the body, so these must be compensated for. Fundamentally it will first identify any gut issues that affect nutrient assimilation and help to correct this whilst also reducing any digestive complaints. It can then be used to support energy systems to aid stamina for physical rehab and reduce fatigue. By balancing blood sugar well, nutrition can improve mental recovery by reducing depression, evening out moods and reducing anxiety. Providing the correct nutrients needed to support the nervous and musculoskeletal systems result in maximising bone and soft tissue healing therefore resulting in speedier recovery times. A well balanced diet with the correct quantities of macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) will also result in weight loss to counteract any weight gain resulting from inactivity post injury. The quantity and quality of sleep can also be improved through adequately provided nutrients and this is fundamental to good rehabilitation.
In today’s busy society many of us fail to even meet basic daily requirements of nutrient intake and have many small symptoms that we ignore as minor and unimportant. Whereas the body can perform on an acceptable level with some deficiencies it cannot recover well from major trauma without comprehensive dietary support. This ensures not only as speedy a recovery as possible but more importantly a good quality repair and healing from injuries and therefore better outcomes for clients can be achieved.
So what does a nutrition programme include?
- 90 minute initial consultation and feedback
- Analysis of client health questionnaire and diet diary
- Medication review to assess interactions/nutrient depletion
- Supplying and posting of recipe book
- Weekly review sessions for first half of the programme to slowly implement dietary changes 1-2 at a time to prevent overwhelm, ensure compliance and address implementation issues
- Fortnightly or monthly reviews for the second half of the programme depending on individual to ensure ongoing compliance and address any new symptoms
- Email contact throughout as needed with client and case manager
- 3 reports after the initial assessment, half way point and at the end
Both 4 month and 6 month programmes are offered, the length of the plan selected depends on the symptoms that are identified that need addressing, the complexity of the injuries and the time it is likely to take to help boost recovery.
If you would like more information or would like to discuss a potential case please do not hesitate to get in touch on 07958 686018 or you can email on enquiries@thefoodphysio.com
